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.

318. Chapter 318 Staying Alive

Rise or Fall

Chapter 318

NOTE: Fam, I want to take this opportunity to wish a Blessed Best Birthday to Fam Member FPFS1991 (October 19th) in addition to at least two other October Babies among Fam Members, Fifi and Caper- their shared birthday, born in entirely different parts of the world, just passed on the 23rd! FPFS1991, please reach me at at aol dot com (full thing listed on my updated profile) because I would love to make a personal Rise or Fall artwork/wallpaper for you featuring the RoFers and colors of your choice. If anyone else wants to make an artwork request, especially with the holidays sneaking up on us, don't be shy to reach out. I know quite a few of you want to see my actor choices for the whole crew and you can consider me a proud Photoshopoholic. Love writing about these people, love depicting them visually, love the Fam, loooove my obsession. Check out the new story picture for an example of my work. I strongly encourage you to make a facebook account to join in not only on new pictures, but deep discussions, sneak peeks, and general RoF Fam Fun.

Now, please enj- hey, wait, wait, wait a second. Isn't there something else we're supposed to be celebrating today? Let's see, wet spooky sky, random costumes, abundance of candy….. Ooh, it's that time of year, isn't it? It's Rise or Fall's 7th Anniversary! Seven, seven, seven, OMG SEVEN! I'm trying to get a grip here. From that all too tentative Chapter 1 all the way to the here and now of Chapter 318, at over 2,300,000 words, almost 400 Fam Members from all across the globe, including countries I can't begin to pronounce! HOW did this happen?!

I'll tell you how. Because of me. Because of you. Over the years, Fam, many of you have felt comfortable sharing your issues in reviews or confiding in me privately. I'm thrilled to do whatever I can to offer comfort, perspective, and/or a rant wall whenever you need me. Despite having written over 2,000,000 at least, I don't have words enough to express how much I love and appreciate all of you old-comers, new-comers, and mid-commers. Thank you so much for being my venue and never falling asleep during my performance.

Now, at last, enjoy and review the 7th Anniversary Chapter of Rise or Fall!

In celebration of the two artistic honorees, Raven declared it Make-Your-Own-Pizza-and/or-Taco Night. Erik and Victor went into town to pick up some additional ingredients necessary for the cuisine of plentiful carbohydrates. Erik, in particular, supported that evening's menu since most of the children tended to pile vegetables of near Babble proportions on their tortillas and crusts. Hank still mandated a strict dental hygiene regiment for afterward, mainly because he knew Victor would undoubtedly make a detour at the bakery.

On his way into the kitchen later, Charles deeply and pleasurably inhaled the meticulously seasoned ground beef. Alana and Raven browned the different meats while Frank organized the numerous toppings into color-coordinated bowls.

The Professor wondered, "Has Trick called yet?"

"Not as far we know," Raven answered her brother. "I hope he knows he's defeating the purpose of visiting home if he's just going to play cryptic Specter with us. He knows what time we eat around here."

With a shake of his head, Frank quipped, "Man, is he ever grounded."

Unable to resist her lips quirking over her son's unique sense of humor, Alana reasoned, "He probably just got caught up in the city. He drifts to a whole other galaxy when he reminisces."

Charles ceased responding when he felt the essence of the slim lass before she entered. "Laci." He swept her up to hold for a moment. "You constantly remind me what a privileged man I am."

Clear surprise reacted in her gray eyes. "I do?"

"Of course." Charles then informed, "Redheads make up less than two percent of the population and I'm hoarding all the pretty ones."

Laci smiled widely while Raven and Alana peered over at the Professor warmly.

As the man returned her to her feet, Laci petitioned, "Aunt Raven," gaining the shapeshifter's attention instantly, "can I talk to you before we eat?"

Frank immediately assured, "I've got it, Rae," and went to take over ground beef duty at the stove.

"Thanks, Lovebug." Raven walked to and linked hands with Laci on their way out of the eatery.
"Speaking of my carrot tops," Charles made his way over to Frank to slide fingers through his hair, "I think the sunlight agrees with you, Frankie. I do envy you. The only crimson effect I receive outdoors leaves me bathing in a pool of aloe vera."
"Yeah, I know, it's weird." Frank sprinkled Italian seasoning into the two meat loaded pans.

"Not really," Alana then brought up, "You know you and your brothers were born natural reds before it faded entirely to mock me."

With a short snicker, Frank reminded, "I still have your eyes, Mom."

"No, I have eyes," Alana countered. "You have enchanted spheres in your sockets."

Charles brought his arm around Frank, "My sentiments exactly," though his mind remained on his best mate absentee.

II

Inside the McCoy suite, Laci sat at the vanity. Her sketchpad occupied her fingers and line of sight. Acting as lady-in-waiting behind her, Raven brushed her hair to smooth the residual frizz that accompanied backyard merriment. Shortly after Laci received the joyous news from her parents earlier, Charles declared it a laidback evening and lifted the regular meal dress code. He only required that they everyone change into clean play clothes due to the excess dirt and sweat from X-ball. Both females had on jean shorts with vibrant summer tops and sandals.

Admiring the maiden vixen the girl depicted with colored pencils, Raven wondered, "Is that Emerald?"

"No, she's a dame knight for Lily Dukes. I don't really draw a lot of angels anymore."

Raven used tangerine hair ties to keep the child's pigtails in place. "Too hard to keep the faith some days, isn't it?"

"No." Laci lifted her head to better view the older female. "'It's because I have you now."

Only briefly taken aback, Raven half-joked, "More like stuck with me now," and stroked her right cheek. "Now, why don't you clue me in on what's really going on with you? Especially now that all the contest dread is history."

"I've been waiting forever to tell you," Laci emphasized. "You and Uncle Hank won't be happy, but since Joey told the Professor, I'd rather be in trouble with you than keep it in anymore."

"Wait, you're sitting on something even bigger than Joey showing you his powers and secret Mickey Mouse Academy?" Raven sat backward on the bench to properly take in the freckled face. "You're only in trouble if you don't spill in two seconds."

Time limit in mind, "We kissed," all but fell out of Laci's mouth.

Though a rare feat where it concerned the shapeshifter, Raven misplaced her speaking capability at first. "… As in?" She indicated her own blue lips.

"Right," confirmed Laci, "but that's all, I promise. We don't even know how to do tongue things. And the Professor already said we have to cut it out before my parents—"

"Install Rapunzel's tower with a heavily armed militia," Raven deduced. "Yeah, if there's ever a time to follow my brother's advice, this is it. Just… wow. Was this before or after he showed you his powers?"

"After but before the contest. At my surprise party. When we went to visit the horses, Joey said he wanted to and I wanted him to." Laci tried to gauge the blue face for any further reaction. "Do you… do you think I'm trampy?"

"What?" Raven used the brush to mildly thump the top of the smaller ginger's head. "No way. Don't put words like that in my mouth or let them tumble out of yours within a hundred feet of me, got it?"

"Yes, Aunt Raven," came the compliant reply. "It's just that I heard about that girl Frank used to go with. When you and Uncle Hank saw them on the couch."

"Yeah," Raven spoke in recollection, "that whole thing was what you call an imperfect storm. We did not expect to walk in on the two hand-holding, soda shop junkies trying to smack lips where anybody could, you know, walk in."

"That was kind of dumb," Laci agreed.

"Don't get me wrong," Raven went on. "I love you and Joey both- heart and soul- but you're still only eleven. I am not trying to say that you're just goofy kids or that I don't understand what you mean to each other. Because that's crystal clear. It's just that in this town, certain people have absolutely no lives of their own so they spend a lot of the time prying into other people's. There's a reason the X-Men try to stay under the wire, especially when we first started. I really don't want to go toe-to-toe with your parents to keep you coming over here. But I will." Raven cupped her chin. "I'm glad you told me, Gorge."

The delighted girl threw up her arms to send around the older female. "Thank you, Aunt Raven."

While applying a soothing hand to Laci's back, Raven inwardly vexed on how to broach this new-to-them information to her husband.

IIIIIII

Thanks to the lack of traffic gifted by weekends, the ride took under two and a half hours. Maya drove, but they took Sean's freshly washed and interior vacuumed BMW. Though she could easily live out of her new Chrysler, Maya fully comprehended Sean's need to make an impression. When they arrived at his latest venue six hours ahead of the opening, the manager, Roy Knotts, initially believed them to be stoned teens incapable of reading the sign on the door. Roy's demeanor immediately shifted from perturbed to floored, apparently used to the average opening act showing up with hardly an hour to spare.

After showing Sean the dressing room and where he could store his equipment for the time being, Roy brought them through the rest of his establishment. The two-story building- the second floor being an entirely open concept that offered additional dance space- could hold a maximum of five hundred patrons. Though quite large, the eighteen-and-over club offered Sean the familiarity of the early places he performed in New York. Him, his guitar, and what he hoped passed for groovy attire to the squinting eye.

With ample time on their hands, the betrothed couple opted not to squander a second of it. To give Maya a break from behind the wheel, the two hailed a cab. Unashamed of their blatant tourist stench, they ate lunch at one of the countless restaurants boasting the best cheesesteaks in town. They picked Pat's King of Steaks. Not because of it being around since 1930 or that they claimed to be "the inventors of cheesesteak", but due to the name reminding them of Trick. By the time they finished their loaded steak meals, they both deemed the place deserving of its bragging rights.

They practically shared a telepathic thought with their next stop. Soon, they stood before the two-century old copper, tin, lead, zinc, arsenic, gold, and silver symbol for all its cracked glory. As they began capturing Charles-worthy photographs, with another tourist helping them to be in the same shot together, Sean mentioned how he wished for Erik's presence. When she learned why, Maya gave into giggles at the thought of Magneto terrifying on-lookers by invisibly banging the Liberty Bell.

Saturday crowd or none, they dared not pass up Independence Hall. Though many took pictures, most seemed the most enamored when led into the Assembly Room. As the guide went into detail on the drafts and signings of the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence, Sean and Maya quietly squeezed hands.

With the Founding Fathers in mind, Sean refused to re-enter New York state without something for Frank. On their way to the Independence Square Museum Store, Maya brought up that they had to acquire trinkets for Tommy and the other kids as well. Compliments of his Benjamin Franklin tunnel vision, Sean inwardly slapped his own bonehead for his shortsightedness. Maya thought nothing of it and let him focus on Frank while she came up with suggestions for the rest. She did not care for the selection when it came to girls, but decided on snow globes depicting historical scenes for Samantha, Becky, and Kiki. Sean practically flew without scream at the room décor he discovered for Scott and Frank.

Not wanting time to get too far away from them, Sean and Maya quickly agreed on their last stop. The museum and center of science education research of the all too appropriate Franklin Institute. Though Maya grasped her fiancé's sentimental mentality, she herself proved the picture of a kid in a candy store during the tour. With so many children in the group, the guide presented them with various textbook-esque questions. At the number of historical sciences Maya fielded, the multiple young boys present gaped at her. While Sean knew a few himself, he simply enjoyed his giddy intended mesmerizing the room. At the conclusion, the X-Men purchased cheesecake slices from a man with a cart outside before making their return to the venue.

According to the colorful signs- though Sean likely mentioned it- the main act for the evening would be a small group all the way from Australia. Though they already had something of a following there and their birth country England, they sought to test the waters of the States.

Though a line formed well before the eight o'clock opening, Maya got full use of the ladies' room to freshen up. She swapped her more daylight appropriate sapphire dress for an emerald long-sleeve mini number, belted at the waist, with matching go-go boots. She double-checked her accessories, including the special access pass dangling around her neck. When she made her return to the backstage, her petition for her fiancé silenced on her lips when she sheepishly realized his company.

The eldest of them immediately wanted to know, "And who do we have here?"

"Sneaking birds in already, Rob?"

"Baby." Going to her, Sean coiled an assertive arm around her waist. "Guys, this is my soon-to-be wife-for-life, Maya. Honey, say hello to Barry, Maurice, and Robin Gibb. Check it out, check it out," he used two fingers to simultaneously point at the latter two, "they're twins."

Pressing cheeks with Robin, Maurice offered, "Want to verify our birth certificates? Everyone else does, even our parents."

"Truth be told, I found them both in a rubbish heap and Mum let me keep them," Barry quipped. "I still kick myself for not holding out for the puppy."

Maya laughed and told them, "We live with fraternal twins. It's great to meet you guys." She shook hands with each of them. "And wow, I almost forgot there were other kids in this industry."

Sean explained, "I last opened for Danny Thomas and a house band before him- the youngest was thirty."

"Thirty? Mummified," Robin cringed.

While staff members went back and forth, the five got comfortable on the sectional sofa. Maya asked about their music and continent hopping. An enthused Sean brought up Charles at every opportunity and the stories retold to him by the Professor. Opening snuck up on them before long and the males rushed into their final preparations.

Maya seized Sean's shoulders for a moment. "Going to snag the second best view in the house."

"Second best?" Sean repeated as if he heard her wrong.

"Well, number one would be your lap, but that may be slightly distracting."

"But so worth it." Dipping to meet her limited height, Sean worked kisses up her neck until his lips reached hers.

While the twins emitted wolf whistles, Barry proclaimed, "God bless America."

Sean countered remarked, "You ain't seen nothing yet, guys."

Maya left him with another kiss and backed away from his grasp in provocative fashion. Her eyes remained on him until she slipped out the door.

Black shoulder bag clutched to her side, the short brunette maneuvered through the crowd. She caught various male wandering eyes, completely averting her own gaze in response. She climbed the right-hand staircase and perched herself by the edge of the first landing. She saw the full stage, top to bottom. Roy Knotts stepped out first. He gave a charming smile along with abundant thanks for those gathered. Maya ceased her inner booing until he at last announced the opening singer. With a roaring cheer, she shot her arms into the air, but had to utter an apology for nearly clocking another girl's nose in the process.

Guitar in hand combined with the wealth of sights and conversations that made up the day, Sean became at home in the unfamiliar setting. Concentrating on his strings and lyrics, the countless patrons blended together into a human sea. He made out only one face among them. It belonged to the overhead girl in green.

Maya's famed smile only expanded as Sean reached his third song with favorable reactions never depleting. Amazed as ever by his lung capacity, Maya hurried down a little past the twenty-minute mark to relieve her own throat. At the bar, she urgently requested the tallest available virgin margarita with light salt. When the tender spotted the pass she wore, he gave her an amicable headshake to keep her from reaching into her purse. Not missing her feminine glow, he had a waiter pour her a glass of water while she waited.

"What do you say I buy you a real drink, groovy girl?"

Maya rolled her eyes at the New Jersey accent and dismissively replied, "Thanks, but I have a real man suited for that task." Looking away still, she raised and wriggled her ring finger. "He's just a little preoccupied with the stage and all."

"You're betrothed to a Gibb brother?"

Glancing over with sheer annoyance in place, Maya's features redeveloped their illumination over the ash blonde. "Trick, you cad."

Returning the hug she rushed him with, Trick admitted, "Guilty as charged, MVP-soon-C. Couldn't resist catching my prime pupil unawares. I see he's got this lot well-warmed for the sidekicks of the British Invasion."

"He has them smoldering," Maya boasted, a smirk developing, "at least where I was standing." Facing the stage again, she also commented, "Though to be the main event, those guys should really come up with something a little catchier than the Brothers Gibb."

IIIIIII

When Joey returned home with Hank and Raven from dropping off Laci, Erik summoned his pre-teen trio to the lower level. They spent forty-five minutes on reflexive training. Naturally, Cody proved the most developed. Erik noted the increased speed Joey had displayed during the ball game now had him moving lighter and swifter. The Headmaster credited not himself for his nephew's improvements but a certain endorphin-inducing little redhead. Peculiarly, however, Tommy suffered delayed reactions. Erik kept his face unreadable for the duration.

After the metal wielder dismissed the practice, the boys helped him lock away the weaponry. Their fascination with the man followed him all the way up to the second level and continued into his suite. Erik sat on the side of his bed to remove his socks while his watch magnetically unlatched itself from his wrist to hover over to the night table. The three lads climbed onto the top mattress and deemed Erik their own private jungle gym as they pawed at him.

Joey placed arms around the elder from behind. "How long until we're full-fledged swordfighters, Uncle Erik?"

Giving a peck to the short blonde's wrist, Erik came back with, "How long is never? I am training you to be swordsmen, not swordfighters."

Laying down with his head near Erik's right hip, Tommy wondered, "What's the difference?"

"A swordsman embodies and wields his sword as second nature," Erik explained. "A swordfighter amounts to a court jester more concerned with theatrics than he is mastering his blade."

"So," Cody affectionately bumped Erik's left arm with his forehead, "does that mean we X-Men are masters of X?"

"You'll be there shortly enough. Look at you." Erik ran fingers through the bi-racial boy's mane and upper back fur. "And I thought Leon's was a sight to behold. How in the world do you and your uncle maneuver with this hair?"

"It's a cat thing," Cody replied suavely. "Besides, I like it."

"So do I," Erik concurred. At Cody's smile, he cupped his cheek. "Still, we're going to keep extra water on hand. I can't have you succumbing to dehydration and heat exhaustion mid-duel."

"No chance, Erik," Cody assured, nuzzling against his bicep. "I'll hang in wherever you need me."

"Right now, that would be the bathing chamber." Erik pulled Tommy onto his lap as he peered around at them. "All of you. Your combined stench could fertilize Logan's gardens."

Cody dangled half-off the bed as he scoffed, "Then, you've got ten times more stink than we do, tall guy."

"You mean old guy," Joey corrected impishly. "He's reeked of that since I've known him."

A wide-mouthed Tommy gaped at him and Cody slid to the floor in a fit of laughter.

"Hm…?" Keeping his left arm around Tommy, Erik used the right to prevent the yellow-haired fledgling's escape. "Would that be why you preferred keeping a hundred-foot distance between us?"

"No," Joey squirmed under the constriction to his waist, "that was from you being too tall."

"Your Uncle Hank is even taller than I am."

"He gave me cookies for my blood," Joey pointed out.

"Which is a prime example of his knack for being smarter than I am as well." When he loosened his grip, Joey played with his hand for a moment. Both took prompt notice of being unable to separate palms easily. Cody and Tommy exchanged a confused look. "Easy now, Kangaroo." With his seasoned power, Erik mentally commanded the transparent forces around them to release their grasp.

Joey blinked multiple times. "Was that your thing or mine?"

Erik flexed his wrist. "Our thing, I believe."

With a wriggle of his fingers, Joey reacted, "Cool."

"You performed so well with your powers today, even when you didn't intend it." When Joey sat up, Erik helped position him on his left thigh.

In continued marvel, Joey said, "I still can't believe I flew the way you can, Uncle Erik. Usually, my powers only go wild when something bad happens… or I'm being bad."

Erik eyed him seriously as he emphasized, "Your powers are not rooted in anger and fear. They are merely the emotions you came into the world knowing for far too long. You're not here to destroy but to…"

"Restore," Joey filled in.

"So, you haven't forgotten. See that you don't." Erik gave his ear a ginger shark bite, releasing a soft giggle from Joey." Cody crawled closer to purr against the man's leg. "You boys are advancing. Your training needs to step up as well."

Cody uttered a half-hearted moan. "Can't you test how strong we are by letting us stay up an extra hour?"

"After such a rambunctious day? Forget it." Erik then teased, "But an extra thirty minutes shouldn't hurt…"

"Yeah!" Bounding to his feet, Cody put forth, "Come on, guys. Let's load into my folks' tub and get to the rec room."

Joey detached from his uncle's leg and hurried to follow.

Tommy nudged Erik's shoulder with his cheek. The metal wielder connected their foreheads briefly before the Irish lad moved to catch up with Canada's native and England's selected son.

II

Brown curtains removed and folded for the wash, Samantha started hanging the black and gold trimmed ones her mother preferred. Becky had already replaced the vases with fresh flowers and now, arranged soothing wax fragrances around every corner of the loft. As usual, Victor did not think they should bother themselves, but decided to no longer fight the adolescent girls' endless beautification quest.

Beside the man on the sofa, Scott repeatedly pounded his baseball against his glove. "So, did those dames bleed pink, too?"

With his arm around his slim shoulders, Victor answered, "Just the ones who didn't bleed blue. Should've seen it. That house is so bright, I'm pretty sure it doubles as a UFO landing pad."

Scott snorted. "I'd have upchucked chunks just looking at it, with or without my shades."

"Hey," Becky gazed over her shoulder at him, "Kiki and I love pink, too."

"That's different," Scott waved up. "You two look far out in it."

Samantha turned to him next. "And what about me, hm?"

To that, Scott suggested offhandedly, "Try a paper bag over your head."

Samantha shot him a sneer and Victor none-too-gently messed the snickering youth's hair.

Becky shook her head at him as she carried a peach scent over to mount on the bookshelf. Towards the end of the second shelf, one spine caught her eye and she pried it loose for closer inspection.

"Okay, this just gave me a really weird image of my brother and my best friend getting married." At the confused countenances her unusual statement caused, Becky tapped the cover. "Look at the title."

When he did so, Victor stood straightaway to approach the curious girl. "Not your cup of tea, Tinkerbell. Too much rambling and dates jumbled around. I don't know why I even keep it around." Victor took the hardback from her and exchanged it for another in his collection. "Here, give this a gander."

Becky proved intrigued by the title of, "Island of the Blue Dolphins. Can I borrow it for a while?"

"Ah, take your time," Victor encouraged.

With a whistle to announce himself, Logan poked his head up from the stairs. "Hey, Magneto and the Knights of Vengeance just emptied outta the gym. Who wants to get in a round of kickboxin' before tuck-ins?"

In a heartbeat, Samantha and Scott dashed forward. They bashed shoulders along the way.

"Creep." Samantha rushed ahead of him.

"Bubble blonde," Scott came back with.

"Hey, hey, be civilized," admonished Logan, going behind the spirited pair. "Wait until you get downstairs to kill each other."

As soon as Becky collected her housekeeping aides and departed next, Victor walked back to the couch. Kneeling, he slid the copy of The Diary of Anne Frank underneath it.

II

"Okay, I'm really trying to wrap my head around this," Raven vexed. "You're seriously thinking about pledging a WU sorority? What did they slip into those sandwiches exactly?"

"It's not what you're thinking." Angel walked with her to hang up their pool cues from their game. "In fact, that's the whole reason I'm even considering it. Shahrazad House isn't like the others. That's the whole point."

Cordelia piped up from where she and Alex shared the couch, "If long-term exposure to my biggest sister hasn't poisoned her, no organization has the power."

"Cor, you have to come and see the house before we start school." Angel went to sit beside her. "Camille Cartwright is nothing like I had in my mind. We were in there like the United Nations of sororities. Jaws didn't even fall to the ground when they saw me with Sammie, Dri, and Vic. But they were looking at me. When we first got there, they acted like I was some sort of…"

"Royalty," Alex supplied knowingly. "That's the way these kinds of clubs work, babe. They don't want to get to know you, just this image they have of you in their heads."

"So?" Angel immediately dismissed. "I'm a model because of how I look. My image went from keeping me at the bottom of the barrel to opening doors for me."

Cordelia reminded, "You never have to consider such things when you have Frost or Xavier in your name."

"Just had to get me in the kneecap, right?" Crossing her arms, Raven lowered onto the edge of the left couch arm. "All I'm saying, Ang, is that I don't want your individuality relinquished here."

"I appreciate that, Rae, but if that was possible, there's no way I'd be doing Hearts and Stripes Forever," Angel pointed out. "I'm studying business and this schmooze thing is a big part of it."

"I'm just glad they didn't jump all over you and Sam. I was worried about that," Cordelia admitted.

"Me, too," Angel concurred. "But I think they were more tripped out by the fact that I had the only other daddy there. If they only had a clue how much weirder that is for me."
"Not only normalcy but the variation that reaps envy from outsiders," Leon surmised from the loveseat across the way. "Bask in it."

Angel faced him with a clandestine smile.

Beside him, Hank added, "I don't think this is cause for alarm on our parts. A horde of giggling pillow-fighters pales compared to certain other factions you've aligned yourself with." Like a detonated atom bomb, conversation and jollity came to a flabbergasted halt. An unflustered Hank emitted a slight chuckle. "Joke, people. Contrary to popular belief, I, too, can muster humor from time to time."

"A joke?" Cordelia echoed in disdain. "Is that what you call that colossal turd you just pulled out of your grandiose ass?"

"Cor." Alex gripped the livid girl's shoulder while Raven aimed her reproach at, "Hank McCoy."

"On that needlessly crude note, I need to get some work done." Getting to his feet, Hank reached over pat Angel's upper arm. "Only ribbing. You know how proud I am of you, kiddo." He turned to his wife next, "I'll be along to say goodnight to the children," then took his leave.

Not at all placated, Raven gave Angel an apologetic glance then stood herself. "Alex…"

Rising, the blonde twin, in turn, cued, "Lee…"

Leon responded by dissolving and shifting over to the teen lounge exit.

II

Stationed in front of his blackboard, Hank jotted down notes based on the chalk markings into a research journal. When he heard activity and multiple footsteps and scents enter the lab, his attention remained on writing.

"Now isn't the best time for a staff meeting," the scientist spoke. "Let's reconvene after midnight, hm?"

Raven counter suggested, "Or you could turn around and talk to us before my foot convenes with that impressive rear of yours."

Hank veered, "No need to be crude, dear," and placed his pen and journal on his desk.

A sympathetic Alex urged, "Dude, you have to stop letting this alpha-omega-whatever thing get to you."

At the accusatory look he shot her, Raven defended, "The confidentiality clause is null and void when you start taking your issues out on the kids."

"I was funning with the girl," Hank insisted. "God knows the three of you have allowed your tongues to get out of hand to Hindenburg Disaster proportions."

Leon volunteered, "I'll cop to that."

"Hank, how much more do you need?" Alex questioned reasonably. "You are tops in every subject known and unknown to man. You graduated effin' Harvard before your nuts dropped. For a team called IQ, I'm the one freak who has to study longer than an hour."

"Pot calling the kettle black, Lex?" Hank responded dryly. "I recall you quite ready to unleash the fires of hell around this time last year when horror of horrors, you came in second in a small-town surfing competition. Is it any wonder Joey was so inconsolable after the museum contest?"

Alex pressed his hand against a chair in frustration. "Low blow, man. But I get it. I am crazy competitive. I also have years of stupid to make up for. You don't. And speaking of Joe, he got the regressed label from the get-go. Trav's dealing with anxiety before he even has double digits in his age. Why is it so hard for you to be anything less than absolutely perfect?"

"Trav and Joey are children," Hank reminded importantly. "I know my powers are not on par with the Howlett-Creeds, Victor and I have gone over that in length, but you try being belittled by a hyper twelve-year-old and his crass father."

"Babe, Cody was born with the ultimate advantage," Raven asserted. "Training as early as six-seconds-old."

"You're not behind, Hank," Leon spoke, stepping up a pace. "You and the beast inside you spent years at odds and you're still learning how to master it over oppressing it. I'd take your alleged delayed areas over mine any day."

"Stop it." Making a purposeful path for him, Hank placed both hands firmly on the youngest male's shoulders. "There is nothing wrong with you, Lee, nothing."

"Possessing that opinion is about the only thing wrong with you," Leon replied.

"We know you're used to being Number One around here," Alex put forth. "The oldest, the first student-instructor, but we're all still here for each other. You need to let us help you. And yes, the pot will learn to take his own advice."

When Hank let go of Leon, Raven maneuvered over to her husband's front. He touched a hand to the small of her back and shared a look with her. Gazing up again, Hank bobbed his head appreciatively towards the other two.

IIIIIII

Once Sean caught sight of one unexpected audience member, he all too readily relinquished the stage to Australia's trio. Aside from stagehands too completely preoccupied with their own duties, the mutated males obtained time together on the couch.

At the way the teenager chugged from his water bottle, Trick asked glibly, "Practicing for university, are you?"

Sean lowered the plastic container from his lips and mockingly bumped knees with him. "You really dusted off the standup routine tonight, Trick. You already snuck up on me Specter style."

"As if I was really going to give my name at the door," Trick refuted. "This was your night and I wanted to take in every moment with you."

"You're with me every time I set foot on stage," Sean strongly informed. "Trick, look at this. Look at me." He went from gesturing around the backstage lounge to indicating himself. "All the places I've been, all these big-time singers I've met, every lyric I've written are all because of you."

Trick shook his head firmly. "No, boyo. We're here downing mineral water in posh accommodations because of you. You're the one who put yourself out there. The one with talent enough for the big wigs to reach out to you."

"Because you reached out to me first," Sean urged. "You put the guitar in my hands. You heard a song in me instead of just the destruct-o scream. I owe a lot to you, man."

"You're repaying with interest on every word." Trick patted the youth's thigh affectionately. "Thanks to me bumbling with this Scott situation, I haven't exactly been feeling like Teacher of the Year."

"Yes, Scott Wise Old Sage Summers- must be those Batman PJs ." Sean's eye roll proved even more visible in his voice. "Seriously, Trick, that kid's mouth has been clocking overtime this year, especially since we announced our engagement. AKA the night he decided to communicate by planting his fist in my gut."

Trick remarked, "Still hardly able to wrap my head around that one. Had it been Frank…"

"I know," Sean agreed. "I can't believe he's in a mood over a free scooter. You should've tried what Charles told me when he gave me my car. He said if I refuse to accept it, I'd catch a spanking that would smart until my next birthday."

Trick exhaled in amusement. "That's Charlie- frighteningly generous. Honestly, even if my authority held so much as an ounce of weight, I'm not within my right to exercise it on Scott. It isn't as if his anger isn't justified."

"Maybe," Sean marginally conceded. "But aiming it at you is completely out of line. We all know he's not going to be rude to Auntie Alana and he's keeping up the civilized while he and I are under the same roof. You didn't abandon us, Trick or you wouldn't be here right now." Sean's face reflected ironic humor. "I'm trying to figure out what the logic is here. Someone like Fabian Cortez starts off as our enemy then suddenly, it's okay for Cordy to date him. You, an actual X-Man, went on a peace mission and you're made a pariah by this kid, who is allegedly jazzed about leadership."

"That's the crux of it, Seanie," Trick emphasized. "Scott is only a kid; one who was dragged through the foster system. His trust issues are no wonder. Doesn't mean I plan to throw in the towel." The backstage entrance sounded and the older mutant said covertly, "Let's not discuss this in front of Maya. Scott's keen on not letting any of this spoil the wedding."

Sean quietly responded, "That's a few points for his brat attack at least."

Maya returned to them with a tray of chili cheese fries in her grasp. "MVP, VIP, whatever the case, I can get used to this." When she reached Sean, she helped herself to his lap space. "Thanks for keeping my seat warm, baby."

"Just doing my duty, madam." The redhead savored the gooey fry she fed to him.

When Maya held out the tray, Trick gladly took a few for himself. "I still can't get over the change in you, sweet lass. What of the birthday girl dazzled by her first time in a nightclub?"

"As far as I'm concerned, Maya "Minute" Patterson is sealed below the sewers of North Salem," Maya replied matter-of-factly. "Maya "Smiley" Cassidy isn't going to waste so much as a minute of life."

Winding his arm around her waist, Sean said to Trick, "As much as Charles has done for me, I can easily picture where I'd be if you hadn't come along. Going to college to be a librarian or museum coordinator. The lowkey little brother drowning in Hank and Alex's shadows, still venting his frustrations with pen and paper."

"You credit me too grandly, Sean," Trick claimed. "However, don't get so attached to that guitar that you forget the pen. You have it in you to be a great novelist."

Sean tacked on, "After I go through a thousand rejection letters from publishing companies. But hey," he leaned back contentedly, "there are worse day jobs." He looked at Maya again. "Do you want me to drive? The Gibbs are wrapping it up soon and that's a long trek back."

A tempted Maya still brought up, "And if Mighty Mommy Emma learns I'm shirking my warden duties? I can't be a grounded bride right before my wedding."

"Aye, we're talking the epitome of uncool there. I'll take the wheel," Trick volunteered. "You're going to be worn out before we even cross state lines. You two simply enjoy your cozy backseat."

Sharing an enamored gaze with his fiancée, Sean dutifully replied, "Sir, yes, sir."

IIIIIII

After play concluded in the recreation room, Tommy headed downstairs while Cody and Joey went in search of their baby siblings. The raven-haired boy found both the study and parlor deserted. He honed in on who he sought when he reached and peered into the den. He watched the English Headmaster maneuver around the common space. He collected random objects into a hamper tucked under his left arm.

Mind alerting him ahead of his ears, Charles turned to see the curious youth in Daffy Duck pajamas. "Welcome to the glamorous side of adulthood." He indicated the small toys he had already gathered. "Apparently, my duties involve acting as the lost and found service."

Tommy wondered, "How come you don't have a bunch of maids and butlers who sound like you?"

Holding in a snort, Charles responded, "I use a few services for window washing and rubbish pickup, but I grew up with countless housekeepers. I don't want to employ another adult to clean up after and take orders from my allegedly helpless children. Also, we have to be more watchful than most about who we allow in or near our home."

"Ah, gotcha."

Charles left the hamper on the coffee table and sat on the edge of the couch's arm. "Why do I get the feeling that household maintenance isn't what's really weighing on your mind? And so we're clear, this isn't the telepath in me talking."

"Oh, I been figured that out," Tommy responded nonchalantly. "If you really went around listening to what we kids think up, you'd be chewing us out to the bone every day."

Amused, Charles praised, "An astute boy you are." He gestured for him to come closer. "Now, please tell me what's the matter."

Tommy spoke as he made a path for him. "I've been trying to make sense of this since spring break. Joey explained about a lot of this mutation stuff."

Charles' eyebrow raised slightly. "Did he?"

"Yep, you know, MC1R genes, eumelanin, and that phantom-nin stuff." Tommy raised his right palm. "That pinky goop around the veins. I don't have much of that girly mess. That's why I'm not a carrottop like my mom, Aunt Raven, Laci, and Sean."

The Professor tapped the lad's chin with a faux annoyed expression in place. "The beauty of red hair doesn't make pheomelanin "girly mess". Still, it is nice to know that boy of mine is keeping notes."

"But I still don't get it, Prof," Tommy continuously vexed. "Scott's hair is way darker than Alex's, but they're both mutants. Same thing with Wolverine and Sabretooth. But Frank's got two brothers and he's the only one with powers. How come some siblings don't get powers at all?"

Charles stated, "That is a very good question. One that has puzzled me since Erik and I began this quest. The Summers are quite similar to the Howlett-Creeds in terms of appearances. Alex and Victor have entirely different eyes, hair color, and even skin tone than those of their younger brothers. Their mutations are, in fact, their greatest biological commonality. They simply manifest mildly differently between the brother pairs. With Victor and Logan possessing separate birth fathers, they obviously received the gene from their mum. I suspect the same to be true for Alex and Scott. Then, of course, my wife and her siblings raise even more questions."

"So," Tommy tried to comprehend, "our mom made Sean a mutant?"

Charles answered him with, "It's a possibility, though obviously not intentional on her part. "However, dear boy, heredity is not the sole source of mutation. Not naturally, that is. Hank's father, for example, was exposed to radiation at his work and along with several other employees, the effects manifested in their children. Hank, Samantha, Trav, and Kiki are among the more fortunate from that."

Tommy next wondered, "Was Joey really born under power lines?"

"Yes…" When his wrist went rigid, Charles immediately bit back the acrimony that attempted to develop. He laced fingers with Tommy and continued speaking jovially. "Mutation has been known to result from situations of extreme stress, danger, or as a coping mechanism."

"Well, why couldn't it save Lee's family?" Tommy wanted to know. "Or Cody's sister?"

With a whisper to his voice now, Charles genuinely replied, "I don't know. Those questions play on all of our minds more than we want to admit, but there is no easy answer. Now, may I ask you something?" Tommy nodded. "Are you worried about developing a mutation… or wishing for one?"

Crossing his arms, Tommy glanced down for a moment. "It was easier when I hated this place."

Charles gently cupped his chin. "Was it better?"

The youth's blue-eyed gaze leveled again. "God no."

"Agreed," Charles chuckled lightly. "And I have it on good authority that I am not alone in that opinion."

Tommy started to speak again until he felt the tight but safe constriction around his upper body. "Erik!" He yelled the name in laughter as the man growled and tickled his belly.

"Look and listen at all times little boychick." The metal wielder stood with the child. "The next shark that comes along won't be nearly as merciful."

"Ha!" Tommy dismissed. "Next to you, all the other sharks are wussier than Flipper."

"And vastly more civilized," Charles quipped.

Erik snapped his teeth at his brother then regarded the fledgling in his grasp good-naturedly. "Are you ready for bed or do you need another minute."

Tommy determined, "Nah, I'm okay." He faced the other man again. "Catch you later, Prof."

Charles reached up to stroke the youth's jet-black hair. "See that you do. Rest well, little lad."

After Erik departed the den with the short, warm vessel, he remained quiet as they ascended the stairs. He listened to Tommy's breathing and felt him snuggle against his neck. Erik instinctively held him closer and pressed a soft kiss to the top of his head.

Tommy requested, "Can I stay in our room until Sean gets back?"

"Of course. After that commute to and from Philadelphia, I'm sure he's eager to come home to you." Bringing them both into the designated room, Erik propped him up against the pillows. The Headmaster knelt by the bed, letting their blue eyes meet. "I have to say, Tom, your performance wasn't up to its usual standard. You know you cannot allow your attention to stray while you're handling a weapon."

"I'm sorry, Erik." Tommy mainly worried, "Was I really that bad?"

"Sluggish at points. Seconds here and there, but the opponent gaining the upper hand takes even less time."

"Yes, sir. I know."

Erik regarded him with more gentleness. "You're still thinking about Leon, aren't you?"

Tommy morosely replied, "Always am."

"Throw in a multitude of additional children and you have my day to day thought process," Erik half-joked. He finger-combed the young one's hair. "I meant what I told you the other night. Whatever threats we face in the future, they have much more to fear from me. Do you believe it?"

Tommy formed a partial smile. "You betcha."

"Very good. Now," Erik moved on, "after such a rambunctious day with swords training on top of it, we won't resume last night's reading. You have enough weighing on your mind and I don't want your rest interrupted with those images."

Though disappointed, Tommy still replied, "Yes, sir. Can we read them some more tomorrow?"

"Absolutely," Erik granted. "As for tonight, what do you fancy? Captain Hook, Tom and Huck, Merlin?"

"Can you tell one from when you were my age?"

"You greatly remind me of Becky at times," Erik noted fondly. He maneuvered stylishly enough to avoid rolling onto the child's body as he joined him on the mattress. Laying down, he let Tommy get settled in his arms. "Hook actually reminds me of when my friends and I went after our own buried treasure. A misadventure indeed."

A highly intrigued Tommy reacted, "You?"

With a special slyness in his irises, Erik informed, "I was not the espionage expert I am today at your age. And that's an understatement."

II

During the proactive portion of his lost and found duties, Charles left Sean's notebook on his bed, returned sneakers to Cordelia and Cody, hair accessories to Angel, Becky, and Sam, and placed Joey's markers on the desk in his empty room. Unsure who the hardback of The Hobbit belonged to, the Professor opted to confiscate it- for safekeeping of course. With two action figures in hand, he started for his last second floor stop-off.

When he stepped into the open room, Charles hastily stilled himself to observe from the doorway. Seated on the side of Scott's bed, Emma used a lightly damp cloth on the soundly sleeping and heavily perspiring child's face and neck. Her every motion carried delicacy, wanting to cleanse him of the sweat and dirt without being a bother at the same time. The sheer serenity on his ruby-quartz free countenance proved all too satisfying for the woman to dare jar him in the slightest. She felt her husband before he entered and quietly relished his stalwart presence watching them.

Charles situated the Joker and the Riddler on the dresser while inwardly wondering why Detective Comics needed such redundant villains. When Emma wrapped up her hygienic task, Charles made his way to them. He crouched to kiss Scott's forehead. Bringing his palm to the child's right cheek, the male telepath linked with him. As if doing nothing more difficult than additional housework, the man dispersed any grains of negativity that sought to stealthily invade his young Cyclops' dreams. At Scott's reaction of an infantile exhale, Charles' insides warmed while his exterior glowed.

As they departed together, Emma seized his hand with a playful expression forming. Following her lead, Charles made a show of swinging hands with a giddiness in his every step. Their imitation of cutesy high-schoolers going steady concluded when they reached their suite and Emma went after his lips for a potent kiss. Again, Charles took to her lead with utmost compliance.

"Any idea why our diligent airman didn't bother to shower after his last workout?" Going to the dresser, Charles proceeded to remove his casual clothing at a noticeably slower rate.

"Between the game and an exhilarating round of "kitty-kickboxing", it was all he could do to make it to his room without crashing." Enjoying the stimulating entertainment he provided for her, Emma reciprocated with her own disrobing. "Fell right to sleep in his gym clothes."

"Ah, that explains him turning in early." In black satin pajama shorts and a gray undershirt, Charles lounged on the bed with eyes fixed on her. "Do remind me to order customized X-pajamas in time for Christmas this year."

Slipping her creamy silk nightdress on, Emma concurred, "Reading my mind as ever, Sugar." She situated herself at her vanity to begin her nightly regiment. "I couldn't be more relieved that Julie and, especially, Clint did not make World War Three out of the art program."

Charles seconded the sentiment with, "I was prepared for an inevitable war of words with Clint, but Raven was right. Whatever they said, the four of them handled this situation masterfully."

Emma smoothed milky lotion along her arms and chest. "I'm especially thrilled that Leon took part. He's grown far more than he realizes. They all have."

"Indeed."

Emma instantly detected something in the simplistic response. Professor?

The petitioned one sighed inward and outwardly. I need to tell you something, darling. But please, try to understand. This is no cause for panic.

Veering around on her bench, Emma faced him directly. Go on, Sugar.

When Joey and I were talking last night, he admitted to me that he and Laci have, apparently, been experimenting with kissing a bit. Ever since Laci's birthday party. Charles quickly assured, I was floored as well, though more due to them acting on it than the feelings being present. However, I made it clear to him that they're only kids and that Laci's parents would be livid. Now, please, don't be cross with him or her. They both fear that Laci won't be welcomed here anymore.

The female telepath's gaze and posture remained even as she received her husband's every mental syllable until the last of it. That's completely ludicrous. As if I would brand Laci with the letter A and cast her out like rubbish. I fully admit that hypocrisy is a frequent symptom of motherhood, I've carried too many labels from my own past to hurl similarly.

We have. Charles stretched his right arm forward.

Emma transferred from the bench to his open lap. I'm not angry, Charles. I'm also not blind and deaf to how they feel about each other. As strange as it is, part of me is only grateful that Joey reached this point later than Chris did.

Charles gaped at her. For Christ's sake, did your brother's libido ignite at all of six months old? Let's not tiptoe into that particular psyche, Emma requested, please. On that note, did you discuss further consequences with Joey?

Yes, and I believe he understood me. Now, that they've tried it a few times, it cannot go on. Laci will not be exiled, but they will not be allowed alone together until we can trust them again. We love Laci, therefore we will not exclude her from our wrath."

With an adoring smile, Emma relaxed her head between his shoulder and neck. You're ecstatic over your charmer of a boy, aren't you?

Charles echoed vivacity across his link. Our dashing little gentleman. I know they're still very young, but consider what this means in terms of his regression. He can lead a full life, Emma; have a family of his own one day.

And this new development is entirely celebratory for you? I may have been elsewhere occupied at the time, but when you first brought Joey home, he wasn't an eight-year-old. He was your own squealing infant. Three years later, you've given him far more than your own name, but is leaving behind that simpler time such an easy task?

… Yes. Charles' resolution surfaced. But our son will not be burdened by my nostalgia. You and I are not exactly short on little miracles.

Emma got up, but grasped his wrist as she did. Now, let's see what they're up to.

After they both adorned themselves with robes and slippers, they embarked on their next destination. In the nursery, Joey feebly arched back and forth in the rocking chair. Most of his rapidly depleting energy belong to his arms, which cradled the far smaller blonde. Also lethargic, Brian acknowledged their parents with his pointer finger and a slight coo.

On sight of them, Joey reported, "He finished his milk, Mum."

"I see," Emma said of the entirely drained bottle on the side table.

Charles noted, "I see two little lads much too zonked for storytime."

Joey came back with, "We see our dad being much too much. I'm telling Uncle Erik you're stealing his job."

"You go right ahead." Charles made a path for the chair and collected Brian from his older son. "That goes for you as well, you treacherous tattle-tale." He returned the urchin smile the baby gave him.

"Come on, Treasure." When Joey attached his hand to hers, Emma held it with keen tenderness.

On their way out of the whimsical room, Joey leaned comfortably against his mother's side.

II

With Becky wanting to journal for a while longer, Erik went to his suite to get into his night attire. He performed pushups until he reached the one hundred and one mark. Settling in his armchair, the Headmaster picked up the borrowed book from his end table. He opened it to the page he left off on prior to breakfast.

Becoming rapidly engrossed in the content, the address of, "Dad," followed by knock gave him something of a whiplash effect.

Glancing over, Erik made the door automated with his mutation. "I see you finally managed to drag yourself away from your new telephone, boychick."

Revealed by the opened door alongside his mother, Frank claimed, "Hey, if I don't play with my new toys, I'll look ungrateful."

"It's only proper etiquette," Alana supported.

"One and the same you are," Erik stated affectionately.

Frank beelined for him until he neared enough to sit forward in the man's lap. "Can I go to church with Jessie's family in the morning? Mom said to ask the warden."

Erik questioned in turn, "Your continuous quest for answers or simple yearning to be in the presence of your lady friend?"

Frank candidly replied, "All of the above."

With that, Erik consented, "Then, enjoy yourself as I live vicariously through you."

"Thanks, Dad," Frank grinned, hopping up.

As their shared child strode by, Alana informed, "I'll be over in a sec." Frank nodded and continued into the hall. The redhead's line of sight landed on the Jewish man. "Sweet look."

Clad solely in his maroon pajama bottoms, Erik counter-commented, "Sweet seat."

Briefly stilled from her departure, Alana whipped her head back to leave him with a narrow-eyed glare. Once away from his quarters, the woman gave into the bursting bubble of hilarity behind her chest.

With his final view of the aforementioned sweet seat, the smug wizard of metal returned attention to his riveting reading.

IIIIIII

Until the elders finished their regular rounds, the visiting Virginian struggled but remained in only a partial slumbering state. He waited an additional ten minutes before rolling off the bed. He gathered his stashed supplies and scuttled into the closet. Soon illuminated by a circle of tiny flames, the boy sorted through his seemingly endless notes and his King James hardback. He mainly went back and forth between Corinthians, Thessalonians, and Deuteronomy.

To Me belongeth vengeance, and recompense; their foot shall slide in due time: for the day of their calamity is at hand, and the things that shall come upon them make haste.

"Yesterday, December 7, 1941 — a date which will live in infamy — the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan."

See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.

"Whatever threats we face in the future, they have more to fear from me."

Finally, brothers, rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you.

"He died right there… The one who hit Emma and the Professor two years ago is still out there, too."

"I can help them, but not myself. Things can improve, but who I was before that car bomb? I can't even remember."

Pen in hand, Tommy gripped it with the forceful constriction of wielding a sword as he steadily filled another entry.

I can't take much more of this, Lord. Why did You send me here? I never wanted to come and now, I don't know how to leave.

With his free hand, he yanked on the silver cross around his neck and increased his constriction on it to the point of creating dents in his skins.

Am I supposed to hear them and do nothing? I can't, Father! Please, please, You have to let me get rid of these evils that hurt them. Please let me set the others free so they can do g—

Almost like a miniature explosion in the palm of his hand, Tommy felt his pen snap in two. The ink hastily spread and dripped, quickly blackening his small appendage. Unsure if the fractured writing tool, the flames, or his own mind caused his slim form to profoundly overheat, the child all but flung himself from the closet.

Not bothering to clean his hand, the boy moved with purpose to reform his candles. With the additional space, he added three more to his circle. Snatching up the waste bin, Tommy wantonly emptied its contents onto the floor and slammed it back down. After tossing wads of blank paper into it, he scanned through the list of names and/or transgressions collected by him throughout his stay. He ripped each of them out one by one to deposit into the bin.

When he added the last one, Tommy grabbed the candle nearest to him- take them out, Lord. Take them- he furiously dumped the wedge of wax in. In hardly a moment's time, the spreading flames engulfed every strip of paper. Even after their destruction and the blaze grew, Tommy's posture stayed hardened and his eyes paled into icy blue. The escalating glow painted his fair skin in scorching orange and red.

Only the unanticipated but familiar voice of, "Uh oh," managed to startle him, "busted. Baby Man snuck out of—" Overwhelmed by horror the instant he stepped into his room, Sean let his guitar plummet. "Tommy!"

The child received no opportunity to formulate words as his brother dashed to snatch him up. The swift motion caused the black-haired boy's foot to kick over the waste bin. At the rising fire making a purposeful path for the oxygen beyond the open door, full reality dawned and Tommy clung to the older Cassidy.

With an unrelenting clutch on his brother, Sean used every fragment of might within him to execute a leap. Though he succeeded in getting them out of the doorway with Tommy untouched, the same could not be said for Sean's right leg connecting with the embers.

Disregarding the severe singe completely, the teenager let loose his mutated screech while his insides screamed, Dad!

The next several minutes became a surreal blur before Tommy.

Due to Sean's bedroom placed at the center of the second floor, Charles and Erik arrived at the distress call in nearly simultaneous fashion. With Midnight ready to confront the trouble, Samantha had to keep him in her arms in the hall. Angel kept both hands attached to her sister's shoulders. Emma left Brian with Joey before hurrying after her husband. A robe adorned Maya hastened from the bathroom when she heard her fiancé's cry over her shower. She watched as Logan and Kayla came around the corner. Trick flew up straight through the floorboards. Encased in her gold form, Cordelia sprinted from her room. Not for ten seconds did she wear her mutated armor before she caught sight of the sweltering source. Her casing crumbled and she backed against a wall in absolute consternation.

The multiple confused and frightened minds bombarded Becky at once, making her clutch both her temples between her hands. The novice telepath's anxiety rushed through Emma also, but she forced it to the wayside. The female elder brought Becky over to Cordelia and used her body to block their view while she absorbed their stress into herself. Led by Victor and Adrienne, who reacted to the smoke detector alert in Eye Spy, Raven, Hank, Alex, and Leon bounded up the stairs. Adrienne carried the fire extinguisher from the security room with a countenance that threatened homicide.

Alana, Frank, and Scott kept the all too curious younger kids back, glad to have the babies secured in their parents' bedrooms. The youths all looked on in awe at Erik's apparent calm as he acted. He magnetically snatched Adrienne's fire extinguisher along with the one for the second floor. Hovering them into the room, he sprayed their contents with extreme gusto until not so much as a spark lingered. Though relief spread throughout the hall, the heartbeats pounded like an orchestra of drums in the ears of the brothers Howlett-Creed and kittens. While Hank dropped to his knees to inspect Sean's leg, Erik went to scoop up Tommy. The little boy tossed arms around the man's neck, but his figure became lax at who his gaze landed on. Leon stood a distance away in an almost catatonic state. Though Emma acted promptly in bringing him over to where she safeguarded the girls, Leon stayed rigid. Tommy's eyes pooled wretchedly.

Surveying Sean's now drenched bedroom, Charles uttered, "Good Christ," at half the floor singed and worst yet, what remained of the discarded music device.

Logan voiced the mutual question of, "What in the flying fuck happened?" He, Victor, Midnight, and the animalistic fledglings let off snarls at the incessant smoke detectors.

They all jumped when the ceiling devices spontaneously combusted.

At the disapproving faces, Erik said dismissively, "I'll replace them in the morning," and kept patting Tommy's back.

Chaos control proved more difficult than combating the highly impromptu disaster. Getting Sean comfortably situated in his arms, Hank and Erik carried the Cassidys to the lab. Becky latched hands with Leon to guide him back to his room. Arm around Cordelia, Emma steadied her as they walked after the other pair. After Alex and Raven got the chance to inspect each remaining fledgling, Alana and Kayla elected Frank, Scott, and the older girls to help distract and soothe the small ones. With their father acting in physician mode and their mother dealing with the other fallout, Kiki latched onto Scott and Trav to Frank. After hugging Maya, Cody stationed himself outside the door while she finished up in the bathroom.

As the next Headmaster needing to exercise his mutation extensively, Charles requested Raven's anchoring to help ease the youngsters back to sleep. His sister more than willingly obliged. With plans for functionality set, Alex started to go check on Leon and Cordelia. He watched the little ones a bit longer and his pupils momentarily enlarged over one sight. When Frank tried to slip his spare arm around Joey, the eleven-year-old evaded him to snag Scott's wrist. Glancing down, the shades adorned boy retracted his hand to instead leave it on Joey's shoulder. Dragging a wearily puzzled hand down his face, Alex headed for Leon's quarters.

IIIIIII

Upon receiving true relief, Sean exhaled heartily as his excess dread and adrenaline steadily decreased. The dutifully working Hank had discovered where the fire grazed the redhead's ankle. He masked his reaction to the dark markings and skin breakage, but experienced gratitude that the damage did not penetrate more than two layers of tissue. He immersed the ankle in the cool water of a basin for ten minutes while Sean laid on the table. The two met blue eyes and visages of genial bravado every so often. After the water portion, Hank delicately dried the area and began applying the ointment. He made sufficient use of his right hand alone in order for Sean to hang onto and pull at the left one at even the slightest pain. Sean theorized that he could rip the arm straight off without slowing down the meticulous older Irishman. Lastly, Hank wound sterilized bandages around the troubled limb.

"Here we go." Hank took the teenager's arm to drape across his own shoulders. "Let's see how well you walk on it. Just hold on to me, okay?"

Sean nodded and moved at Hank's cue, letting off a wince as soon as he arose.

From Erik's lap, Tommy raised his head in dread. "Seanie."

"Easy, easy." Hank sent the boy a small smile as he helped the other one sit again. "Seanie's just fine, Tommy." Turning to the male in question, Hank explained, "It's going to be at its most uncomfortable for just a few days. Since you're off, Alex and I will work with you. You're going to be right as rain well before this upcoming weekend. I promise."

Bobbing his head again, Sean softly replied, "Thanks, big brother," and laid his head on his strong front.

The gravity of the night's events weighing in, Hank locked arms around him in turn.

The formerly wordless Erik reiterated the earlier question. "How did this happen?"

Before his brother parted lips, Sean chimed up, "I barged in when Tom was praying and I must have—"

"Honey." In pajamas with her hair bound in a towel, Maya entered the lab and jogged to him. "Are you okay?"

"Yeah, fine, baby." Pressing his hand to the small of her back, Sean brought her in for a kiss. "Better yet if Hank has anything to say about it."

Hank himself added, "Less than a third-degree burn. There's going to be pain for a while, but we were lucky. Especially that it wasn't your face."

"I don't know," Sean shrugged glibly, "that might've been an improvement."

Maya cupped his jaws between her hands. "If you had burned that face off to the bone, I'd still be racing down the aisle to you."

The lightheartedness in Sean's features declined sharply when Charles and Trick came in. The latter carried the disfigured instrument by its bent neck. Tommy felt yet another plunge in his chest from both the sight and the expressions that resulted on the affianced pair.

Charles automatically assured, "We'll replace it straight away."

"Or better yet," Trick put forth, "I'll have one of my old contacts in the city restore it. That way you can customize the specs to your heart's content."

Sean accepted the distorted wood and stared at it silently. "Yeah, probably should've left you in your case, huh…?" His feeble smile could not mask the steadily increasing sheen in his eyes.

A distressed Tommy had to cover his mouth for a moment. "I'm so sorry, Seanie. I didn't mean it, I swear."

"Mean what exactly?" Erik wanted to know.

"I think the answer to that lies in here." Charles revealed the slightly disheveled notebook. "We found it opposite to the fire's trail. Other than a little extinguisher foam, it's still fairly legible."

"What?" Maya saw the page that detailed the street and events surrounding the hit-and-run. "Sean, did you—" Realization hit her quickly. "This isn't your handwriting."

Sean noticed the contents as well and confirmed, "No, it really isn't…"

"It's mine," Tommy admitted. "I use it to talk to God about stuff."

"Cast them all," flipping a page, Sean continued reading, "into the fire. For all that they've done, they're my enemies, too." Clearly disgusted, Sean looked over and demanded, "Tell me you weren't writing this about Trav."

"What? No!" Tommy got to his feet at that. "What kinda sick-fuck do you think I am?" He jumped at the sting of lighting across his bottom.

Taking him by his shoulder, Erik seethed, "You and I only recently had a conversation about that language. I don't care how excited we all are right now. Not another swear out of your mouth."

"Yes, sir," Tommy whispered.

Minimally satisfied, Erik next questioned, "Now, what is this all about?"

"I wasn't talking about Trav or anybody. I don't care how annoying he is. I wouldn't talk that way about any of you." Tommy looked towards Sean and the rest. "I just wanted to help. Since I don't have powers, I asked God to let me get rid of all those guys that hurt you and got away with it. The ones who hit Maya's dad. Prof and Mama Emma, too. And everybody who hurt Leon's family, especially that bomber."

Astounded, Erik's stony features started to soften. "Boychick…"

Dazed and flabbergasted beyond comprehension, Sean attempted to grasp matters. "Are you telling me, you've been praying to God for a license to kill?"

"That explains the candles," Trick piped up then explained, "Like fasting, they're part of intense worship. I've lit several wicks myself during it."

"I'm aware of the lovely custom," Charles informed. "Admittedly, I haven't brushed up on the Good Book of late, but how is setting a rubbish bin on fire considered an appropriate tribute?"

Maya suggested, "Maybe they just knocked into it with a candle."

"No," Sean shot down. "I couldn't understand what I was looking at before. I just wanted to get him out of there. But my trash was already on fire when I walked in." He pointed to his brother. "He looked like he was enjoying it."

"I was mad!" Tommy insisted. "I got so mad thinking about it all. I just wanted to burn the bad guys' names. I used the waste bin 'cause I figured it'd be bigger and safer. I was gonna put out the fire before Sean came charging in."

Sean whacked his fist against the exam table. "Oh, right, excuse me for coming home after a long day and mucking up your repulsive little death ritual. What is wrong with you?"

"Me?" Tommy then retorted, "You're one to talk. Like Mom and Dad think you're weird just because of that pansy scream. The whole family talks about that creepy stuff you keep around. Those books you read; those movies. You're the sicko, not me."

"Boys," Charles intervened firmly before Sean could verbally retaliate. "Tommy," he walked over to squat before the child, "listen to what you are saying, lad. I understand and share your anger. I certainly understand wanting so desperately to remove another's pain. But you cannot let that rage convince you to do something as reckless as what you did tonight. Destruction and violence are not God's will for any of us. Christ warned us of such things to keep us vigilant, not to embrace them."

"He told us about that stuff 'cause He wants us to look out for each other. And I'm waiting to hear God's permission," Tommy reiterated. "He gave it to Samson to crush the Philistines."

"Not without a price." Charles strongly reminded, "In carrying out that vengeance, Samson lost his own life in the process."

"Samson is with God," Tommy came back with. "Where are his enemies right now, Professor? Where?"

When deafening silence rang throughout his work space, Hank declared, "That is enough of this for one night." He got Sean's attention with a squeeze of his shoulder. "Will you be alright if I fix our pullout sofa up for you? If the pain worsens during the night, my communicator will be on standby."

"Kay," the younger X-Man agreed.

Maya gave Sean another kiss and hug.

With Trick helping Hank take him up the stairs, Charles said after them, "I have to look in on the little ones, but I'll be up to say goodnight."

Trick saluted for the fatigued redhead.

Eyes trained on Tommy, Maya petitioned, "Erik, Professor?"

Rising, Erik directed, "Kiss your sister goodnight, Thomas."

When the blazing and somewhat shaky child reached her, Maya enveloped him tightly. She accepted his peck on her cheek. The Headmasters caught her mouthing "thank you" but did not address it.

After Maya departed, Erik lifted Tommy again. The boy eased enough in the metal wielder's clutch but tried to avoid eye contact with the telepath trailing them. When they got to his suite, Erik laid Tommy in the middle of his wide bed.

"Charles and I have to see about the others." The tall man proceeded to tuck him in. "Unless you need the bathroom, don't you dare set foot off this bed."

Tommy squeezed a pillow. "Yes, sir. I'm- I'm still sorry about—"

"In the morning, Tom." Erik smoothed his hair a little then removed the silver necklace to leave on the night table.

Stepping forward next, Charles left a kiss on the Irish lad's left temple. "We love you, dear boy. Now, relax for me."

With Tommy so involved in the disastrous events of the night, Charles offered him the mildest sleeping suggestion. He carefully sought not to overwhelm the sensitive mind.

When the men headed off for their highly unexpected third rounds, Tommy's racing thoughts proved plentiful but unentertained. Within a few minutes, he ceased blinking and managed to drift away.

II

Even after the difficulty of helping the children obtain their rest, the elders enjoying their own appeared a fruitless effort. With the level of fright that had snatched them from their previous dream states, none of the fledglings stayed alone. Maya along with Joey, Brian, and Bounty went to the Howlett's wing. The arrangement allowed Emma to maintain vigilance over Leon and Becky, who laid beside him. Kiki and Trav slept between their parents with the Eye Scream Team not so far away. Frank and Scott had selected to bunk in the McCoy common room with Sean. In confidence, Frank informed Raven he wanted to be there if Sean needed anything to keep Hank from all too likely wearing himself out. Trick provided Sean with water, vanilla wafers, and ibuprofens before going down to assist Victor in Eye Spy. That freed Adrienne up to be with Angel, Samantha, Cordelia, and an all the more alert Midnight. Receiving visions from nights of years past, Adrienne cradled Cordelia as best she could. Not as exhausted as the rest, Samantha helped her mother and youngest aunt with lulling purrs. Alana entertained no plans for slumber anytime soon and began clean-up in Sean's room.

With his own mind everywhere at once, Erik knew the same sensation had to be significantly tougher for Charles. Sensing his brother's concern for him, the Professor made no argument of staying over in the older mutant's suite. Charles waited in the armchair while Erik acquired a portion of Hank's telepathic tonic for him. When Erik returned, he found Charles reading through the book on martyrs by the minimal lamplight.

Your personal library never ceases to amaze me in all the wrong ways, brother. Charles accepted the tonic from him.

Tommy brought that home, Erik informed, getting a raised eyebrow from the telepath. Rachel Braunstein lent it to him.

Little Rachel Braunstein?... What in the world is going on within these children?

Erik eyed Tommy solemnly. Greater complexity than we credit them for. Also, he plucked the book right from Charles' grasp, you don't need this before bed, either. Not this night. He had to stifle a chuckle at the brief pout that appeared on the younger Headmaster's face. Lay down, Lab Rat. I'll be there shortly.

With a nod, Charles transferred from the chair to the bed. He stretched out by Tommy's left side and caressed the youth's back until he finally settled into sleep himself.

Erik somewhat absently walked to his window, staring beyond the glass at the blue-black sky.

IIIIIII

As if operating under synchronicity, the adult mansion dwellers awoke by the light of dawn. Granted, various images of flames potentially dancing in mockery around their children did not result in the most restful of evenings for any involved. Finding the practice of thumb twiddling abhorrent, Alana went straight for the kitchen. When their minds met, Charles and Emma petitioned any willing to join them downstairs. In the dining room, Erik came in after the Xaviers, followed by Logan while Kayla stayed with the young ones in their suite.

When Trick merely came, solo so Victor could keep monitoring the cameras, Emma noted, "No spectacular entrance, Specter?"

Trick dropped into a seat. "Between my wee trek into Philly and last night, I figured it best to preserve the mutant juices."

"So long as you found your way home," stated Charles, creating instant delight on his friend's face.

With the aid of her son, Alana brought in the tea and coffee services in addition to the previous day's leftover baked goods. The woman hardly blinked when her tray abruptly pried out of her grasp. She watched Erik position it on the table with an exchanged look that required no verbalizing on either of their parts.

"You're a Godsend," Emma praised.

Alana quipped, "That's a subject of much philosophical debate."

Trick whistled over Frank's appearance. "You're really letting your baby boy out of the house in those sharp threads, Lannie?"

"I'm going with him," Alana informed. "Someone has to fend off the inevitable barrage of Grecian church girls."

"Get a load of you, Glowworm," Logan glibly remarked of Frank's all black attire, short of the scarlet necktie. "About to have breakfast with the Lord, dressed like you're goin' to dinner with the devil."

"Nonsense," Charles dismissed positively. "You're a heartthrob."

Erik asserted, "You'll have a throb elsewhere if my freshly dry-cleaned shirt and tie are not returned in that same condition."

"Imminent threat acknowledged," Frank saluted and tacked on endearingly, "Thanks, Dad. Meet you in the car, Mom."

When the teenager strolled out, Logan put forth, "I hope you two know you've got a whole litter of grandbabies comin'."

Alana came back with, "Thank you for installing that spotlight over the obvious," while Erik responded, "So long as they look like her side of the family."

Shaking her head, Alana bid them all a temporary farewell. On her way out, she passed the trio sets of Raven-Sean-Hank and Maya-Leon-Alex.

Crossing his arms, Logan wanted to know, "Why are you up, Maya Vivian?"

"A severe case of the bullheadedness, which is spreading," Raven answered for the younger female then indicated Sean as well. "Here I thought that was an Erik Kid thing."

Alex regarded his twin in minimal amusement.

When Leon took the chair next to hers, Emma applied a delicate hand to his back. Erik came up from behind to knead his shoulders. When the caffeinated aromas caught his attention, Emma selected a mug to prepare the young man's personal ambrosia known as coffee.

Charles took Sean's wrist when the McCoys brought him over. "How are you feeling?"

Lowering, Sean used the man's lap and chest as a recliner. "Pretty sure my head took more hits than my leg. Hank slathered on some fresh feel-good goo."

"We're fine," Maya claimed. "We need to be here for Tommy right now."

"What you need," Logan made a path for her, "is to quit ignorin' your rest. You were up at the crack of dawn yesterday, got in late last night, and after this fiasco, I know there's no way you got more than four hours of sleep."

Maintaining as respectful a tone as she could, Maya countered, "That's all a part of being a wife. It's not even a tenth of being a mom."

Sean raised his head in her direction.

"Save the sacrificial lamb bit," Logan automatically dismissed. "In case you forgot, you still have mutant stardust runnin' through your veins. Do you want your powers to go haywire again?"

Hank chimed in, "Which is why we need to get on with this discussion so she and Sean can actually sleep soundly."

Logan detected the bite in his tone but did not acknowledge it as he responded, "As soon as the kid gets up, have him fetch a belt. There we go, end of discussion."

Maya appeared too appalled to speak, but a resolute Erik voiced her sentiment with, "Out of the question."

"Logan, he's ten years old," Charles emphasized. "Only a little boy."

"Spare me, Chuck," Logan waved off. "I was a small kid, too and if I'd had the gull to fool around with matches—"

"Hey, Stone Age," Alex cut in brashly, "are you having a senior moment right now or did you huff too much smoke last night? In case you forgot, the other boys aren't Cody. They don't have a handy healing factor."

"If my boys didn't have a lick of the X gene in them, the end result would be the same," Logan refuted matter-of-factly. "We're not talkin' bad grades or broken vases here. We have other kids under this roof, including three little bitty babies. If Erik hadn't been here, he'd have come home to a shit load of ash."

"For Christ's sake, Wolves," interjected Trick. "The boy's not some sociopathic arsonist. He was only conducting worship. When the spirit moves, it's easy to get lost in a trance."

Logan came back with, "Don't talk to me about spirituality, pretty boy. The hell do you think I'm doin' outside every mornin' just to keep my head on straight? The kid doesn't get a freepass by screamin' "Jesus made me do it". He knew what he was doin'."

"So did I." Maya's insertion made Logan turn towards her. "With Melissa and Brenda. I caused a lot more damage than Tommy did. I don't remember you taking a belt to me and I'm older."

Logan stated staunchly, "That was a different situation."

"Yes," Maya agreed in a sardonic tone. "I was throwing myself into danger and overexerting my powers. To the point of hurting Cody and Kay. Tommy trying to help us. When I took him to where my dad's accident happened, I never meant for… I don't share that with a lot of people. I never meant to put ideas in his head."

A previously quiet Sean insisted, "Honey, none of this is your fault."

"He's right," Leon spoke next. "Because I'm pretty sure it's mine."

Attention going straight to him, Emma wondered, "What are you talking about, sweetheart?"

"Delaware," Leon answered her then elaborated, "I don't know what sparked any of this, but right before we left I found these books Tommy bought. About the harbor; internment. When I asked him about them, he told me I didn't have to worry anymore. He's trying to learn more about everyone who went after my family and praying to be allowed to kill them. And anyone else who tries to hurt me."

The explanation's conclusion left the majority of the room with varying taken aback expressions while Sean snapped, "Delaware? He's been acting like this since Cody's birthday? Why didn't you say anything?"

"Because of the look on your face right now," Leon nonchalantly replied. "Wondering whether to stick a straitjacket on the kid or douse him in holy water."

"That is not true," Sean adamantly denied. "What is this crap you're sticking in my brother's head?"

"Seanie." Charles gripped the irate teenager's bicep and sent him mental whispers of calmness.

"Leon didn't do anything, Sean," Maya told her fiancé. "Tommy must have heard us talking or something in Delaware. I wasn't even paying attention to what he bought at the bookstore. It was nice just seeing him interested in being there at all."

Pensively pacing around the room, Erik deduced, "This explains his sudden interest in wars and martyrdom."

"Look, X-Lovies," Raven addressed, "I fully admit that Tommy has colossal consequences coming, but come on, you know how easily Frank gets wound up by topics like this. I've lost track of the number of people he's offered to gut for me."

Sean shook his head hard. "This isn't just guy talk. My little brother has been using prayers and worship to get the OK for a killing spree." He eyed Leon again. "And you seriously expect me to believe you had nothing to do with planting this trash in his head?" The redhead placed his critical gaze on Erik next. "Don't get me started on what you've probably been telling him."

While Erik raised an eyebrow, Charles reproached, "Sean Cassidy, there will be no more of this accusatory attitude."

Trick reached over to place his hand on the young ginger's knee. "We understand how completely blindsided you feel by this. The whole lot of us are in the same boat. You have the right to be angry, but lashing out won't get us anywhere, boyo."

Sean glanced around with a general, "I'm sorry."

Erik came his way to wordlessly slide a hand down his cheek.

"I wasn't trying to keep anything from you," Leon asserted earnestly. "I've been wracking my brain about this since Delaware. Cody issuing death threats on my behalf, I can buy- mostly, but Tommy? I don't get his interest or angle. It's not like I left any profound impression on him during spring break." He used his thumb to gesture at the oldest boychick. "I'm not the baby whisperer over here."

Alex snorted at the title then reminded him, "You do remember you were on Sean's rescue squad with us, right? Our six-guy bro club with the shrimptoids over spring break ring any bells?"

The concept still not fully grasped, Leon tilted his head with a blank expression. "So?"

"You're honestly trying to dissect this child's motives?" Hank then surmised knowingly, "Are you really that incapable of believing that someone with a relatively uneventful upbringing in Model-America can feel outraged over cruel injustices? That you touched him in such a unique way that he cares for you this deeply?"

Leon stared at him for several seconds. "That is the most asinine tripe I've ever heard out of your mouth."

Raven, Alex, and Maya bowed their heads in laughter at the identical exasperated visages Hank, Sean, and Charles simultaneously developed.

Using two fingers to rub his right temple, Charles requested, "New memorandum, Henry. Run immediate bloodwork on these blokes." He waved a finger between Erik and Leon.

Hank shrugged his shoulder towards Alex as he replied, "I'm still awaiting his results."

Maya looked up when Logan's voice sounded again.

"Look, fact is, I've got nothin' against Black Irish wantin' these SOBs' heads on a pike," he stated barefacedly. "At least he's on the up and up with the Big Man. I don't wait on the OK for my own smitin'. But he's got to answer for last night. Not everybody in this house is ready for the Kingdom of Heaven."

Trick faced him to decree, "You suggest taking a strap to any of the wee ones even once more and you'll know the fear of God firsthand."

To that, Logan delivered a hearty pat to the ash blonde's back. "Welcome home, kid."

Trick deflected his pleasure by reaching for a croissant.

Sean determined, "I can deal with Tom."

"But you won't," Erik promptly countered.

Charles further informed the teen, "You will finish your breakfast and see to mending that ankle."

"Say that again," seconded Logan. "Not havin' the groom drag around the dance floor like a lame duck at my weddin'." To the various looks shot his way, he amended, "Their weddin'- the kids- whatever."

Maya's brown irises practically overflowed with esteem.

Any lightheartedness the atmosphere offered withered into dead air as Erik took his leave of the dining room.

"Hank," Charles addressed, "please commandeer your brother."

"Among the many things I'm here for." Hank handled the redhead by the arms and took over as his animated chair so the Professor could stand.

The telepath quickly caught up with the metal wielder by the stairs. Brother.

Erik veered at the inner petition. It's fine, Lab Rat.

You're not, Charles knew. Your time with him is so limited and this is far and away from how you wanted to spend the remainder of it. But Erik, you cannot go up there with that mindset. Tommy is not Sean's visiting relative or a temporary playmate for the children. The one good thing to come out of last night is the solidifying of what we've known all along. Tommy is our family. He's yours, Erik. Treat him as such.

… Thank you, brother. With that, Erik began his ascension to the second level.

II

Under the thin summer linens, the tedium that came with staring at wallpaper proved not nearly so profound. Be it the Cave or his bedchamber, the older Headmaster's assortment of global artifacts and decor came off infinitely more interesting than any museum Tommy had been dragged to. Before the knuckles could make contact with the wood, the child sat up the instant he detected the recognizable footsteps.

"Erik?"

Wondering how many telepaths truly orbited him, the tall man re-entered his suite. "Well, good morning. Did I wake you?"

Tommy shook his head then reconsidered the question. "Sorta, but not just now. You and the Prof made a sandwich outta me last night then when I woke up, the bread was all gone." Erik let off a faintly amused air. "Is it okay to get up? I went to pee, but that's it."

"Good." Sitting in the armchair, Erik used three fingers to beckon him. Watching him throw off the covers, the elder waited until the fledgling stood directly before him to speak again. "We both know we're here because of last night. However, so that we're absolutely clear, I want you to tell me why you're about to face consequences."

"'Cause I'm the biggest dope there is for almost torching the place during prayer," Tommy bluntly replied. "Sean got hurt 'cause of me and I wrecked his guitar… and his room." He folded his arms in a maddened sulk. "Got Maya all upset. I probably mucked up the whole wedding."

"Alright, now you're giving yourself too much credit," Erik interjected. "It's been made abundantly clear that only Heaven's forces can hinder that union. We all know you did not intend to harm your brother, including Sean. But considering the fact that his ankle happened in the process of seeing to your safety, you had no right whatsoever to get snippy with him or Charles last night."

"… The Prof doesn't want me back here, does he?"

Entirely taken aback, Erik formed a deep frown. "And how did you jump to that ludicrous conclusion?"

"He's gotta think I'm sick like Sean does," Tommy insisted. "For what I wrote and want God to do."

"Ah, I see," Erik nodded. "So, when he said he loves you and focused on keeping your comforted during the night, it was all part of his twisted scheme to shove you backside-first out the door, hm?"

No humor present on the young features, Tommy claimed, "He still thinks something's wrong with me, doesn't he?"

"Think for a moment, boychick," Erik coached. "The man's childhood home nearly burns down and he scolds you over your prayer request. Not because you're some foul urchin in need of cleansing but out of genuine concern that your thoughts are so troubled. Believe me, I've received the Professor's personal attention in that area more than once."

Initially quiet, Tommy wanted to know, "Do you think something's wrong with me?"

"I think you're a kind, caring, courageous boy," said Erik matter-of-factly, "trapped in a world that shows very little of those qualities. You may not carry mutant powers, but you have a special advantage too many lack. The ability to not only recognize and reject wrong-doing, but the desire to rid the world of it."

A minimal perk pass through Tommy's slim form. "You really see me that way?"

"I wouldn't deceive you," Erik vowed. He stared closely into the younger blue eyes. "I'm not here to judge your prayers, Tom. That is between you and a power far greater than the X-Men combined. However, acting on them as recklessly as you did last night will not be tolerated. I've gone over the rules of swordsmanship with you three countless times because weapons are not toys. That includes matches. Are you allowed to light candles by yourself in Virginia?"

"Do birthday cakes count?" At the man's steely no-nonsense gaze, Tommy properly answered, "No, sir."

"And you now know why more than ever. What happened to Sean's leg was an accident. Letting your anger get the better of you to the extent of creating an indoor bonfire was anything but. However, before we get to that…"

When Erik stood suddenly to go to his night table drawer, Tommy did not have long to ponder his meaning. Retrieving the bottle of clear liquid, he poured a small portion into a paper cup.

Tommy made a face. "Vinegar?"

"Don't think I've forgotten that four-letter gem you hurled at your brother and, worse, in earshot of your sister. As you've forgotten what happens to little boys and girls who don't mind their tongues." Erik extended the cup to him. "Here's a refresher."

Though his lower lip protruded, Tommy took the heavy-scented substance. He filled his mouth with as much of it as he could. As he refamiliarized himself with the potent taste, he inhaled sharply through his nostrils and tried not to crush the cup between his hands.

Ten seconds passed before Erik pronounced, "Enough." He bit back a fond smile at the adorably sour face he formed after spitting. He knelt slightly to better reach the dismayed eyes. "These words have become far too second-nature for you. Either you try harder to control them or lines, corner time, and a few sound swats will accompany the vinegar. Especially in the presence of the ladies." Erik took his chin between two fingers. "Is that understood, Thomas?"

Tommy wiped at his mouth a little as he nodded. "Yes, sir. I'll say sorry to Maya and Sean… is Lee okay?"

At the young form containing an abundant of remorse, Erik told him, "You left him fairly shaken up, but not at all due to the flames. You see, for all of his scholarly cleverness, Leon can't fully make sense of your love and care. As much as he fears believing it, I know it means the world to him. You have that effect around here, boychick."

Though greatly pleased by the words, Tommy could still only whisper, "I'm really sorry, Da…"

Unclear whether in disbelief or inability to hear, Erik sought to maintain their eye contact. "What was that you said?"

Though he wore an expression of a frightened tyke, Tommy raised his voice somewhat shakily. "Daddy- I'm sorry, Daddy."

"Yes…" The metal wielder had to firmly press the bottoms of his feet against the floor to maintain his own composure. "Yes, Daddy knows… now," his tone became sterner again, "it's time for the rest of your punishment. Firstly, go into the second drawer," he gestured at his next-to-never used bedroom desk, "and bring me what you see on top. You'll know it when you see it."

Apprehensive but dutiful, Tommy reached the desk, seemingly, all too soon and slid open the designated drawer. Eyes widening at what he discovered, he grabbed the implement. He pushed against his lax grip to properly present it to the man. The elder experienced a swirl of déjà vu as the Irish lad deposited himself stomach down across his lap.

When he saw him make a move to lower his pajama bottoms, Erik delivered a slap to the middle of his small bottom. "Now, you're trying Daddy's patience. Do as I tell you only when I tell you, young man."

"Yes, sir," Tommy nodded hard, "sorry, just… I just want to be good for you."

"You already are," Erik stated unwaveringly. "But you're being impetuous. Behave yourself and keep from kicking."

"I will," he promised.

As satisfied as he could be in that dreadful moment, Erik had to summon courage on his own part. While he had administered vinegar, time-outs, and pops to Tommy's bottom, the formality of the full chastisement took some adjusting. Taking the waistbands together, he tugged the little boy's pants and underwear down. Before his valor could rapidly deplete, Erik exercised the flat end of the spatula on the exposed rear. He spread the whacks around the entirety of the ten-year-old's behind, but mainly nearest his sit spots. After ten of those, he completely dropped the metal tool in favor of his hand. To steel himself, the images of what the fire could have cost them all rushed through his mind. Disregarding whatever temporal agony he himself went through having to dish it out, he administered fifteen smacks.

Tommy attempted no resolve and gave into full-fledged sobbing before the third strike. When the tears came, they streamed down his cheeks with the intensity of a burst dam. Erik suspected the cries had desired release even before the blaze. Not at all for the boy's self, but for the anguish and nightmarish memories so many of the mansion dwellers carried from their pasts. Incapable of bringing back the lost yet ready and willing to burn the guilty. Erik knew that mindset as well as he lived it.

When the reprimanded child seemed to quiver against his own control, the Poland native refused to go on. He redressed him with every kernel of gentleness he wielded, not wanting to jar or pain the fledgling at all further. Erik's touch stayed delicate as he lifted Tommy to cradle and rock in his iron grasp. He gave a kiss to his sweat dampened forehead and hairline. Shutting his eyes, Erik faced away and concentrated on his breathing to keep his own pooling moisture from reaching the surface. All tear-expelling relief belonged to Tommy in that instance and Erik refused himself the privilege to shed a single one.

Alarm filled the man when the thin vessel went from a steady calm to tremors coursing through him. "Shhh, boychick." Getting up, Erik carried him over to his attached bathroom. Nevermore grateful for his brand of mutation, he had the water running before they reached the tub. "Easy now." He seated himself on the side of the porcelain plumbing feature, making sure not to place pressure on Tommy's behind. Using one hand, the wizard of metal doused a washcloth and began cooling off the overheated face and neck area. "Did I… did I harm you? Be honest, boychick."

"No…" Tommy shook his head with as much vigor as he could. "No, Daddy, you…"

"Take your time," Erik cooed, continuously soaked the towel for his boy's relief. "Breathe, baby."

Tommy managed to settle after several breaths. "I-I'm sorry. I didn't mean to start that fire, Daddy. I wasn't trying to be bad. I just wanted to..."

Pressing his lips to his temple, Erik hushed him kindly. "Of course you weren't trying to be bad. No matter how much mischief you manage to land in, there is nothing that can make you bad in my eyes, boychick. Nothing that can stop me from loving you."

Tommy raised watery eyes to return, "I love you, too. I love you so much. If I could go back to three years ago, I'd tell Sean to go. I'd pack for him. Just so I could meet you."

"Really?" Erik appeared thoughtful. "Because if I could journey back three years," he brought their foreheads together, "I'd steal you both away." He growled teasingly, producing a snickering grade-schooler who still could not mask his fatigue. "I think my baby boychick has sleep to catch up on." Erik magnetically switched off the faucet as they departed. "But first, you need to drink something. I don't want you getting lightheaded after those troublesome tears. Do you want to lay down while I get you some cocoa milk?" When Tommy's responded by laying his head on his shoulder, Erik let off a chuckle and headed for the door. "Have I mentioned how you so vaguely remind me of Becky at times?"