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.

312. Chapter 312 Light and Life

Chapter Three Hundred Twelve

Author's Word: No time to chitchat this day, fam. Thank you all so much for the last round of feedback. Please enjoy and review this one!

As if synchronized to Broadway theatrical proportions, the descending sun gave rise to the miniature winged creatures of light. They fluttered above the recently pruned bushes that lined the exterior walls of the mansion. A bedazzled Kiki stood in the center of one horde. The sight pulled Scott away from his own mesmerized trance. Sitting up in the grass, he experienced awe at the fireflies circling the tiny girl in an almost rhythmic fashion. Kiki raised her arms and twirled in place. When the insects moved to rejoin their brethren, they zipped by Scott. He grinned at the way their collective bodies created a radiant streak across the air.

Seated at the garden fountain, Becky absently plucked an iris and watched the petals fall into the water. Frank brought Trav over to Kiki to catch crickets before he made a path for his own sister.

"You know, God really made it up to you for making you a midget." Frank sat on the fountain's edge, facing her. "You go through more pretty spurts than any girl ever."

Becky raised her head and responded with a soft, "Thanks."

"Now, knock it off," Frank mandated, receiving a lighthearted scowl from her. "Thinking about Joey?"

"I wanted tonight to be really nice for you," she told him forlornly.

"Hey," Frank's hand went to her shoulder, "tonight was dynamite, baby girl. Back in the kitchen with my mom, dishing out kosher cuisine for Dad. Dinner with my top three girls- you, Mom, and Rae- for the first time in forever. Armageddon could've come crashing through afterward and I'd have still been jazzed."

Becky displayed partial cheer in her expression. "How long is Alana staying?"

Frank dragged fingers through the water. "At least until the wedding. She's waiting for safety clearance to get Jeff out of Japan."

"Is she going back to the mission with him?"

"Probably." Frank swirled his clenched knuckles in the fountain.

Inching in more, Becky beseeched, "I need you to be honest with me, Frank."

With a bewildered frown, he looked away from studying his reflection. "What are you talking about? Seriously, I'm not sure if she's taking Jeff over there."

"I don't mean that." Becky's voice carried weary unease. "I want to know if you're leaving with Alana. Even if you're just thinking about it, I want the truth. Because I can't do this anymore, Frank. I can't keep holding onto you if you just want to push me away."

"Whoa, okay, stop right there. You are way out of line here," Frank said in a near admonishing tone. "Becky, I thought about leaving here exactly once and that was about Dad and how retarded I can be. It had nothing to do with me trying to get away from you guys. We've been through so much together since then and you still think I'm just waiting for the first chance I get to cut out of here? If you're looking for honesty then I got to tell you, that's a real kick in the gut, sister."

"How do you think I felt last summer?" Becky retorted. "That disgusting whore going after my father, creeping into my home to hurt my family, kidnapping my best friend and the Acolytes wrecking our house because of her lies. God, Frank," Becky brought her fingers to her temples in woe, "I slept with that doll my entire life and the whole time, it had her fifth all over it. Her filth living inside of me." Becky shivered with repulsion. "Jasmine was my friend. We planned tea parties; slept over in each other's rooms. I listened to her every time her mom made her upset. Then she up and decides she's leaving and tried to cram you in a suitcase while she was at it. Then she had the nerve to put down my family and say this place is just another school. So yeah, I get a little worried when bios pop up out of nowhere."

At her shoulders quivering, Frank scooted close enough to send his arms around her. "I'm sorry, Becky. I'm forever going on about how people just love to waltz out of my life. It's killer how self-centered I can be. All the amazing vision in the world and I couldn't even see how rotten a big brother I've been to you."

Becky peered up at him. "That's not what I was trying to say, Frank."

"No, it's what I'm saying," Frank informed. "I have it way better than a lot of kids, but all I ever think about are the losses. God forbid I be grateful for the people right in front of me." Frank maintained firm eye contact with her. "I'll never let anything separate us without a fight, least of all my bullheadedness."

Becky regarded him pleasantly. "I better go help with prepping."

As she stood, Frank wondered in an attempt at casual, "Something special I'm not in on."

The green-eyed girl merely gave him a look of 'nice try' continuing to the house.

II

On route towards the stables, Samantha initially wanted to accuse her senses of deception until she stepped into the wooden structure. Positioned at the stalls, Erik worked the brush through Blaze's fur while Hazelnut munched on a carrot. The latter horse acknowledged her owner's presence first.

At the neighing, Erik glanced over. "And here I was so close to absolute devastation over you standing me up." The metal wielder spoke to Blaze next. "My swift, ferocious young X-Woman made snail due to lipstick indecisiveness."

"You are not funny," Samantha claimed despite her pleased countenance. She moved to go stand beside him. "I thought you were going to stand me up. Now that… because of everything going on."

"Well, everything will have to hold its horses while we mount ours."

Samantha concurred with him shamelessly and reached to unlatch Hazelnut's stall.

IIIIIII

Upon stepping foot into the St. Regis Hotel, the dark-haired duo beheld the dazzling interior with sheer awe. As they followed the concierges through the extensive lobby, Maya could not help fretting their appearance. Even in the velvet of her midnight blue cocktail dress with makeup recently touched up. She still thanked divinity for Erik quite easily talking Tommy into a button-down shirt and slacks earlier. When they reached the banquet room, Maya and Tommy's eyes bulged at the innumerable diners. Very quickly, Maya's full focus went to the crooning, tuxedo adorned redhead on stage. With their guest passes verified, the concierge turned the youths over to a bouncer for a backstage escort.

Peering beyond the curtains with Tommy at her side, Maya's hand went to her inflating chest. All else around them dissolved into nothingness as the spotlight from her own mind bathed Sean with glory.

"Holy Toledo, the pipes on that kid."

Fingering the emblem of her friendship necklace, Maya coyly responded, "Honey, you have no idea."

Glancing up at the new voice, Tommy's jaw plummeted and he tugged on her skirt in urgency. "Uhhhhh, Maya…"

Begrudgingly taking brown irises off her intended, Maya required both palms to contain her gasp. "Oh, my God…"

Tommy eager identified, "You're the daddy from Make Room for Daddy."

"Danny Williams." The moment the second word darted off her tongue, Maya covered her face in indignity. "Danny Thomas, Danny Thomas," she shyly looked at him again, "I'm so sorry."

With a jovial chuckle, the tall Lebanese man insisted, "Don't be, happens at the time. Besides, if not for Danny Williams, Danny Thomas wouldn't be worth peanuts. It's my buddy Desi who gets the bum deal there. Pretty sure his own mother calls him Ricky."

Though still a little flustered, Maya smiled with greater ease.

"I'm Thomas, too," the boy present piped up. "But only when I'm in trouble."

"Then we have much in common," Danny said glibly. "How 'bout when you're not in hot water?"

"Then I'm Tommy. Tommy Cassidy."

"Cassidy?" the man echoed. "Hey, you're my opener's kid brother, aren't you?"

"You got it." Tommy tacked on, "But I'm not a little-little kid. I'm ten."

"The big one-oh," Danny appeared to marvel. "Thanks for telling me. I was about two seconds away from offering you a cigar and brandy."

At the hopeful eyes the child flashed her way, Maya quite cheerfully responded, "Don't even dream about it."

"It was worth a shot," Tommy deflated then reacted to the sea of applause.

One arm in the air while the other supported his guitar, Sean waved cordially. "Thank you. Thank you so much, everybody. Okay, I need to run over to the gas station for a serious air reload, but the best is yet to come. So, be sure to try the red velvet cake- as I plan to for the third time tonight- then prepare to make room for Danny Thomas!"

The crowd continued its spirited uproar as Sean veered and slipped from their sights through the heavy curtains. Their kudos became deaf in his ears when he discovered the glowing figure in blue awaiting him.

Beaming himself, Sean wondered, "When did you get here?"

"Just a few minutes ago. God, honey, you were sens—" Maya's praising ended swiftly when she found her lips seized by his.

When they neared the ten-second point, Danny and Tommy exchanged mutual expressions of tedium.

The elder put forth, "He really does have infinite lung capacity, doesn't he?"

"Like you wouldn't believe," the youngster replied furtively.

At Danny's all too pointed throat clearing, Maya pulled back first, "Sorry, sorry," but kept Sean's dinner jacket in her clutch.

"You two are liable to set off the smoke detectors around this joint. And hey, Clancy," Danny draped a sympathetic hand across Sean's shoulders, "I hate to be the one to break this to you, but your beautiful betrothed here is steppin' out with your very own brother."

Tommy let off a snicker. "She sure is crazy about me."

Adding dramatics to her voice, Maya urged woefully, "I never wanted you to find out this way."

"Oh, everybody's a comedian tonight. Except Danny," Sean nudged the older male with his elbow, "but what else is new?"

"Listen to the fresh meat here," Danny gestured at the redhead. "Better watch the sass, ginger snap. I'll belt ya one your old man'll thank me for."

"So will I," Sean came back with. "Being your opening act is already the stuff of dreams. Getting clocked by you is knighthood territory."

With a shake of his head, Danny asserted, "That- that right there is just like you Irish." He applied a genial pat to Sean's upper back. "When will you mooks quit making me love ya?"

Both Cassidy boys smiled with Maya emitting delight by extension.

Recollection sneaking up on him, Danny addressed Maya apologetically. "Clearly I hit the snooze button on my manners. Let me introduce you to my daughter." He did a full spin to gaze about the private area, observing employees only. "As soon as I find her." He headed off to search, releasing a light sigh. "Where is that girl?"

When the seasoned singer left their line of sight, Maya looked at Sean with glee. "He is a total doll."

"Wait 'til I tell the guys about this," Tommy said eagerly.

"I'm so glad he likes you." Maya wondered, "When did you two first meet, anyway?"

Sean estimated, "Two… maybe three hours ago."

IIIIIII

On their third go-around of the extensive greenery compiling their secluded dwelling, the animals charged neck to neck. Her lengthy braided ponytail flapping against her back, Samantha clutched the reins in a motion that inspired Hazelnut's increased momentum. Though he kept the resolved features of a competitor in place, Erik's beating chest expanded right along with her ever-widening smile. It would not have surprised Erik to see her take to the sky, steed and all, on her own spectacular airiness. Despite the females becoming a yard ahead of them, Erik did not allow his selected horse to given into sloth temptation. Considering Cody most often rode him, Blaze displayed willfulness to keep up regardless of the outcome.
They caught up with the winning two at the pond. As soon as Blaze stepped up to stand directly next to Hazelnut, the magnificent glow reflected in the water. The lowering sun coated them in color and warmth. Birds, squirrels, and other natives flapped overheard or hurried through the grass and trees.
"Can you believe we live here?" Samantha put forth in awe. "And I thought all those sights in Europe were beautiful."
"My thoughts exactly, Bubbeleh," Erik concurred, practically inhaling the radiance.
When they allowed their horses their cooldown period, the mutant duo enjoyed one as well. They drank cool water from their flasks. Samantha easily imagined Adrienne considering such a thing to be foul vagrant behavior. Going along with Erik's usual idea of evening horseback attire, she presently lounged in jeans, a plain t-shirt, and unbuttoned flannel- checkered pink and white to Erik's red and black.
Knowing the dazzling but distant eyes of a daydreaming lass anywhere, alerted her by flicking his flask. The unexpected chilled moisture made contact with her right shoulder and Samantha jumped as if she had been bitten. When Erik's face-splitting chuckle filled their environment, the teen took the opportunity to dose him in turn. With one swift slap to the pond, the water spewed across his face. Shaking his head briskly, the man greater resembled a drenched canine over a ferocious shark. At least until he inched over to loom over her smaller frame.
"Retaliation with greater force than what your opponent did to you?" Amicability filled Erik's face. "That's Uncle's good girl." Purrs radiating, Samantha got close enough to leave her head on his chest. Erik gave her both his arms in turn. "Still down about this evening? I know I'm a poor man's substitute for your beau."
"No, you're not," Samantha promptly refuted. "I love being with Collin. Every second it feels like. But he can't substitute being out here with you." She added covertly, "He's in Frank's horseless carriage club."
Laughter rumbled in Erik's throat. "Now, now, we must try to understand city dwellers. Leaving them without pavement long enough leads to shortness of breath, dizziness, and cardiac arrest." Her giggles flooding into his ears, Erik gave her a gentle squeeze. "I do understand. There's simply something about redheads."
Contemplative and curious at the same time, Samantha petitioned, "Uncle Erik?"
"Hm?"
"... Do you like Frank's mom? The way I do Collin?"
Erik answered with a question of his own. "Would you think less of me?"
Samantha shook her head. "It felt really nice in the Acolytes' pool earlier. When Collin touched my stomach and grabbed me a few times. Do you think less of me?"
"No, and I never have," Erik informed her. "But if you ever start to feel that way or pulled in a direction that makes you uncomfortable, seek me out. Night or day."
Made aglow by nothing that credited the final sliver of sun, "Thanks, Uncle Erik," Samantha sent her arm around his neck and pecked his jaw.

When they brought the loyal beasts back to the remodeled barn, Erik blocked Samantha from going to the maintenance supplies. She received no time to question him as her uncle's mutated wizardry ignited the rakes. Samantha watched the Fantasia feat of them floating into the stalls and removing the old hay and waste. Once they had all rubbish raked and contained in trash bags, they refreshed the overnight water for all steeds. With the girl attached to his side, Erik kept one arm around her while his free hand carried the oversized bags by their flaps.

As they neared the rear entrance of the house, only Adrienne's vibrant scarlet hair kept her from disappearing under the darkening sky. She took up a patio chair, clothed in the form-fitting black articles of her night watchwoman position.

Samantha made a direct path for her. "Mama, can I help you and Daddy in Eye Spy? Please, I'm really not tired yet."

"Fine, darling, fine." Adrienne laced fingers with her daughter, looking the direction of the male present as they spoke. "You'll have to ask your Uncle Logan also. He wants first watch after he and Kayla put the children to bed."

"Thank you, Mama." Samantha turned back to Erik with a curtsy. "And thank you for a wonderful evening."

The Poland native bowed at the waist. "Good night, Sweet Sammie." When the girl went inside, Erik stated wryly, "Naturally, my best date and it's my niece who dances to Sleeping Beauty with her teddy bear."

Adrienne emitted amused air. "Tell me about it. Victor's charms have nothing on little Cody's."

"With how highly the boy regards you, I'll have to relay that to him.

"Erik?" Adrienne's voice stalled his path to the trash cans. "I've seen the damaging results of unyielding emotions. Delight can become devastation at hardly a moment's notice. I watched my brother sink into matrimonial folly twice. But you're no confused, impetuous youth."

"You believe you know me so well, Miss Frost?" Erik replied drolly.

"I know you're a good father," Adrienne asserted, "a loyal friend, and a hell of a mutant. You deserve more; something true. Do not allow anyone to degrade you. That's my raison d'être."

When she made her elegant stride for the indoors, a smirk toyed at the corners of Erik's mouth. More pensive thoughts began to brew as he magnetically summoned the lids off their cans.

II

A combination of relief and comfort spread through Joey when he eased into the cushioned rocking chair. Though some faint tenderness remained from his father's power-packed palm, he could still hug a steadily drooping Brian to his front. Both boys wore their identical aqua blue, sea creature themed summer pajamas. Over at the chest of drawers, Cordelia folded the dryer fresh baby clothes and stored them in their correct compartments.

On route back from her own nightly housework, Emma returned to the nursery. "How is he doing?" She walked towards and stooped at the chair occupied by her sons.

"He got all zonked out after the tub," Joey reported, lifting his head to face her. "We played rubber duck vs. frog squadron."

An amused Emma still mentioned, "And the bathroom floor is dry and immaculate again, I presume?"

"Yes, Mum," Joey assured dutifully. "I wiped off yours and Dad's sinks and the counter, too."

"I didn't have to do a thing," Cordelia piped up. "He even made sure to lock the cleaning supplies away from the baby brigade."

"Very good," Emma commended, eyeing her older blonde son closer. How are you feeling now?

Crummy, Joey returned straightforwardly. And I don't mean from Dad. He didn't give me the ruler because Uncle Erik gave me vinegar, but I still deserved it. His eyes swelled with grief-stricken culpability. Mummy, I am so sorry! I don't know what's wrong with me. I hate myself.

Bringing her palms to each side of his face, Emma firmly reminded him, you know the rules of this house, Charles Xavier. Your father and I do not make exceptions simply because the hateful words are spoken about yourself. Or have you not had enough vinegar for one night?

Joey rapidly vowed, yes, mummy. I'm sorry.

Satisfied, Emma went on with, as for the reasons behind that awful sentiment, you've apologized to me at least ten times since you left your father's study. You're such a kind, thoughtful boy, Treasure. Feeling tired, overwhelmed, and a little overlooked can make any full grown adult lash out. I know you didn't mean it and I certainly know you had no intention of hurting me. However, her telepathic tone shifted from consoling to noticeably stricter, such behavior will not be made a habit, especially considering how much you know better. If you feel upset and want to be excused, you need only send me a telepathic SOS. Because if you throw such a fit in the future, you'll have all the alone time you need in your empty room for an entire weekend. Is that understood?

Joey nodded vigorously. Yes, ma'am, absolutely.

Emma pressed her lips to his forehead then gathered Brian from him. "Go on and have your story. Your father tells me you have quite the workload. I'll be in to say good night in a little while."

"Okay. Thanks, Mum." Joey smoothed Brian's hair with his fingers before exiting the nursery. When he reached his own quarters, Joey almost gave into a snicker at the sight of the returned art teacher cradling and whispering a lullaby to Bounty. "Trick?"

Jarred from his mind of musicality, Trick looked over at the room's true inhabitant. "Oh, there you are, boyo. Sorry for the intrusion. Your dad will be back in a minute… and I'm a wee bit of an Ivanhoe fanatic."

"No, it's okay." Going towards him, Joey climbed on the bed and laid on his side. "I'm really sorry I snapped like that at dinner. I am really glad you like the portrait."

Trick gently resituated Bounty inside his hatch then shifted to better view the fledgling. "And I meant what I said about it. The texture, detail, precise color choices creating such an amazing backdrop around Raven. It really is one of the most magnificent pieces I've seen from you, regardless of what those stiff-shirt museum proprietors have to say about it."

"I know. That's what the rest of the family said. But those poopy proprietors are the ones that can make Aunt Raven as famous as Mona Lisa." Joey considered something and added, "Except Aunt Raven's not boring looking."

Trick heartily chuckled. "Still can't miss an opportunity to jab at Da Vinci's greatest feat. Tell me, what are your thoughts on Picasso these days?"

The eleven-year-old declared, "Only thing dumber than his work are the people that call it art."

Trick stated depreciatingly, "Smart people…"

"Tell me about it." Joey drew his knees in towards his chest. "Uncle Erik says even if I get Aunt Raven in a museum, it still might not make a difference. You know Laci's still alive because a black doctor did the first open-heart surgery?"

"Dr. Daniel Hale Williams," Trick recognized.

"Yeah," Joey nodded. "That was like seventy years ago. I remember this time when I was six or seven. I was fishing through the bakery's dumpster for their day-old stuff." He noticed the tension that built over the older male's benign face. "What's wrong?"

Ignoring the discomfort in his belly, Trick put on a smile. "Just some leftover jetlag. Go on, Wee Charlie."

With a tiny smile, Joey further recollected, "I almost peed myself when I heard the owner. I must've jumped a mile when I saw a colored man thrown clean outta there. Both his arms got scraped up and he nearly went into the street. I think he was about as tall as Uncle Erik, but the baker was big with a gut he could rent out as a trampoline." The blonde pair shared extended laughter at the image. "The colored man's hat went flying and fell right near me. I picked it up, flapped the dust off, and I was kinda scared- real scared, but I brought it to him when he got up. He looked at me really strange at first and didn't say a word. He took his hat, reached in his pocket, and flicked a dime at me. Then he just walked off."

Trick wanted to know, "You didn't go in that bakery, did you?"

"Nuh uh," Joey shook his head. "I got chips and gummies at the general store. The owner made me show him the dime first. He shoved the bag at me and said get out because I made the place smell like… I don't want any more vinegar."

"Be grateful," Trick advised waggishly. "When I was a kid, we'd have taken salad dressing over soap any day." He repositioned himself to sit cross-legged on the bed, creating improved eye contact between them. "But I feel for what you're saying, mac. Good ol' Honest Abe ended the chains one hundred years ago. Didn't prevent my marriage from doing likewise."

"If a doctor and a president can't make it better, what can I do?" Joey rationalized wretchedly. "Art's the best I got and I still can't help my aunt. I couldn't even make second place for her."

"How can you say that?" Trick countered. "You're still brand new to your field. You have no idea what you're going to achieve someday."

Joey claimed, "You don't understand."

"I don't understand?" An incredulous Trick pointed to himself. "Boyo, you are talking to the bloke who used to spend his free time playing guitar on the streets of the Big Apple for a pittance. Between home and school, I had a lineup of adults eager to tell me what degree of stupid I was. Have I been away so long you've forgotten what I taught you?" At the child's fancifully curious eyes, Trick emphasized, "There isn't a textbook on Earth that can top your God-given talent, Joey. What you can do doesn't come from this." Trick laid a hand on his head. "It comes from this." He tapped the youth's chest with two fingers next. "

Joey brought his hand to the man's wrist. "I'm really glad you're home, Trick."

Bringing the younger body towards him to embrace, Trick replied, "I'm really glad to hear that."

II

At the foot of her bed, the blonde teenager buckled the boots that completed her fuchsia-lined black stealth suit. Right at her side, Midnight purred and nuzzled her thigh. Done with her shoes, Samantha glided fingers through his dark fur and used her free hand to pop one of her sister's complimentary Hershey kisses into her mouth. On the vanity bench, Angel also snacked on the tiny bell-shaped chocolates in-between steps of her beauty regiment.

"Still can't believe Joey going off like that, but the Professor really blew my mind." Angel added another roller to her hair. "He looked like he was about to whip him at the table."

Samantha looked to ponder that. "I'm only used to Uncle Charles getting mad like that at me."

Angel laughed lightly. "Glad it wasn't you. I saw you with that Frost face. If not for Joey, I was waiting on Scott to take those rubies off his face."

"And I wouldn't have blamed him," Samantha stated.

"Lord." Examining her fingernails, Angel gave off an annoyed sigh. "Sam, don't even think about starting up that funky attitude you had last time Trick was here. You said it yourself that you and Frank had no business trying to go out together. You have another guy. He has another lady. Don't take it out on Trick just because his daughter went out with Frank for ten minutes. You don't own him, by the way."

Rising, Samantha emitted a scoff that closely resembled a snarl. "I don't care anything about Trick's daughter. I don't care anything about Trick. Scott and Becky don't want him here."

Angel waved that off with, "You know Scott's probably just going along with her. Trick didn't do Jack-or-Jill to Becky. She just had a falling out with Jasmine. Becky, who by all rights should've shown me and Emma the backdoor from the get-go. That's how I know what this grudge is really about."

"What do you mean by that?"

"Figure it out, Sam." Angel managed to keep from rolling her eyes. "Trick, Jasmine? Becky doesn't exactly graze with the other zebras."

A blank expression resulted on the younger girl before she came back with a perturbed, "Ohh, so Cody, Todd, and Mira are okay because they're kitty-dogs and you're what, a mutant mosquito?"

Angel got to her feet and crossed her arms. "You want to check yourself, little sister?"

"No," Samantha shot back. "Hmph, surprised you even call me that."

Unable to formulate words at that statement, Angel finally demanded, "Where do you get off saying some certified BS like that? You know good and well we're sisters, retard."

"Even though I'm not in your precious zebra herd, either?" Samantha asserted acrimoniously. "That's really why Trick's a big deal to you, isn't it? Because he had a mixed baby."

Now, Angel scoffed. "Yeah, him and probably a thousand other guys walking around New York City alone. Only difference is Trick didn't turn tail and run. Neither did Wolverine, but he and Kayla were already ancient and worldly by the time they got married. And they were up in happy Canada. Trick was in high school and an immigrant with psycho pharisee parents on top of that. Any other boy would've been on the first boat back to Ireland. He…" Angel released a sigh. "He gives me hope in what I'm doing."

Losing her impertinent expression and tone, Samantha said, "I understand, Angie, honest. I don't really think Trick is bad and I know he didn't leave his daughter. He left all the other X-Kids." Their matching brown-eyed gazes focused on each other, Samantha saw the effect in Angel's pupils. "I just wish you could understand them."

"S—"

Both girls flinched slightly at the precipitous rapping and they faced the door simultaneously. "You dolls decent?"

Angel shook her head good-naturedly. "More so than you, Wolvie."

Stepping into the feminine bedroom, the Veteran came back with, "Tell me somethin' I don't know the next time." He placed attention on the blonde. "You good to go, Skipper?"

"Ready, GI Lo'," Samantha confirmed.

When the aforementioned girl got in the proximity to him, Logan detailed, "Ten minutes 'til tour. You stay with the cams while I do an external sweep of the grounds. Keep in communicator contact. Remember, you're my second set of eyes."

"Right, understood," she assured.

"Now," the man went on, "first thing's first, we need to restock, stat. You swipe the leftover fudge cake. I've got the chips and beer."

With a dutiful head bob, Samantha clicked her tongue and ushered, "Come on, Midnight."

The cat stood on the mattress to stretch before hopping down in pursuit of his girl's departing feet.

Alone in the room, too many musings to compute filled Angel. She opted to dismiss them all and resumed setting her hair.

IIIIIII

On his way through the second level, the striding imperious figure split the French doors apart without even a jerk of his thumb. The panels of wood shut as soon as he gained access. Inside the library, his sharp blue eyes locked in on the curvy ginger. Her recently conditioned hair streamed down the back of her satin ankle-length evening gown; satin, lace-trimmed bodice in burgundy. The makeup washed from her face and the bright overhead light fixtures gave brilliance to her medium skin tone.

When she heard the doors yet expected her son, Alana turned and took in the chiseled male. With a towel draped over his left shoulder, the Polish Headmaster stood in sleek black lounge pants and a maroon "X" undershirt.

Feeling the medical textbook literally slipping through her fingers, the distracted redhead reaffirmed her grip on it. "We really must stop meeting this way."

"Yes, your tendency to violate the laws of gravity in my presence is becoming habit-forming."

"Erik Lehnsherr," leaving the book on a shelf, Alana approached him, "as droll as ever." She also noted, "That aftershave smells pleasantly familiar. Pleasure King, yes?"

"Whichever was closest to my shower," Erik answered indifferently. "For such majestic beasts, horses could not be more putrid. Mucking their stalls and preserving the waste for Logan's fertilizer accented it rather remarkably."

"And the country aroma is vastly superior to urban exhaust fumes exactly?"

"As if we don't have enough difficult questions for this evening."

"That reminds me," Alana put forth, "when are we going to stop this coy shtick? I'm getting a little tired of that elephant following me room to room. He's a peeping-tom I suspect." Solemn expression cued, the bearded man stated, "We must place our full focus on our son. Whatever else that exists between us- however plentiful- he is our shared priority here and now."

An equally somber Alana nodded.

Rigid in position until he heard the final sentence, Frank tentatively creaked open the righthand door. "Mommy, Dad?"

The instant Erik shifted position to face the youth attired in nightwear similar to his own, contentment overtook his face. "There you are, boychick."

Coming to them, Frank banged fists with Erik and walked straight into Alana's grasp. He nuzzled into her hair and they remained that way for several seconds. Frank brought them to the rear of the library. He gathered a few materials and lowered into a chair across a table from Alana. Hardly a yard away, Erik sat on the edge of a wide windowsill, arms crossed and expression even. Frank glanced at him every so often, receiving the man's solid heartening visage every time.

Addressing his mother, the teen began with, "You know how I was telling you my powers are so random now? Things I can do but I don't get why or how?"

With a bob of her head, Alana recalled, "Flight, teleportation—"

"Mass teleportation," emphasized Erik. "He moved all of us to safety from the plant, including the ones nowhere near his proximity."

"And this…" Frank considered how to word it. "This rejuvenation thing. The craziest part of that is I restored Raven, but practically burnt out the eyes of those guys that wanted to experiment on her. And I didn't even try to- hey, don't get me wrong, their screams were music to my ears- but it's still weird. And look at this, Mom." He slid a drawing over to her. "That's the thing that found out our phobias. It tried to trap us in them."

"My God," Alana uttered in a hush over the depiction of the malevolent entity. "This can't…" She raised her eyes with intense exigence. "A demon went after you? That's impossible."

Erik's eyebrow ascended. "You don a cross and dare make such a claim?"

Turning her head his way, Alana informed, "There are demons around every corner, Erik, completely fixated on penetrating our lives. All for the purpose of building a swim team for the lake of fire. However, broad daylight and blatant visibility are not how they operate."

"Because he's not a real demon, Mom," Frank told her, getting her to look at him again. "Charles found out he used to be a telepath until he sold his soul to become the Shadow King. But Hank theorized that the guy was basically taken for a ride by some crackpot scientists from way back when. Maybe even satanists who knew how to increase his powers but wanted to use him for some stupid ritual."

To that, Alana could only utter two words. "Scientific satanists?"

"Believe me, Mom, I would have sooner believed in the Tooth Fairy. Except for this guy." Frank next showed her a book.

Gazing at the cover, Alana read, "The Autobiography of Owen Ignacio?"

"He was this bigshot doctor over in Maine," Frank explained. "He's not a mutant but he wanted to be, big time. His sister had telepathic powers and he wound up killing her all to study her body and replicate her mutation."

"He kept her corpse," added Erik. "Frozen in his basement like butchered meat."

Raising a hand and attempting to process, Alana requested, "Let's keep food far away from this conversation. Trick gave me a few highlights but this…?" Speaking directly to her son, she wanted to know, "What else? Tell me everything."

"Ignacio was obsessed with the occult and Charles," Frank went on. "Seriously, Mom, right from the moment Dad and Charles started recruiting us. He wanted to steal Becky to jumpstart his own telepath crew and I wish to God I was making this up right now."

Head in her hands, Alana came back with, "You, too, huh?"

Frank continued, "But while he was so busy studying Charles, he should've bothered to read a paragraph or two on Becky. This SOB's big plan to get Becky on his side was bringing in her birth mother."

Opening eyelids again, Alana's pupils appeared volatile. "Becky's… how… who?" The boy now sat in clear discomfort. "Frank?"

"The mutant Vertigo," Erik piped up. "Who for a time, I knew only as Vanessa."

With the dismayed shock that filled his mother, Frank found it difficult to mention, "Mom… that's not all. Not even close."

Alana made fists of her hands to control the quaking appendages.

IIIIIII

When that evening's final number came to a close, the hotel guests resonated with an ecstatic uproar. Having decided on a table for three to better view Danny and hear Sean on piano, Tommy jumped up and down between the now standing females. Arms as high as they could reach, Maya screamed her fiancé's name repeatedly. A beaming Marlo Thomas applauded. While the loud praise continued, she guided the two young ones away from the crowd and to the far more serene backstage lounge.

"Do you prefer Margaret or Marlo?" Maya inquired.

"Marlo, please." the older woman selected. "I like to keep Margaret reserved for my mother's weekly insistence that I'm letting myself waste away."

Maya disclosed, "Pretty much most people's reaction to me." They both stood before the full-length mirror in one corner. "Except your figure is absolutely amazing, not to mention existent."

Touching the girl's flowing brown strands, Marlo offered, "I'll trade you for this waterfall of hair and that killer peaches and cream complexion."

When their conversation led to makeup and shampoo, Tommy's interest went straight to the food table.

In addition to stagehands and band members passing through, the primary group of five rejoined on the main musicians' return. Having discarded the upper portions of their sweat-soaked tuxedos, Danny and Sean now wore light smoking jackets over their undershirts. Danny had also lent Sean pair of house slippers. The cushioned soles provided relief from their impeccably polished yet confining leather footwear.

Sean's attention floated over to the pair comparing their reflections. With Danny nearly six-feet, it amazed the redhead to find his daughter as lacking in height as Maya. Both also possessed long brown hair, wide smiles, and drops of warm chocolate for eyes. Marlo wore a black short-sleeve dress with sweetheart neckline and belted at the waist.

At the familiar face that appeared in the mirror, Maya veered to rush to him. "Honey, you sounded sensational."

Watching Sean catch and spin with the petite girl, Danny wondered in put-upon bashfulness, "How was I? Not too tone deaf? Be brutal."

Looking his way, Maya feigned confusion. "Oh, were you on stage, too?"

At Marlo's laugh, Danny pointed a finger at her. "No lip out of you, Miss Independent."

"Daddy's pet name for me," Marlo left the mirror to take a seat.

Maya commented, "Extremely cooler than Buttercup any day," joining her on the sofa after Sean lowered her.

"Buttercup," Marlo repeated as if she tasted something acidic. "Fathers- my heart is bleeding deeply for you."

"Oh, no, no one calls me anything that cruel," Maya clarified. "Mine is Smiley."

"There's the shock of the century," Danny quipped.

When he felt an attachment at his leg, Sean knelt to Tommy. "Didn't you have dinner during the show?"

Danny stopped the child from immediately answering with, "Don't talk with your mouth full. What're you, livestock?"

Trying not to laugh too much, Tommy swallowed the colossal bite of his hero sandwich. "I was too busy. I didn't want to look away from the show."

Maya mentioned, "Except to eat his red velvet cake."

"Okay, kid's got his priorities together," Danny said approvingly. He then asked the little one present, "Don't suppose I can talk you into a glass of milk? With a squirt or two of chocolate syrup…"

Tommy nodded eagerly. "Yeah, yeah, yeah! Thanks, Mr. Thomas."

Maya brought up to Sean, "We are going to catch two earfuls bringing him home hyper."

"Hey, Mommy Emma only said to bring him back in one piece," Sean rationalized.

In the kitchenette area, Danny played the part of butler when he presented the tray. "First, a little bubbly for the ladies." He handed Marlo her standard red wine. "And for the future Mrs. Cassidy, I reserved the bubbliest of bubbles."

Maya threw her head back in grand amusement when he poured cola into an ice filled glass for her. "Well, I am driving, but being in the city demands at least a little out-of-control behavior."

"That's the spirit," Marlo joked with her.

"Bottoms up, boss," Danny directed when he gave Tommy the Hershey spliced milk. For Sean, the man held up a lengthy bottle of lemon flavored sparkling water. "Your vocal cords can write me a thank-you note later."

Sean rapidly gulped down a third of the drink. "Those stage lights, seriously, Death Valley in July."

"Tell me about it," Danny commiserated, sitting on the couch opposite the women with his own lemon water. "Dante must've installed that tenth inferno."

Tommy formed a puzzled scowl. "Dante who?"

"Dante who?" Danny echoed him. "Yeesh, what are they teaching you kids in school these days?"

With the first thing that came to mind, Tommy answered, "Did you know if you put soap in wet paper towels, it'll stick to the ceiling? I tossed a million of them in the boys' room. A few fell on top of a bunch of sixth graders. Too funny."

Listening in full, Danny responded, "Fine, you're more advanced than we ever were. Quit rubbing it in."

Exchanging a fond look with Maya, Sean remembered, "Here you go, bro." Removing the cross, he returned it to Tommy's neck. "Thanks."

With a whistle of admiration over the piece of silver jewelry, Danny commented, "Real beauty, huh?"

Marlo nodded her agreement. "You should have seen the way it dazzled on stage."

"It's my favorite one," Tommy told them. "My Grandma Lydia gave it to me for my christening."

"You tell Grandma she has exquisite taste," Danny complemented. "Tell me, Tom Cat," when he extended an arm, Tommy took the cushion beside him, "who's your all-time favorite saint?"

With a special glint in her eyes, Marlo guessed, "Thomas?"

Tommy's entire face soured. "That wuss? Ugh, crybaby."

Despite the humored reactions of the Thomas duo, Sean slapped a hand over his eyes in mortification. Maya had to bow her head almost deep enough to touch her knees to contain her giggles.

"Not Doubting Thomas," Sean pinched his brother's ear, "Doofus Thomas. St. Thomas Aquinas was a priest and a theological scholar at that."

"Yeah," Danny gave Tommy a playful elbow jab, "quit lumping him with the crybaby."

Despite Sean's unsolicited correction, Tommy grinned. "Well, Peter's really cool. And St. Um, Francis Sissy?"

"Francis of Assisi."

"Sean," a slightly perturbed Maya shot him a look, "would you please let him talk? Besides, everyone flubbed that name in Sunday School and you know it."

The ginger conceded with an apologetic flap of his arms.

After another taste of her drink, Marlo asserted, "You are so ready to be married. So says the Patron Saint of Spinsterhood," immensely entertaining Maya.

Tommy elaborated with, "St. Francis guy, he was all wild and crazy as a kid, but he gave up all his money because God said to."

"Without even getting gobbled up by a colossal fish. Let me show you something." Reaching into the built-in shelf at the base of the coffee table, Danny retrieved a thick black album with "Treasured Moments" scrawled in cursive on the front.

When the actor opened the book to the first page, Tommy asked of the three photographs within, "Are these your kids?"

Danny replied keenly, "Every single one if I have anything to say about it."

Coming around to see the album herself, Maya noted the number of hairless youths. "The St. Jude kids."

"Children served from every walk of life since Mother and Father opened it only three years back," Marol regaled.

Danny presented the boy next to him with another question. "Do you know why we started the hospital?"

Tommy naturally guessed, "You wanted to help all those kids."

"True," Danny concurred, "but there's a little more to it." He brought one arm around the inquisitive lad as he recalled, "When I first started in the business, I was a hack comedian with lint in my pockets. On the good days, anyway. On the worst ones, I had holes in them." Tommy laughed softly and Danny smile. "So, there I was, broke as a joke, married and then hello- the Mrs springs it on me that we've got a bouncing bundle of bills on the way."

Marlo folded her arms, feigning offense. "Have I mentioned how much I love this story?"

"Yeah, love you, too, crumb-snatcher," Danny waved her off, making Sean snort. "I was at the end of my rope and ready to tie it around my neck. But instead of taking the coward's way out, I did what any real man would do. After Mass one day, I cried like a royal weeny to the Man Upstairs. As in tears gushing, screeching like a banshee." Maya looked over, catching a wink from Sean. "But it was then and there I made my pledge to St. Jude. I said if I could finally catch a break in my career, I'd build a whole shrine to him."

"How come St. Jude?" Tommy wondered.

"He's the Patron Saint of Hopeless Causes," Danny explained, "aka yours truly. As a sign of good faith, I put every cent I had left to my name in the collection box. I kid you not, the next day I was offered a gig paying ten times what I donated."

Tommy's eyes enlarged. "The next day?"

"The very next day," Danny reaffirmed. "And I tell you, when I finally made a name for myself, you better believe I got cracking on that promise."

Tommy took the album from him to study further. "The hospital's his shrine. That's crazy far out!"

"Tell me about it," Danny agreed with the sentiment.

Sean commented, "Any other guy would've let it "slip his mind" as soon as the cash started rolling in."

An awestricken Maya declared, "You're really not like anyone else."

"Much obliged, babycakes, but let's not get carried away here," Danny tempered the youngsters. "I'm no saint, no siree. I just wasn't a big enough dope to break my word to the Head Honcho of Heaven. Because let me tell you," he peered towards Sean, "the deeper you go into this business, the deeper the temptations. Remember that somewhere between the limousines, star-studded galas, and acclaim that there are no VIP passes into those pearly gates. When you make a promise to the Almighty, you fulfill it with a genuine heart and greater loyalty than even the vows you swap before the priest." Danny gazed up at Maya next. "You keep that in mind." He patted Tommy's shoulder. "All of you."

While the teenagers lingered in thought, Tommy eagerly perused through the album. He also read the short biographies that accompanied each picture.

IIIIIII

It surprised Leon none whatsoever to discover the office area of the Hovel vacant. He followed the intangible breadcrumbs of clinking metal and grunts into the gym. Slick and overflowing with sweat, Alex's veins appeared ready to burst from his biceps at the pulldown machine. Some twenty yanks later, the blonde, at last, released the overhead bar. Not until he sat upright and reached for his lengthy blue squirt bottle did he notice his mute audience member.

"Geez, Lee, you and Dad have a knack for this creepy quiet thing."

"Thanks." Leon approached and straddled the bench to face the eldest boychick. "Feeling any better about Joey? And by 'better' I mean, you won't have Hank up all night trying to contain a particularly vicious BP spell."

"Trust me," Alex reassured, "if I didn't combust at the table, I'd say I'm pretty good. I just can't… Head thrown through a friggin' loop, Lee. Scott's the one who treats Trick's visits like a lice invasion, but Joey blew up? Over something that ridiculous?"

Leon stated undoubtedly, "There has to be more to it."

"I already figured he got fed up hearing about Eye Scream Team greatness," Alex comprehended, "but that? Snapping on Emma, our Mighty Mom of the X-Men? No, no, no. Whatever else is going on, I'm not accepting a pathetic attitude like that from Joey. He knows way better."

"So, question." When he received Alex's blue eyes, Leon followed up with, "Are you big brother angry or dad angry?" When the blonde only regarded him peculiarly, Leon clarified, "Your big brother angry- like that blowup with Maya's engagement- you were annoyed and rightfully with how everyone let it escalate to that. But you still had the calmest, take-charge head at the time. You looked shocked when Scott punched Sean, but with Joey earlier… let's just say you inherited a nice chunk of Dad's creepy quiet, too."

"So, what are you driving at?" Before he could answer, Alex deduced, "Scott's my brother but Joe is my kid? Yeah, major revelation there, Lee. Not even once did I put that two and two together before you moved in."

"And there's the big brother again," Leon quipped. "I have seen it between you and Joey, Lex. I heard it before I ever laid eyes on the kid, the way you talked about him in school. Uncle Charles is his real father, but that doesn't invalidate how you feel about Joey. Feelings like that aren't exactly easy to combat."

"Like I've ever really tried," Alex admitted with another long swig of water.

"I know what that's like," Leon went on. "When Jam said you're basically the dad of our group, that wasn't just buddy talk for me. Before I met our dad, you were the first guy to care anything about me in over a decade. The first to spank me since my father. It didn't matter that you're only a little older than I am or that sane people would file assault charges."

Alex sincerely snickered at that. "Good thing we're a whole herd of loons around here. But you know, man, meeting you on campus was a big deal for me, too. Making friends outside of the X-Men, hell even in the X-Men, was never my strong suit. I was never just looking after you out of some obligation."

Leon realized, "I was grasping at straws throwing that messiah complex at you, wasn't I?"

"Yep, pretty sad."

"But this Joey thing," Leon continued speaking, "I may not know the details of what's going on with him, but I do know everything about being a voiceless kid. Letting it all stew inside until a chaotic outburst fires out of you. And falling short in front of you? A fate worse than Dad's belt."

"Nope," Alex disagreed, flicking his fingers at Leon's ponytail. "The worst is me falling short in front of you guys."

Leon smirked a little. "Good luck with that."

"Doesn't change the fact that I need to do something about Joe. But don't worry. I'm not going drill sergeant on him like I did when Frank was huffing that crap."

"I was hoping there wouldn't be a need to mop up a giant puddle of Eel."

"My name is Charles. My name is Eel," Alex quoted, unable to deny the humor involved entirely. "That baby's got more gull than I give him credit for."

Leon asked wryly, "You plan on letting him in on that bit of pride?"

"Definitely." Alex squirted water against his smoldering face. "As soon as he turns twenty-one."

II

After gathering the preciously delicate fledgling, Erik brought the fussy head to his shoulder. He sent the Yiddish lullaby into the young ear, walking in a circle around the nursery. When Brian showed some signs of cooperation, Erik brought him out into the hall. They arrived at the ajar door they sought and the Headmaster peered in wordlessly. Lighted by the nightstand lamp, Alana laid beside her slumbering middle boy. The summer linens covered him up to his midsection and with him positioned on his side, Alana kneaded his upper back.

"What mallet did you use to tucker him out?"

Alana moved her head in the direction of the voice and regarded man and baby benignly. "A sock-full of marbles."

"The marbles between him and Becky alone are enough to make sedatives obsolete." Erik came around to the other side of the bed.

Focus on Brian, Alana requested, "May I?" With a peck of reassurance to his nephew's head, Erik carefully transferred him to the woman's arms. "Look at you." Alana felt the shine in her eyes when the drooping one-year-old nestled against her chest. "You beautiful boy. Photographs simply don't paint the picture. The last time I saw you," she spoke to the tyke, "your mother was hardly showing. Now, you're big as a house and her waistline is- surprise, surprise- even more flawless."

"Flawless for Charles' taste," Erik asserted. "I've always preferred the bough to the twig." He sported his shark visage at the brief look she gave him.

Touching Brian's soft fair hair, Alana said remorsefully, "I can't tell you how much I wish I'd been able to help Emma after that c-section. To think she can't have anymore…"

"A loss she accepts, all things considered." Erik left a kiss on Frank's temple before facing the female city native again. "That coveted jewel you're holding? He was hardly the size of a lab mouse at birth." He walked to their side of the bed, slipping his hands into the pockets of his track pants. "My head went through such a daze that day in the infirmary, yet I'll never forget it." He brought his palm to Brian's forehead. "Hank- I can't express how proud he made me. He freed him from the womb, cleansed him, placed him in my arms for God only knows what reason," Alana formed a small smile, "I felt alive- grander than- beholding him for the first time. Then…"

Alana reacted to his darkening irises. "Erik?"

"… He became cold. In only an instant."

With no mutated mind-reading necessary, Alana emphasized, "That had nothing to do with you. There's no end to the number of complications involved in premature newborns."

Not responding for the time being, Erik flicked off the lamp with one quick glance, "Good night, boychick."

Alana stroked Frank's cheek before rising to follow the Headmaster into the hall. As if absorbing the euphoria Brian emitted, she kept him in a secure clutch all the way downstairs.

"My rational mind knows I didn't harm him." Commanding the steel doors of his den to divide, Erik stepped to the side for the woman and child to enter. Once he walked in, he brought the doors together again. "Not that I felt even the smallest semblance of rational thought at the time." Alana sat in the middle of the sofa while Erik took its right arm. "I have seen and done more than I care to describe in my travels. I've taken foolish risks I should never have survived. But then and there, I didn't know if I was going to be celebrating my nephew's birth or mourning my brother's death." Erik shook his head with a pained, ironic smile. "His own parents were the last to see him."

"Another loss they gladly accepted to have him here."

Erik looked from his weapons display to her. "You can imagine how foreign sleep became to us," he eyed Brian, "with his recovery."

"More than you know," Alana confirmed, rubbing the one-year-old's back.

The wizard of metal noticed something in her expression. "Alana?"

Silent for a few seconds, she wanted to know, "Erik, after all we've been through, how could you keep me so in the dark about all of this? And I didn't think any of this could top you hiding Frank's blindness for a week."

"And I told you then that I have no apologies for that decision," Erik replied matter-of-factly. "Our son was on the brink of suicide. He was devastated at the mere thought of you seeing him that way. Even without his vision, he would have sensed your distress in waves. Frank's well-being precedes your feelings."

"And I love you for that." Alana laid Brian on his back on the couch as she stood. "But all of this… satanic mutants, trapping Frank and the others in their phobias, Becky's birth mother of all people attacking both your temple and the house, I… God, Erik," she ceased pacing to face him, "Frank's drug experimentation should not sound like the least of all evils. Why didn't you contact me?"

Erik regarded her incredulously. "You expected to maintain international phone tag? And I know you've only just returned to the states, but mutants are still this country's dirty little secret. I was not about to disclose who and what we are in a letter to be passed between the hands and eyes of countless middlemen."

Despite his point, her frustration lingered. "What is this, Erik? Have you become that paranoid that you believe you need to placate the hysterical woman? I have a husband for that twisted logic."

Brow wrinkling grimly, only his nephew's presence kept Erik's voice low but sharp. "And I have you for the same. You want to talk about twisted logic?" Getting to his feet, Erik made a path for her. "You went from the spectacular proclamation that I'd "already won" against that same husband you selectively remember, to announcing with only a few days' notice that you're leaving the country. I owe nothing to you, Alana, except my constant gratitude for Frank's existence. You and Phillip made your priorities crystal clear when you chose to follow Lincoln and he took Jeff. It was I- my family- who had to repair the damage done to Frank for your choices."

"You honestly dare to stand there and throw that in my face?" Alana seethed. "Frank was happy and stable here. Linny was still fresh out of remission and he needed me." It surprised her when he developed a denigrating smirk. "This is funny to you now?"

"What I find hilarious is how you manage to blow so much smoke without realizing you've trapped yourself in a fog bank of delusion," Erik said matter-of-factly. "Even after coming back from the brink of death, Lincoln never needed nor requested your hand to hold. He spent months on this mission, completely holding his own if Frank's letters are any indication. You invited yourself along, trying to convince everyone you were going off to aid a righteous cause. Frank ran away from home because you did."

Alana stared daggers into the male's cutting blue eyes. "Suddenly, a continent between us has never been so appealing."

Remaining in place as she stalked off, Erik stated coolly, "Turning tail at the first sign of conflict." He regarded her out of the corner of his eyes. "You and Phillip truly are a match made."

Alana stilled long enough to retort, "And you both can truly kiss my ass," before taking her livid leave of the Cave.

IIIIIII

While the Security X-Man improvised his vivid instructions, the audience of tom and calico felines kept eyes aimed at him.

"When you're dealin' with cats- that colony mindset- their prime objective is mainly gettin' out alive. That's why they rely on their reflexes and senses so much," Logan detailed. "They use their size to their advantage, too. See, dog types don't waste time on all this plottin' and plannin'. An angry or scared pack's prime objective is the jugular- rippin' it right out of ya. When you've got multiple guys surroundin' you, heroics better be the last thing on your mind. The first thing needs to be makin' those mooks take themselves out for you. Here," he reached for her hand, "let me show you."

Samantha situated Midnight in the chair next to theirs before she joined appendages with the man and stood. With the girl positioned almost half a yard from him, Logan snarled savagely. Samantha turned to the side just slightly and raised both fists, hints of trepidation among her pleasing features. Logan swung a punch her way and she immediately bent her knees backwards.

Only hitting the air, the Veteran nodded his approval. "That's it. Don't go overboard, though. You're tryin' to tire them out, not yourself. That pretty face and them goldy-locks get you another advantage. As soon as they see you, they're gonna write you off as a gnat they can squash. No matter what smack they talk beforehand, don't showboat all your skills to them."

Samantha established her understanding with, "Never reveal your full arsenal."

"Bingo, baby doll," Logan commended. "Takin' notes with your Uncle Magneto, that's good." He next brought up, "Somethin' else you need to jot down is makin' sure you register their different heartbeats and air intakes. I know it's hard to narrow it down with a full pack, but don't let your eyes deceive you into focusin' on the biggest guy. A pack is just like a street gang. Single out the fastest beatin' hearts, the hardest breathin', the biggest cowards of the bunch. Start with the weakest and take 'em out one by one."

"What if I can't figure out the weakest?" Samantha vexed. "It's hard when it's just people, but outside every sound is so loud and all at once."

The alpha kindly emphasized, "As good as you are, you're still a kitten. The outdoors still gets to Cody at times and he's been trainin' a lot longer than you have." He made a spinning motion with his finger. "Turn around." Once his niece complied, Logan stepped up to cover her eyes from behind with both hands. "What do you hear? Not from me, Midnight, or even yourself. You know we're in the room. What else do you hear?"

Uncertain, she rationalized, "We're in the basement. No one's in the infirmary or the gym."

Logan did not relent. "Did I ask you what you can't hear? What can you hear?"

Initially coming up short on results, Samantha detected something beyond their warm-blooded vessels. "The air vents. They're louder than normal because of the air conditioning."
"Good job." Logan pressed his palms to her ears next. "What do you see?"

Samantha's gaze went from Midnight to the monitors, which caused a reaction from her. "Uncle Wolves." Leaving his touch, she pointed out an upper right-hand screen.

Logan came to stand alongside her and quickly knew her meaning. "Stay with the cameras."

Samantha nodded and watched him depart with keen purpose.

II

With another jerk of his fingers, the coin spun on the table in fast, blurry motion. Frank left his own head space and raised his chin when he noticed the elder making a path for him. Logan stopped just short of where the boy sat at a patio table, taking in the strangely melancholy youth.
"Let me guess," the adult spoke first. "Learned how to sneak out from Trick, right? What, no time to wave a flag or send a smoke signal?"

Frank replied dryly, "I was debating between Morse code and a rain dance."

"You're lucky birthday immunity keeps me from boxin' your ears. Then again," Logan maneuvered around to sit on top of the table and peer down at the teenager, "it's not like we have much reason to raise a stink over you creepin' out of bed, especially with you leadin' this college life soon." Logan appeared thoughtful as he eyed him. "Two years… you're a hell of a far cry from that gangly thirteen-year-old itchin' for an autograph."

Flicking the coin again, Frank informed, "I still have that. Pretty sure I stashed it away before I unpacked anything else."

"Still got the X you slipped me, too," Logan said in turn, seeing traces of a smile developing on the boy. Noticing the coin as well, the canine mutant raised it to study. "Still can't believe Erik held on to this thing." He tossed it.

Frank caught it between both hands. "It's nothing but a piece of metal. Erik used it to keep his rage going. When he put Shaw down, he dropped that part of his life completely. We're all that matters to him now."

Logan listened the asked, "What do you use it for?"

"I see all this stuff on the news and in the paper. Bombings, people being attacked, their homes burned down, kids getting killed." Tints of red could be seen in Frank's brown irises as he went on. "This," he looked at the coin closely, "reminds me that the SOB who destroyed my dad's family and tried to take my little sister away died in ten times more pain than his victims did. There is justice in this world, but only if people get off their butts and do something."

With a pleased bob of his head, Logan said, "Pretty sure I was twice your age when I figured that one out. But level with me, Glowworm. What're you doin' out here?"

Visibly pensive, Frank attempted to explain. "I just woke up to whiz then five seconds in the bathroom, my head was ready to explode. I didn't think the kid had it in him to go nuts like that, but I get Joey going off at dinner. I get so sick of adults going on and on about how much of a brain I am."

"When I was a kid, my ma used to go on the same way," Logan sympathized. "And trust me, my face stayed red. No good mother can miss a beat puttin' their precious on a pedestal."

"Wolverine, I sit down, teacher talks bull crap, I remember the bull crap, case closed," Frank described indifferently. "That's not smart. It's just the way I am. If you want to talk smarts, that's Trav, my friends- especially Mondo, geez Sam- nobody had a clue she cheated until she fessed up. She even had our teachers fooled into thinking she's just trying to adjust to a regular school."

"Yep, that baby was a slick ace on that one." Glancing around their surroundings suspiciously, Logan said covertly, "If my wife or the Prof ask, you ain't hear that from me."

"Ditto," Frank smirked somewhat.

Getting back to the issue at hand, the elder conciliated, "I know you're feelin' yanked in every direction there is. Grammar school, high school, college- no time to adjust to one before the eggheads decide you're even more above and beyond. But kiddo, as crazy as it all feels right now, you need to start lookin' at this for the opportunity it is."

"Opportunity?" Frank repeated the word with unconcealed disdain. "For who, my parents? Make them feel better while they circle the globe with my brothers? Because hey, straight A's mean I've got it all together. Then when I do act up, play the squeaky wheel, I'm insufferable, attention-desperate Frank yet again."

Logan's instantaneous dispute of, "That's not you," promptly followed.

Frank scoffed, "Your senility's showing, old man." He glanced to the left with a heavy frown in place. "That's all I am."

"You look at me when I'm talkin' to you," Logan ordered brazenly, "young man." The fledgling did not delay in complying. Placidness returned to Logan's tone. "Your smarts go further than any report card can show. You're not some stiff-shirt Einstein rattlin' off useless quotes to wow the room. You know there's a whole world out there beyond the classroom. A messed up world full of messed up people, for every reason under the sun. As overwhelmed as you're feelin', you've got to look to the future. By gettin' your education out of the way now, just think what you can do next. You've got so much to offer."

"… Why doesn't it feel that way?" A rush of tension rushed through his arm and Frank squeezed the coin tightly. "I was barely Cody's age when I got here and now suddenly, I'm packing power I can't begin to understand, I'm leading all these sessions, playing big brother referee, got Trav following me like I'm worthwhile or something. I'm supposed to be training him, protecting him, but the truth is he's the one watching my back and keeping me sane."

Logan responded simply, "What do you think you kids do for us? Why we left Canada in the first place? Bein' unsure- bein' downright scared- no shame in it. It means you know what the stakes are; what's important." He brought a hand to the boy's jaw. "I fess up that a lot of my attention's been on Maya and the safehouse."

"Wolves, I get that. Maya and those kids really need you."

"Doesn't change the fact that I need to be here for you," Logan countered right away. "As many choice words as I have for your old man, I can't speak for him. But as far as your ma goes, she needs to know what's goin' on in this head of yours."

Frank admitted, "Yeah, she does."

"And another thing," Logan vigorously ruffled his already messed bedhead, "happy birthday, Glowworm."

The fifteen-year-old displayed his appreciation for the acknowledgement with mock double punches to the man's hard stomach.

IIIIIII

The lethal combination of coffee, cola, and cookies sustained the diligent, ever-toiling females. Adrienne opted for sugarless coffee and only one of the chocolate chip delights. With the mostly wordless Alana Tolbert beside her, they used the accent table to sort and pack the giveaways. Adrienne peered up every so often to observe her middle sister. Between Emma's flexible diamond form and Raven's sophisticated reflexes, they got the banners and higher decorations suspended with ease. Kayla used the helium tank from Hank's lab to fill the balloons. With the use of her wagon, Becky wheeled in the now painted and dry papier-mâché lighthouses. Joey and the younger children had each designed a different one days ago. Having volunteered to help with the cooking for the festivities, Cordelia and Angel had gone to bed at the usual time.

It's not the way you smile that touched my heart
It's not the way you kiss that tears me apart
But how many many nights roll by
I sit alone at home and cry over you

With neither the stereo nor television on, the small decorating committee exchanged puzzled gazes between each other.

"Alright," Raven looked around at all of them with a suspicious air, "who's the wisegal who invited John Lennon?"

Lowering herself, Emma quipped, "I keep telling him to meet me at the back door." She then reacted with an, "Ooh," at the materialized masculine arms that seized her around the waist. "My own personal British invasion…"

And don't you or that wank Lennon forget it. Charles then crooned near her ear, "What can I do? I can't help myself…"

"Cause baby it's you." Rising straight the center of the living room floor, Trick made himself tangible. "Baby," he broke into a spin, "it's you…" Stopping his rotation just short of the coffee table, he bowed before the redheaded pair. "Have I mentioned how wonderful it is to see you again, Madam Frost?"

"Enjoy the view but save your flattery, Maestro Hughes," Adrienne came back with. "I prefer my blondes just a tad older."

"Ah, of course." Trick sported a cheeky expression. "Older as in pre-historic, yes?"

Kayla shot him a mild look, "I resemble that remark, thank you," getting only a charming smile out of the Irishman.

Without facing him, Alana chided, "Trick, don't be trouble."

"Merely following your lead there, Lannie," Trick teased, receiving a spool of ribbon flung at him. He phased to miss it then noticed the packaged items. "Ah, party loot, eh?"

"All too literal," Alana confirmed.

"What have we here?" Trick picked up one of the black timepieces enclosed in a clear case. "You're giving them sports watches?"

"No, just the boys." Raven looked over. "The girls are getting jewelry samplers courtesy of the Frost Agency."

With an indifferent shrug, Adrienne simply reasoned, "An event of this magnitude can make or break a reputation. The adolescent years are difficult as it is."

Alana put forth, "I think fifteen JFK coins per attendee will help lift their teeny-bopper burdens."

"Fifteen Kennedys a pop?" Trick reacted with vast incredulity. "When I was a kid, you know what the most coveted party treat was? A candy apple."

"Welcome back to Westchester, darling," Raven proclaimed, using a red streamer as a boa.

Emma attempted to bat at her husband while adoring his warm breath against her neck. "Control yourself, Professor."

"Trust me, my love," Charles tapped her bottom and enjoyed the light tremor her body gave off from it, "I am."

Releasing her, the male telepath next made his way to the youngest member of the Triad. Charles held her hand high for Becky to go into a quick ballerina twirl before dipping to peck her cheek. When Trick strolled by her next, Emma easily sensed the iron will Becky maintained in not snatching away from him stroking her chin. Catching up with Charles, they wound arms around one another's shoulders. Appearing joined at the hip, they resumed their duet as they took their leave.

Raven, Emma, and Kayla regarded them in relished amusement with Alana offering something of a favorable countenance.

Adrienne shook her head. "From professor to schoolboy upon sight of his favorite playmate."

"Leave my brother alone," Raven sneered lightheartedly. "It's nice to see him without ten anvils strapped to his back."

Despite her primary thoughts, Becky shared a glance of agreement with Emma.

II

After Maya eased them into her regular space, Sean left the passenger side to get to their rear cargo. He secured the strap of his guitar case over his shoulder before reaching in to collect the lethargic little boy next. Sean's chest warmed and his lips curved contentedly as his brother wrapped arms and legs around him to nestle in. Though quite weighed down, Sean still spared one arm to keep his petite fiancée close to his side.

As if his mutation suddenly reached telepathic capability, Sean tapped her shoulder. "No agonizing. You promised."

"I know, just," Maya brought a hand to her face of humorous mortification, "I can't believe I called him Danny Williams. I must have sounded like an airhead."

"If he thought so, no way would he have been shy about saying it."

"True," Maya had to agree. She ran her hand across the redhead's back. "He sure seemed to like you. At the rate you're going, you'll be hobnobbing in Hollywood with the best of them."

"Can you picture us in a Malibu beach house?" Sean mused. "Going next door to borrow a cup of sugar from Elizabeth Taylor."

"Half-and-half from Jane Fonda," Maya spoke fancifully. "Spa days with the one and only Audrey Hepburn."

Sean inserted, "Carpooling our kids to Disney Land whenever we want."

Eyes opening, Tommy uttered, "Ooh, now you're talking."

"Ooooh, now you're wide-awake, huh?" Sean gave him a little jiggle as they arrived on the main level of the mansion.

"Pardon us, Cassidy cuties." Raven bustled through as soon as Sean got his loved ones out of her path.

Following behind the shapeshifter, Emma stopped only to ask the teenage girl present, "You drove to and from the venue, yes?'

Maya reassured her with, "Bypassing any and all tattoo parlors."

"Very good." Emma headed off again.

"You're mean, Mommy Emma," Sean sent after her.

The woman only repeated, "Very good," as she left their sights.

At Tommy's not-remotely-muffled laughter, Sean pressed foreheads with him menacingly. All at once, however, Sean's entire expression and visual focus changed entirely. The wave of vocals swept across them like a welcomed burst of fresh air.

Inside the music studio, Trick used their half-full bottle of Moscato as a microphone. Perched on the edge of the desk, Charles watched merrily in-between sipping on his second glass. Still, the wine accounted for only a minuscule source of his energetic zeal.

"Thank you, North Salem!" Trick saluted. "Now, a few words from the king of two continents, Professor Charles Xavier."

"Thank you, thank you," Charles maneuvered himself to stand on top of the desk, "always a pleasure. For those of you new- or insufferably daft- to the field of genetics, I'm going to address the marvel that is mutation. Mutation," he repeated fondly, "took us from single-celled organisms to being the most dominant, not to mention sexiest, reproductive life on this planet."

"And we ought to know," Trick interjected. "We have the love children to prove it."

Hoisting his glass as high as he could reach, Charles declared, "I'll drink to that!"

"Abso—" Before he could pour another for himself, Trick caught a glimpse of the flabbergasted trio of fledglings filling his doorway. "It seems we have more cause for toasting, Charlie."

"Seanie," Charles smiled their direction, "how many of you Irish blokes have conspired to sneak up on me today?"

With the youngest Cassidy safely on his feet again, Sean practically broke into a run to get to the older singer. "Trick!"

When he managed not to stumble on affectionate impact, Trick chuckled heartily and patted the tall youth's back. Maya approached next and he opened one arm to her, accepting her kiss on his right jaw.

To the only unpreoccupied one in the room, Tommy petitioned eagerly, "Professor, Professor, you'll never believe it- we met the daddy from Make Room for Daddy!"

"That's wonderful, dear boy." Charles knelt to him, touching the child's shoulder. "But there's someone here who's been waiting to meet you all day."

Sean managed to calm from his own euphoria spell, to introduce, "Trick, this is my little bonehead brother. Tommy, this is the music man of the entire Milky Way, Trick. I've told you all about him."

Trick dismissed good-naturedly, "Insignificant details compared to how he goes on about you." He walked towards the brunette boy. "It's such a thrill to meet you at last, Tommy."

At the hand presented, Tommy shook with him. "Did you ever have your own TV show?"

"No such luck I'm afraid," Trick replied amicably.

"Oh." Tommy looked at the telepath again. "Where's Erik?"

Charles answered somewhat furtively, "Three guesses."

With the simplistic clue given, the ten-year-old zipped out of the studio.

"He's just really excited," Maya defended apologetically. "Seeing Sean live on stage in the city. Danny Thomas was just ten layers of icing on the cake."

With a more than understanding countenance in place, Trick confessed, "That was about a tenth of my reaction when I first heard him perform."

"Yeah," concurred Sean, "Danny's really far out."

Trick glanced at him with a certain twinkle in his eyes. "Who was referring to Danny?"

II

The wizard of metal reclined in his executive chair, holding the slumbering tyke to his chest. He kept a soothing hand against Brian's back. The comforting warmth of the tiny body and magnetically toying with his paperclips kept his fuming thoughts from total rampage.

"Erik!" The steel doors all but burst as the ecstatic lad barreled in. "Guess what! We met—"

A whine followed by a wail from Brian cut into the older boy's overjoyed recollection.

"Thomas," Erik growled, getting to his feet to try pacing with the distressed tyke, "what in God's name do you think you're doing making such ruckus this time of night? The baby's lost enough sleep as it is."

Shoulders sagging and dejection overtaking his previous upbeat mood entirely, Tommy whispered, "I'm sorry…"

From behind him, the younger Headmaster hastened into the Cave. "Brother, please, I'm the one you should be reprimanding. I knew he was seeking you out but forgot to warn him you had Brian in here. Professor Pea-Brain I am." Charles gave Tommy a special smile then headed towards the desk to collect his son. "Here, give him to me." Erik delicately transferred Brian to the other man's arms. "I'll see to this nipper while you get Tommy settled for bed." At his brother's nod, Charles hugged his whimpering son close to his front. "Come now, lamb. Uncle Trick will sing you a lullaby. Would you like that?" Charles kissed his head as they departed, feeling Brian's cries ease off some.

Left with the remaining lad, Erik wasted no time in hurrying to him. "I am very sorry, boychick." Lifting him right off his feet, he locked them into a secure embrace. "I shouldn't have snapped at you that way."

Tommy clutched him as best he could. "I'm sorry, Erik. I didn't mean to wake him up."

"I know you didn't. It's been a very difficult day for me, but that isn't excuse enough." Erik touched cheeks with him. "I missed you."

"I missed you, too," Tommy cheerfully returned. "Don't worry. I have loads of dumb days."

With a glint of positivity in his features, Erik laced fingers with him. "Sounds to me like today wasn't one of them. Tell me," he carried him from the Cave, "who did you meet?"

"Danny Thomas," Tommy raved. "You know, from Make Room for Daddy."

"Did you really?" Erik displayed casual intrigue as he started them up the stairs.

"Uh huh," Tommy gladly confirmed. "And his daughter, too. Miss Marlo. She's really pretty. Like Maya as a grownup lady."

Erik asserted, "That's a tall compliment for Miss Marlo then. Also, should your brother work with him again, if the subject of front row tickets to Tony Bennett comes up, I know someone who would greatly appreciate it…"

Tommy let off a light snort. "I gotcha."

When they reached the bathroom most occupied by the younger boys, Erik determined, "It's far too late for you to get a full bath in now, but I want you to wash your face and hands. Make especially sure you brush away that abundance of sugar your older siblings no doubt allowed you."

The astounded child wondered, "Are you sure you don't have a little tiny bit of the Prof's powers?"

With a mysterious visage in place, Erik bumped their noses together and lowered him. "No dawdling now. Your pajamas will be waiting on you and I'll be right back up with some milk. Let's say," the man considered, "fifteen minutes."

"Betcha I don't even need ten," the younger male challenged.

"You're on," the metal wielder accepted.

Tommy rushed into the hygienic space while Erik moved to gather the youth's night clothes for him. Between that and hastening downstairs to heat the milk, Erik clocked himself at nine minutes.

He knocked on the door first. "Tom?"

"Ready!"

Entering the room he shared with Sean, Erik instantly smiled on sight of him. "So I see. Minus one minor detail." Leaving the glass on the night table, he helped the boy remove his currently backward short sleeve pajama top. Erik adjusted it on him properly and declared, "There we are. Well done on speed. Accuracy we'll improve after proper rest."

"I don't think I can even shut my eyes." Tommy's face seemed to glow brighter than the reading lamp. "Tonight was too cool! I love Sean's job."

"I'm glad you enjoyed it so much," said Erik genuinely, peeling back the covers. "Though I hope the next time doesn't leave you half this hyperactive." Once Tommy climbed onto the mattress, Erik handed him the glass. "Let me know if it's too hot."

Upon detecting the minor cocoa sprinkle, Tommy reported, "Too good maybe. Thanks, Erik."

"You are welcome, little boychick." Erik situated the summer blanket over the child's legs.

After downing most of the milk, Tommy laid back against the pillows. "Erik?"

The mutant elder placed the glass on the table again. "Hm?"

"What's the biggest thing you've ever asked God for?"

Obviously not anticipating such an arbitrary question, Erik initially responded, "What?"

Tommy tried to clarify, "What's the biggest, most important thing you ever asked God for," until he properly took in the man's eyes. "Sorry, just forget it. Can never get my mouth to stay shut."

"No." Erik grasped both his small hands to squeeze tenderly. "You know you can always ask me anything, yes?" Smiling again, Tommy nodded. "To answer you, well, I really wouldn't know where to begin. I've asked so many things of Him."

"Did He give 'em to you?"

"Some He did," Erik replied even. "Some He didn't. The latter all too often makes me forget the former." He brought fingers to the lad's head to stroke his hair. "Is there something in particular you want from Him?"

"So many things," Tommy echoed. "Know what I want most right now?" Erik eyed him keenly. "One of Grandma Edie's songs. All in Hebrew, though. Or Yiddish."

"We are like-minded, my boy," Erik commented fondly. He maneuvered to lay beside and give Tommy his arm. "As if we need more in common."

Smile somehow widening, Tommy made himself comfortable in Erik's grasp. As the age-old melody appeased his ears, the young one experienced equal elation beyond his chest.

II

After Kayla finished attaching strings to her latest balloon bushel, she fully realized how much the decorative choices reflected America's birthday. Then, the sage woman remembered exactly which child they would be celebrating and all the sense in the world resulted. Glancing one direction, she honed in on the youngest participant's steadily declining speed since they first began.

"Becky, honey, you must be exhausted," Kayla put forth delicately. "Especially after earlier. Why don't you go on to bed? We can finish the last bells and whistles."

Despite her excessive blinking, Becky kept attention on her streamer mound. "Earlier is why this has to be even more special for my brother." Alana quietly looked over. "Besides, I'm thirteen. I think I know when I'm too tired."

Kayla remarked, "Being the seasoned soul you are," but dropped the issue.

Equally silent, Adrienne and Alana only peered between them before resuming their own tasks.

A few minutes, a caffeine-boosted Raven bounced in. "The dining room is now fabulously festooned. Now, to keep Frank away from all of this without plucking out his little eyeballs."

Alana reasoned, "If we managed to keep you and Hank apart before you reached the altar, a creative distraction or two for my boy will be amateur hour."

Beaming, Raven brought up, "If I haven't said this at least a dozen times already, nice to have you back."

"Music to my ears," Alana somewhat vacantly yet sincerely.

Coming in directly behind her sister-in-law, Emma disregarded her own fatigue at the sight of the younger telepath. "Oh, my sweetheart," once they got in proximity, Becky let go of her novelty to link hands with her, "you've been at this non-stop. It's a wonder you haven't collapsed."

The girl responded, "I know, Auntie, but I don't want to leave the rest of you with all this work."

"You have done so much for Frank this week," Emma reminded. "The last thing he wants is for you to suffer a headache during his party. Advice I need to follow myself very shortly."

"You're right," Becky admitted.

"You head up," Emma directed benignly. "I'll be by to look in on you in a little while."

"Yes, Auntie." After they exchanged cheek pecks, Becky went to share a small hug with Raven. She waved at the other females on her way. "Good night, Aunt Dri. Good night, everyone."

Amidst the chorus of returned salutations, Kayla stood in indignation. "'Aunt Dri'?" She turned to the aforementioned redhead. "Didn't she dub you Cinderella's stepmother?"

Working on her third mug of coffee, Adrienne recollected, "Snow White's I think."

Raven provided clarity with, "Aunt Dri adopted Cousin Calico."

Kayla understood instantly. "Of course. Though I suppose I should cherish the honor of being Becky's favorite worthless womb."

Emma eyed her in puzzlement. "What led you to that conclusion?"

Kayla explained, "She wasn't quite as receptive to my bedtime suggestion. I honestly don't know what sets her off. The animosity is so sporadic."

Emma gave her a sympathetic gaze. "Maya and the other girls, Melissa, your other students- they all look up to you. They would be you if the opportunity ever presented itself. You and Charles have a way of getting through to so many children. I can't tell you how badly it devastated him when Leon initially rejected him. Yet Erik and I are very familiar with such negative reactions."

"What attention-spoiled, needy brat would ever reject the two of you?" Raven interjected.

Sharing a quick side look with her, Emma went on with, "Charles kept wondering where he went wrong, but in reality, the issues were Leon's own. Kay, Becky does not carry any real disdain towards you. I would know in an instant if she did. Growing up, her female influences consisted of nannies who saw to her personal care and etiquette teachers prepping her to marry the next captain of industry."

"Mommy's forte," inserted Adrienne.

Emma nodded in silent agreement with her sister before speaking to the eldest woman present again. "You had a mother like… none I could picture in the furthest depths of my mind." Kayla's expression softened. "It's something that connects the Triad far beyond our mental capabilities. Honestly, by all probability within the universe, Becky and I should not have the relationship that we do."

"The smallest part of me almost feels for Vanessa." The array of eye colors all landed on Alana, who addressed Emma directly. "She had no chance with Becky."

Facing her, Emma tacked on, "Or ultimately, with Erik."

Alana peered down into her glass, as if ready to plunge into her liquid reflection.

Managing to startle every woman present as he sped in, Sean continued racing with only one target in mind. "Auntie Alana!"

On her feet as rapidly as she could move, Alana gladly opened her arms for the enthused teenager.

IIIIIII

Unsure of the present hour and presently incapable of recalling how long he had enjoyed the welcomed slumber, the youth experienced an internal rush. Peeling apart his eyelids and rising without delay, Frank discovered the provider of the abundant vigor. The glorious rays shone through his windows, seemingly aimed for him like a multitude of stage lights. Tossing off his blanket, he moved to stand straight on his mattress.

From where he straddled the desk chair, the mutant elder lifted his head and opened his eyes, initially believing them deceivers. "Boychick?"

While the brightness dissipated, Frank's facial glow only increased at the man's voice. "Dad!"

Getting to his full height, Erik met him in a robust embrace. Frank lowered to his knees in order to nestle against his chest. Erik finger-combed his hair and held him that way for such a lingering time, the teen felt acute dizziness when he was abruptly repositioned.

Now staring at his floor, Frank wriggled. "How do I always forget this part?"

"Eh-eh, stop that squirming." Seated in the chair again, Erik kept him in place over his lap. "You'll be amazed how little you retain as so many years go by."

"How would you know? You can't be more than what, twenty-five? Twenty-six?"

Biting back a chuckle, Erik responded, "Is this shameless flattery from my cheeky imp? I must say you're far more the strategist than Alex when you want to be." With that, he applied the first swat gingerly.

Frank kept still as he wondered suspiciously, "You're not getting any ideas for training are you?"

"Wouldn't you like to know?" Erik gave him a pair of soft smacks. By the end, Frank only jumped the sixteenth and hardest strike. "One to grow on."

"Yeesh!" Frank uttered, wiggling his foot. "No thanks. Me and Scott are already taking bets on which one of us is going to bonk his head on the ceiling first. He's jazzed about getting up there with Hank and Vic."

Readjusting the city child to sit on his lap now, Erik inquired, "And you."

Frank gave off a pale imitation of an indifferent shrug. "I'm good looking like you."

"Don't frighten me that way, boychick." Erik held him nearer. "You'll have me believing you're suffering eye trouble again." He chuckled lowly at Frank poking his ribs. "Though, I suppose were I gifted with such handsome, you would in fact be my double. With your mother's eyes."

Frank smiled until one of Erik's hands suddenly went to the man's temple. "Dad, what's wrong?"

"Not a thing. Not this day." Erik lowered his hand and pleasantly informed, "That was a certain little sister of yours ready to rip down the door to get to you."

Towards that same door, Frank bellowed, "Get in here already, Thumbelina!"

However, the male telepath stepped inside instead, one eyebrow raised. "You will not abuse Hans Christian Anderson for short jokes, young man."

Before Frank could quip back, Charles had to hasten out of the way. The pajama clad blurs of blue and medium beige skin tones sped into the room with a sole target in mind. Standing from Erik, Frank could hardly brace himself for the taller female's collision of affection.

"Happy birthday, Lovebug," Raven practically sang.

Inner radiance igniting again, Frank nuzzled her shoulder with his chin. "Thanks, Rae." He placed attention on the euphoria radiating Erik Kid next. "Hey, girlchick."

Becky squealed and clung to him as he hoisted her straight up. "Happy birthday, big brother." When Frank set her on her feet again, she used Erik's lap for a seat.

Sean approached him with arms wide. "Happy, happy birthday, Frank-O."

They enveloped each other, but Frank spared a hand to slap palms with Scott. "Eye Scream Team?"

With a mutual squeeze, Scott confirmed, "Forever."

"Frankenstein," came from a smirking Alex, "a year older, a year uglier."

Frank countered, "Look who's talking, paste face."

Raven instantly recognized the meaningful looks exchanged between her husband, Frank, Alex, Sean, and Scott. The shapeshifter joined the safety of the bed. She and Becky glanced at each other knowingly.

At the resulting dogpile of mutated males, Charles only shook his head towards Heaven. Erik found humor in his brother's "Lord, give me strength" expression before giving full attention to the impromptu wrestling tournament. To no one's shock, Frank and Scott teamed up against the older three. Scott tried to subdue their largest opponent by climbing onto Hank's back. The Beast activated within the scientist as he bucked about like a wild stallion yet made certain not to jerk the boy off too forcefully. While Sean held down Frank's legs by sitting on them, Alex inched over to try to do the same with his legs. Though positioned on his stomach, Frank made his upper body rise to exhale in the blonde's face.

"Ugh!" Alex scooted back with a countenance of repulsion. "Frankenstein, I told you to quit gargling with toxic waste. You kiss your girl with that mouth?"

Frank haughtily replied, "You better believe it."
A surprised but giddy Becky placed hands over her mouth. Raven could not resist laughing at the impertinence. Both Headmasters appeared in need of a drink, but the smallest glint of pride proved mixed in as well. Sean applied a pat of encouragement to Frank's back.

"What's going on?"

At his eleven-year-old entering, Charles quickly assured, "Nothing, little one." He indicated the massive poster board he carried. "Did you make that for Frank?"

"Don't go giving me presents this early." Frank then tacked on, "Unless you absolutely insist."

"No, all us kids worked on it." Joey went to Frank, holding up the white parchment filled with multi-colored signatures and pasted photographs. "You're getting my present later."

"Oh, wow." Frank took the poster to read the individual messages. "This is the best one yet, you guys."

Becky almost clapped in satisfaction. "I was hoping."

"I'm sorry about dinner last night," Joey said solemnly. "I didn't mean to wreck your mom's visit.

"Pfft," Frank waved off. "You call that a wreck? I'm the guy who flipped out two years ago and chucked a plate against a wall, remember." He reached for the younger boy. "We're all good, kid."

With a step back, Joey folded his arms. "I have stuff to finish before your party. Happy birthday, Frank." He took his leave with that.

Indignity crossed Frank's face as Scott and the older X-Men watched him go in confusion.

"He's tired from staying up last night," Becky explained positively. "He has a lot of art projects to work on."
"Seriously?" Alana's arrival ended the silence. She looked around incredulously. "Did you all camp outside his door to beat me in here?"

"We'll never tell," Raven replied cutely.

"You do remember that you were already jetlagged and up to all hours, right?" Hank pointed out.

Alana came back with, "'Do I care' is the better question." She made a beeline for her son. "Ohh, happy birthday, baby."

Giving his enormous card to Sean, Frank rushed to his feet. "Thanks, Mommy." She rubbed his back and kissed his hair, trying to push away the sting developing in her eyes.

Raven proposed, "Why don't I fix some brunch for you guys. It's too gorgeous outside not to eat on the terrace."

"Let me see to that, big girl." Erik sweetened his counter-offer with, "Who's for latkes?"

Among the favorable reactions, Charles gently requested, "Quiet, loves," as he received the telepathic notice from his wife. ''Raven, outsiders."

At the signal, the first X-Woman morphed into her blonde guise."

"Wait, who?" an entirely lost Frank wondered.

"Right this way, gentlemen." Sharply dressed in a gray and off-white blazer and pencil dress combination, Emma escorted the t-shirt and overalls attired male into the room. "Over there. Just move the nightstand items to the bed. Be extra mindful of the lamp and photographs, please."

The one with dark bushy mustache replied, "Si, Senora Xavier," as he and his associate began without slowing the pace even a step.

Becky sensed, "They're with the phone company."

"Whoa, no way. This is unreal." Frank nearly went to the floor again in disbelieving glee. "I'm getting an extension?"

Peering away from her hired hands, Emma responded nonchalantly with, "Naturally, sweetheart. How else are you going to access your private line?"

Gasps, incredulous gazes, dropped jaws, enlarged eyes, shortness of breath, and other such symptoms swept across the youthful onlookers.

In an abnormal feat, Frank stood speechless while Sean sprang to his feet with a fiery caw of, "Whaaaaaat?! He's fifteen! You pretty much laughed in my face when I wanted one at sixteen and that was just a lousy extension. But the brat who tried to give us freezer burn via shower gets a private number?"

"Hey!" Frank initially reacted until he rethought the accusation. "Yeah, gotta say, he's got a point."

Neither Headmaster remotely apologetic, Erik responded first with, "The "brat" was barely twelve years old then. And as I remember, you asked for a phone the same night I caught you sneaking late calls- not for the first time, either."

"And as I'm certain you remember," Charles addressed the disgruntled redhead next, "you received a car only hours after getting your license. Frank has the intellect to move onto university, but his age prevents him from enjoying certain privileges of such maturity."

To Frank, Emma brought up, "Your phone usage will not be regulated with a fine-tooth comb by us. If the bill becomes too outrageous, a portion of it will come out of your allowance. It's your responsibility to keep up with your studies and other obligations, understand?"

"Yes, ma'am," Frank answered her straightaway. "Thanks so much."

With Sean squatting in a petulant position, Alex lowered next to him. "Aw, buddy," he played in his red hair, "let the baby have his bottle. And hey, at least you graduated before the kid."

Sean came back with, "Oh, like how I'm going to lose my virginity before you do?"

"Sean Cassidy!" Charles and Emma reproached in unison.

Before more adult disapproval blended with the hearty laughter could result, Alex pounced the cheeky ginger. With Hank, Scott, and Frank not awaiting invitations to join the pugilistic antics, Round 2 began.

IIIIIII

Beneath the cloudless June sky, the steadily approaching roars of the high-octane vehicles drowned out any activity related to flora and fauna. Both machines accented in black, the silver model whipped thorough slightly ahead of the platinum version. When they reached a large clearing, the motorcycles divided and performed the same curved motion. Once the two halves met in the center of the circle they formed, they stopped in a simultaneous fashion, mere inches apart.

Up front on Leon's platinum bike, Frank removed his helmet with adrenaline still coursing as he hollered victoriously. Taking off his specially modified headgear with ruby quartz visor attached, the grin never left Scott's face from his pilot position on Alex's silver hog.

Frank chanted, "Lean mean," and Scott concluded, "Eye Scream Team!" They reached forward to clap their driving gloved hands together.

Alex nonchalantly commended, "Not too terrible, shrimps."

Unlatching his headgear, Leon shook out his dark mane. "It's all fun and games until helmet hair sets in."

Helping situate Scott's regular glasses on his face, Alex promptly reminded, "Try going without it just one more time and Dad and Emma will give you a double dose of helmet butt."

The younger boys snickered and Leon replied, "I'm vain, not masochistic. Not as of yet, anyway."

Heading towards a nearby tree with Frank, Scott asked, "Did I look anywhere near fifteen on it?"

"At least." Frank threw an amicable arm around him. "You could fool every cop in the 'burbs."

Scott proposed, "We should get fake IDs. Cruise down to Mexico. Catch a show; round up our own squad of ragtag mutants."

Frank added with equal grandeur, "Drink the water before our folks get the chance to kill us themselves."

"Reading my mind, dude." With a swift leap, Scott snagged a branch.

Doing likewise, Frank propelled himself forward and over it without easing his grip.

Watching their performance, Leon commented, "Missing members of the Flying Graysons." Beside him, Alex raised an eyebrow and Leon explained, "Dick Grayson. Batman's sidekick, Robin? He and his family were circus acrobats before his parents were killed."

"Superman, Batman, Robin." Alex shook his head. "What is with comic books and this morbid orphan obsession?"

When the Eye Screamers tired from mimicking Tarzan, Alex and Frank used stray tree limbs for swordplay.

Wielding his, Alex put forth, "Level with me, Frankenstein."

Frank dodged a swipe from him. "About?"

Alex wanted to know, "What's with the friction between you and Joey? Tell me you and that mouth of yours haven't slipped into old habits."

"Hey, I can vouch for me and my mouth." Frank then stated sincerely, "I don't get it, either. I thought things were better than ever between us. Even though we hung out more when I was a colossal jerk."

More covertly, Alex next asked, "What about him and Scott? You don't have to give me details, but have they been bumping heads? About me or whatever?"

"If they have, Scott's been CIA tight-lipped about it," Frank answered. "You saw Joey at the last game. He didn't even bother looking up if Scott wasn't on the field."

Inquiries verified, Alex simply said, "Okay," and they resumed their mock fencing.

Under the tree, Leon sprawled stomach down in the grass. He relished the few rays of sunlight that spilled through the leaves of the overhead branch. He closed his eyes for a minute or so and thought he had dozed off when he felt the additional weight on his back. Turning his head somewhat, he found Scott's upper body using his for a pillow. The youngster in red shades kept his gaze upwards. Leon knew he cherished the sun refueling his optic mutation.

With attention on the other boychicks, he noted something else. They both carried a high capacity for anger at times due to the various negative aspects of their pasts. However, Alex and Frank also came packed with uniquely robust energy that they exercised. Leon and Scott on the other hand, while neither proved remotely foreign to athletics or anger, they had the tendency to linger in silent ponder.

"Are we getting into anything new for summer sessions?"

To that, Leon replied, "You tell me. Anything in particular you want to work on?"

Thinking about that, Scott suggested, "Fallout recovery maybe. For when original plans don't pan out. Reaction times, coming up with Plan B-C-D on the spot, that sort of thing."

"Mutant improv," Leon surmised benignly. "Sounds good, Cyclops."

Self-satisfaction defining his features, Scott continued making himself comfortable on the instructor.

When the quad returned to the mansion, Leon and Scott picked up the duty of keeping Frank from seeing the festive parts of the main level. They started up a game of catch with both the other males making sure Frank's x-ray eyes never directly faced the house.

Once back in his workspace, Alex summoned via communicator, "Joe? Can you take five and meet me in your favorite phonebooth?"

"… Kay, Al."

Getting behind his desk, Alex did not have long to wait despite the dragging feet of his far shorter doppelganger.

Right away, he reacted to Joey sitting in the chair that faced the desk. "And this became the Headmaster's office when exactly?" Alex gestured at him. "Get over here, Eel."

Joey complied by making it around to stand at the older blonde's feet. "I apologized to Mummy and Frank already.'

"We're not here to rehash any of that," Alex said hearteningly. "You already took your lumps for that. And Joey, we both know that kid last night wasn't you. I don't mean what you said or how you felt but going off like that. Something had to set you off and no way was it Raven's portrait."

Crossing his arms, Joey spoke with uncertainty. "I don't know. I… don't know, Al."

Alex's hands went to the fledgling's shoulders tenderly. "Joe, listen to me. With all these issues the other guys tried to keep secret, there's no way I'd forgive myself if I let you get by me. I let that happen once already."

Incredulously, Joey emphasized, "I didn't hurt myself because of you, Al. I barely remember what I was thinking before I grabbed the knife. I was just stupid."

"No, I was," Alex argued resolutely. "I figured out the hot water the first day we met. That's why I need you to be honest with me right now. You won't be in trouble. We can talk to Lee, we'll help you together, but I need to know if you're into something. Hurting yourself, taking things- maybe even something one of your friends gave you?"

Joey gave off a hard shake of his head. "No, Al, no. I swear I'm not messing around with anything bad. I… I have a secret, though. I want to tell you, but not yet because it's Laci's secret, too. We haven't done anything bad, honest."

Their blue eyes locked on each other for several seconds, Alex responded, "Okay. I'm taking your word on this, kiddo. Break it and you have my word that no matter what your dad dishes out, you're getting a double serving from me. Do you understand me?"

"Yes, big brother," Joey answered unhesitatingly.

Pleased for the moment, Alex lifted him at the waist to hold him in his lap. Joey's arms found their way around his neck and he left a weary head on Alex's shoulder.

IIIIIII

Shortly before six, the doors to the magnificent Xavier mansion opened to the first in a multitude of adolescents. While plentiful streamers cascaded along the walls of the hallway, the living room adorned in patriotic colors contained the main event. Several of the youths paused multiple times to take in the luxurious estate all around them. Even those residing in large houses closer to town could not keep their awe at bay.

The folding tables in the living room consisted of one with five varieties of potato chips, dips, salsa, and melted cheese. Another one kept juice pitchers, sodas, and bottled waters on ice in buckets. The third table offered three different vegetable platters. They used the dining room to store the dishes of hot food prepared by Raven, Alana, Angel, and Cordelia. After taking part in the décor the previous night, Kayla had opted to spend the first part of the day with her children.

Beyond the doors of his den, the metal wielder slid the polished blade back into its sheath. He moved from his desk to return it to its regular decorative position.

"Not even ten minutes in and you're already shying away from the party?" Erik veered around at the voice belong to the one who slipped into the Mag Cave. "Nice ascot."

The Headmaster touched fingers to the neck accessory that matched his plum shirt and accented his ebony slacks. "Nice…"

At the unfinished sentiment, Alana prompted, "Which part?" She stood in a bare-armed burgundy rockabilly dress with deep v-neckline and her hair styled in a half-down bouffant.

Erik replied, "If you want the full list, we'll be here all night."

"I've heard worse propositions." One red lace-gloved hand went to her hip. "I misplaced my scorecard. Are we off or on again?"

"Dear lady," Erik strolled towards her, "a single mention of your name leaves me on. For hours on end at times."

Alana eyed the weapon he carried across one shoulder. "Out to end me and your suffering?"

Having forgotten he still gripped it, Erik raised the sword for his own viewing. "One of my many gym partners during those… restless evenings."

"You don't have to tell me," stated Alana matter-of-factly. "Unable to outrun your own mind. In the last eighteen months alone, I've gone to bed with you more nights than I have with my husband in the last four years. Near and afar."

Erik said in turn, "We cannot control our minds. The physical is something else. Things are vastly different now, Alana. We can't simply resume being one another's security blankets. Our son's needs come first. I cannot emphasize that enough."

With a nod, Alana said, "I'm sorry about last night. All that venom, storming off on you." Her lips quirked sadly. "Different guy, same habits."

"I was not trying to lay guilt at your door." Erik immediately added, "But I have no apologies for the choices I made concerning Frank. It pains me to hurt you, but it would kill me to lose him."

"Don't even imply that image," Alana requested in earnest. "You're not wrong. Question is, what do we do now?"

"For now," the man answered, "we enjoy our son's debut." Erik magnetically spread his doors and opened a cordial arm. "After you."

As she moved to walked out ahead of him, Erik took in the departing sight. He clutched his sword tighter before hanging it on the wall without a glance back.

II

With one final check in the mirror attached to his dresser, the fifteen-year-old finalized his ensemble by adding the hand-painted mahogany cross. The beaded chain of the necklace made the emblem dangle almost to his bellybutton.

Turning to his sole observer, Frank spread his arms. "So? Far out or burnout?"

From his position on the bed, Trav came back with, "Dynamite, daddy-o."

"My little daddy-o." Frank slapped hands and jabbed elbows with him.

Impatient knocking sounded shortly. "You dudes done primping or should I come back in an hour or six?"

"Mommy." Trav scampered down to open the door for her. "Look."

At Raven stepping in wearing an ice blue halter dress, Frank asserted, "I think we've got the best view, buddy."

Her mutated golden strands contained in a braided bun, Raven caressed his right cheek. "Lovebug." She zeroed in on the top of his head. "Okay, did Becca talk you into highlights?"

Frank snickered at the thought. "What're you talking about, lady?"

"You've got some red peeking out here." She carefully touched the edge of his hairline.

"You, too?" Frank reacted. "Huh, thought my mom was seeing things."

"We'll have you in the Ginger Society yet," Raven winked. "Ready to greet your public?"

Frank determined, "Let's not torture them any longer."

II

On top the rollaway platform set up at the rear wall, the small band sent upbeat waves of sound from the front of the house and straight through the main level. The musical trio consisted of guitarists Sean and Cody along with lead vocalist Trick. Amongst the numerous teenagers, the recent graduates of Angel, Cordelia, Maya, Ben, and Fabian gathered together. Cordelia and Angel filled the laps of their respective males- to make up for the limited seating, of course. Peering to one side, Maya spotted the Howletts, Xaviers, as well as Adrienne and Victor. She quietly admired Emma attached to her husband's side while Charles openly praised their entertainment. Both clearly battled not to let the high amount of excited minds get to them. When Erik and Alana made their way in and over to the other adults, Maya's smile waned.

Adorned in a rainforest depicted summer dress, Becky scuttled in on petite brown sandaled feet. Her entourage of the Summers brothers, Leon, and Hank, who carried Kiki, came right behind her. Becky stopped a short distance from the mock stage, giving Sean a silent signal.

The male redhead stepped up beside Trick to speak into the microphone. "Attention, cool cats young and geriatric."

Logan remarked lowly, "Who let the geezer brigade in here?"

Kayla quipped, "We need better security."

"The time has come for the main event." Sean enticed the crowd with each other. "The home beacon for lost ships, ray of hope through the black fog, and shining light after the darkness, my brother and best friend, Frank Tolbert!"

Applause ignited and somehow grew even louder when the anticipated individual entered with his arm linked with Raven's. Frank received kudos right along with his well-wishes over his attire. Black shoes glistening, he had on royal blue bellbottoms and a glimmering ruby shirt, partially unbuttoned with the collar popped. Raven released him to greet his guests. The other young X-Men surrounded and looked on with her. At the tugging on his pants leg, Leon took the cue to pick up Trav.
"Cary Grant has nothing on you."

Frank briefly laced fingers with her as he passed. "Thanks, Whitney."

"I see why they call this the greatest country in the world."

"Thanks for coming, Sashenka," he waved at the Ukrainian student.

After exchanging too many various handshakes and gestures to count, Frank at last reached his fellow honorees. Mondo wore dark brown pants, a tan short-sleeve mock turtleneck, and a chestnut blazer with the sleeves rolled to his elbows. Tony dressed in a traditional indigo outfit of long-sleeves and pants in light material. A gold U-shaped tribal print covered the front of the dashiki. A woven cap of the same coloring topped his ponytail restrained hair.

Wearing a maroon off-the-shoulder ruffled skater dress, Carmen flung arms around the awaited one. "Feliz cumpleanos, guapo!"

Frank planted a quick kiss in her hair. "Thanks, Car."

Mondo slapped palms with him, going into a brief hug. "Looking mighty bad in those threads, brother."

"Thanks, bro." Frank could not and did not bother masking the pride in his voice as he informed, "Just a little something from my mom." He and Tony exchanged a hug with pats on the back.

"God bless, man," Tony wished.

"Thanks for being here, man," Frank said candidly.

Tony returned, "You, too."

At the next song, Carmen all but detached Frank's arm from its socket. "Let's hit the floor, birthday boy."

"Better idea." A sandier brunette interjected body and voice between them. "Let's dance," she gave a sly glance to Carmen, "and you can sweep the floor afterward, bus girl."

Fists on her hips, Carmen retorted, "Great, I can use that dust rag you have on."

Educator tone taking over, Hank piped up, "That will be enough of that, girls."

"Moths to a flame," Alana gawked as female teenagers continued encroaching on her son.

Emma said wryly, "More like feeding time at the zoo."

"Whoa, ladies." Frank inched away before they could fully circle and potentially devour him, "thank you- seriously- but I already reserved the first-dance-of-fifteen for the love of my life."

When he made a direct path for her, Raven automatically latched hands with him. The other partygoers hastened out of their way as the mutated pair took to the most open portion of the floor.

Offering his hand to Carmen, Mondo proposed. "Let's show these country clubbers how Queens burns a rug."

Carmen brightened and accepted.

Bypassing the multiple faces of anger and dejection, Tony performed a fast but effortless spin before extending his arm to an awestruck classmate. "May I have the honor, Whitney?"

Initially taken aback, she nodded cheerfully. "You sure may."

From there, the willing dancers continued pairing off.

"So," Raven put forth, "worst birthday ever yet?"

Moving in a circular motion with her, Frank assured flatly, "Stinks worse than the barn and litter boxes. So, it's a colossal barn box."

"Then, mission accomplished," she quipped.

Frank's voice softened deeply. "Thank you, Raven."

Before the shapeshifter could utter a syllable, her eyes nearly reverted to yellow. From his feet on up, the luminosity coursed until it ascended high enough to absorb into the above chandelier. Though she stepped back a pace, Raven continued gripping Frank's hands. Staring at each other at first, both appeared panicked when faced with those around them. At the ensuing cheering, confusion replaced the worry in their features.

"That was amazing!"
Many stared at the light fixtures, wanting to know, "How'd you do that?"

Holding onto his guitar, Cody came to the edge of the platform. "Pretty cool, huh?" He let off a laugh. "Should've seen the looks on your faces."

"Just a wee bit of puff and mirrors, lords and ladies," Trick waved off.

With a rapid string solo, Sean minded his voice as he exclaimed, "Party on!"

At the compliance from those in attendance, Raven and Frank resumed dancing. Erik and the other instructors caught and comprehended the relief coming from Charles and Emma. Neither had any desire for the next parlor trick to be room-wide amnesia.

IIIIIII

Fingers strolling their way up the bare arms of the girl until they reached her shoulders, Collin received clearance for his tongue to greet hers. Not wanting her own agility to fail her at an inconvenient time, Samantha remained with her back pressed to the side wall of the pantry. Her senses activated late instead, giving her no prior warning about the impending adult footsteps. She practically ripped her lips off his.

At the duo attempt at guiltless expressions, Erik somehow managed to keep from smirking. "How goes the ice foraging, children? Or did it all melt… somehow?"

"Nope." A flustered Collin made a move for the necessary and long abandoned supplies. "On it."

"I'd best help you before the soda enthusiasts declare war." With no outsiders present, Erik ordered the largest ladle into his possession. "Where have you been hiding yourself, anyway, Cloak?" He and the younger male began scooping ice from its designated chest freezer into the wide buckets. "It seems we see more of your little brother than we do you."

"Thanks for not mangling him yet by the way," Collin half-joked then answered the question with, "I don't know really. Frank and I don't get to hang together as much and Sam gets busy with sister and mom stuff."

With only a single word necessary, "Yes," Samantha concurred.

"I can understand that. You're all getting so much older. Still, don't make yourself such a stranger." Erik gave a hearty pat to Collin's back before taking both buckets. "Let me get these out there while you wash off that lipstick. I'm afraid coral clashes with your hair."

Reddening to nearly the same shade as the aforementioned hair, Collin snatched a paper towel and rushed to the sink.

Erik winked on his way out, making Samantha giggle behind her hand.

II

Not about to exhaust her powers by performing a mental scan, Becky made her way over to the older teenagers to inquire, "Has anybody seen Anne?"

Arm around Cordelia, Fabian piped up, "She didn't feel like such a crowd. She and Brenda are having a girls night."

Becky bobbed her head once. "… Oh."

Leaving the drink table, Scott held the lemonade refill out to her. "On ice. What a concept, right?"

With a small smile, Becky took the plastic cup from him.

When he peered away from the window, Logan hastened to mount the mini stage.

After receiving the message into his ear, Trick addressed the gathered. "Attention, all, attention. Security has just informed me that we have a very special guest upon us. And since I'm already here…"

Curious whispers spread and Becky looked between the other X-Girls knowingly. Frank came to stand in front of the platform. With Victor bringing up the rear, those left in the dark received clarity in the form of the blue-eyed arrival. Scented with cherry blossom fragrance, an ivory lace spaghetti-strapped bodice and knee-length cream skirt made up her. A transparent nude shawl, pearl necklace and bracelets, open-toed shoes, satchel purse, and silver butterfly clip in her partially pulled back hair completed her ensemble.

At the frozen faces about to redden her own, Jessie determined, "That's it. No more fashionably lateness for me."

"Hi, Jessie," greeted Becky chipperly.

From different areas of the room came the choir of Cody, Tommy, and Trav. "Hi, Jessica!"

"Jess." Frank started for her.

Smile developing on sight of him, she removed the slim giftbox from her purse. "Happy birthday, June baby."

Frank touched the box by placing his hands over hers. "It is now."

From her position among the adults, Alana gaped, "That's Jessica?"

"Every breathtaking inch of her," Emma confirmed.

Reclaiming his beer bottle from his wife, Logan mused, "I think for the next set of nursery furniture, I'll use some of that pretty blue from Maya's car."

Expression as gentlemanly as ever, Charles requested through a firm smile, "Remind me to fire you later.