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.

338. Chapter 338 Cyclops in San Fran

Rise or Fall

Chapter 338: Cyclops in San Fran

Chapters to Check: 299, 316, 327, 328, 329, 335, 336 and 337.

NOTE: Working through a world gone mad over a mysterious viral outbreak in a city turned warzone. What am I, the female reboot of Doom? Please pray, review, and enjoy if there's time!

Once the X-Jet landed in the Chicago airbase, Hank and Victor went to rent a car that would take the McCoys the rest of the way to Dundee. Edna, Raven, and the youngsters waited outside the hangar to stretch their limbs and absorb the bountiful fresh air. They let the cats out of their carriers and left them inside the plane to use the disposable litter box.

"You're moving into your sorority house after this?" Edna spoke a slight distance away with Angel.

The winged mutant nodded. "Since I got in through an open bid, I even qualify for my own room. Too hard to imagine this college thing, let alone the privileged package."

"Savor every moment of it," Edna encouraged starkly. "Remember that your biggest advantage is coming in with a stronger head on your shoulders than a lot of those girls. So, keep it held high even through the hardest of times; especially then."

Angel formed a beholden smile and hugged the older lady.

Seated on side by side crates next to Samantha, Raven looked on in satisfaction at Scott's good humor. He currently ran about with Kiki on his back while Trav chased them.

"Surprised you're not playing," the shapeshifter noted of the one to her left.

Samantha shrugged apathetically. "Not really in the mood."

"Excited to see your mom?" Raven also guessed, "Missing Collin?"

"Both," Samantha determined languidly.

Raven nudged her shoulder with her own. "What's going on, cutie cat?"

"… All the other older kids have all this amazing stuff going on. Sean and Maya are married. Angel, Cordy, and Frank are going to college. I'm just getting bumped down to regular old classes." Samantha stared derisively at the scampering trio. "Now, even visiting my mom is all about Scott."

Arm going around her, Raven played in the gloomy girl's ponytail. "Sounds to me like you're feeling some of Frank's infamous middle child misery. But I know it's a billion times harder for you. You got such a late start at having a real life and everybody feels miles ahead of you, right?" Samantha nodded. "I get that feeling. I still do now, to be honest. But really, Sam, you're more ahead than you think."

Samantha shifted her gaze over to her. "What? How?"

"Considering everything that happened to you, you're so unbelievably strong and resilient," Raven espoused. "You're already such an incredible X-Woman and, trust me, I am not the only instructor who has said so. I was younger than you were when I got a chance to be in a real family," though that family consisted of herself, her shielding brother, their mother's better days, hiding out from their stepfather's worst days, "but I wasn't prepared to navigate going to an actual school with other kids until a couple years ago. The fact that you've caught up enough to be in those 'regular old classes' at your correct grade level seriously floors me. Kinda can't stand you sometimes because of it."

"Really?" the girl brightened.

"Yes." Raven gave her an unheated scowl and tugged on her hair. "And between you and me? It might seem like Scott is the center of attention right now, but he's the one worried about fitting in with you guys. You two already work well together. Maybe you could help each other out through this whole thing."

Samantha appeared indecisive then said, "Kay, I'll try."

"All I ask," Raven responded appreciatively.

IIIIIII

Since they already had Edna's car awaiting them at the Dundee house, Hank rented a basic black Chevrolet Suburban. He could return it to one of the locations nearest Dundee in the morning. Also, he would not have to argue with certain cabbies up in arms over the unimaginable inconvenience of having a contained kitten in their precious mustard-stained automobiles. Before they could get inside the car, Hank felt Victor's heavy hand on his arm. It did not surprise the young scientist, who needed no help from mutation to detect when the elder wanted to have a word.

"How are ya, kid?"

Turning to him, Hank quipped, "I thought the lack of plane crash was a fairly positive indicator."

"You can fly in your sleep- like flappin' them lips of yours." Victor remained resolute despite the proudly sassy youth. "I'm glad you talked your ma into makin' the move to New York, but you've been bombarded left and right since you got sick. God forbid you take ten seconds to breathe."

Hank regarded him drolly. "Hm, wonder whose shining example reinforced that way of life for me."

"I cop to that," Victor accepted unreservedly. "Except there's a major difference between us."

Hank deduced, "Because you're the alpha."

"Because you matter." At the lack of immediate rebuttal, Victor went on with, "You can't go on makin' your well-bein' second fiddle. A healed-up body doesn't automatically fix your head, big guy."

"I really just want to get through this right now, Vic," Hank said with fatigued honesty. "Can we get into this when we're both home?"

Victor nodded and they loaded into the Suburban.

II

When the unrecognizable car with familiar riders came into view, Scott, Angel, and Samantha finished parting with the McCoy children. Raven kissed Scott's head then started to gather her two small ones. Almost as soon as Kiki turned away, she zipped back to latch onto Scott once more.

Two whispers of, "I love you," from the male teen got her to loosen her grip.

Trav delicately grasped his sister's hand along with Grace's carrier to get them situated. Raven opted to stay in the backseats with them while Edna rode up front.

Hank emerged from the car and lifted Samantha into a hug with one arm while he brought Angel to his side. After the girls started for the jet, the burly instructor made a path for Scott. He did not hesitate in enveloping the thin boy in his stout arms. Scott even surprised himself when he unconsciously gripped the older mutant's shirt for a moment.

Victor stayed alongside Scott until the Suburban left their sights completely. With a squeeze to the youth's shoulders, the leonine man directed them back aboard the jet.

IIIIIII

Despite the number gathered in the living room, stony silence dominated the refined common space. At the center of the couch, Leon and Emma lingered on either side of Erik with Trick on the right arm. The choleric Headmaster's only movement consisted of threading fingers through Leon's loose hair. As if the last survivors of humanity, Erik kept him impermeably near to his side. Emma sensed the three returning minds before the incoming commotion caused them all to look to the doorway.

Scuttling in ahead of the other two, Tommy made a beeline for the couch. "Hi, everybody. Check out what the Prof got me." He unfolded the golden maple telescope for their viewing.

"Cool," a subdued but sincere Leon commented.

"Mr. Mendel said it came straight out of Blackbeard's horde," Tommy continued eagerly. "Pretty sure he was yanking my chain, but it sure does look it. You can practically high-five the man-on-the-moon through this thing."

"No one spoils like Charlie," Trick remarked fondly.

Expression clear of his previous ferocity, Erik brought hands to the excited child's middle. "Sounds to me like you've been a very good boy today."

"That he has," Charles confirmed.

Erik noticed Tommy's briefly apprehensive eyes followed by relief but did not desire to call attention to it. "I see you even got these two to take a weedwhacker to those forests on their heads."

"I was going to say…" Emma stood, going over to admire the freshly groomed brunette and redhead. "Who are these striking gentlemen?"

Sean ran fingers through a section of his strands. "Just James Dean and the newest member of the Beatles."

Charles wound an arm around Emma's waist and coyly asked, "You approve, love?"

"Yes," she tickled noses with him, "but I'm a bit of a biased judge with how much I adore the head it's attached to."

At the sight of them, Sean looked forward to receiving similar reassurance from Maya.

"Would the fearsome pirate care to dock for milk and cookies?" Trick offered the youngest one present.

"Yeah!" grinned Tommy.

Leon got up to go with them, but when Sean moved to do the same a mental petition from Emma kept him in place.

The moment Tommy got out of earshot, a no-nonsense Charles questioned, "What's happened?"

IIIIIII

Unsure whether he completely zoned or dozed off, the X-Jet wound up on the third and final airbase before Scott knew it. As soon as the steps became available, Samantha rushed out with a secured Midnight in tow. Scott went after Angel while Victor took up the rear position as he often did. The moment he felt the fresh air, Scott immediately noticed the much milder conditions compared to New York's high humidity.

Samantha went straight for her mother, sharing a full embrace with her without ever loosening her hold on Midnight's carrier. A more restrained Angel joined in the warm greeting. Before Scott completely noticed the woman adorned in a chic black pants suit, he spotted the Aston Martin behind her in charcoal. He toyed with the idea of Adrienne moonlighting as a spy and with how believable he found that notion, he only hoped she operated for the US. When Victor went to exchange a kiss with her, Scott hung back, taking in the picture of the four. They seemingly shared no commonalities with him, least of all his present nerves. Still, he approached.

Adrienne acknowledged the silent boy first with, "Welcome to San Francisco, Scott."
"Thank you." Scott gave her a smile that, ideally, came off more earnest than he trusted his voice to be.

After Victor called the mansion to inform of their safe landing, Scott helped him with the luggage. It did not surprise anyone that Adrienne had hired a different driver to take the motor bikes' cargo trailer. Once the redhead finished reminding Victor that she knew the exact route in addition to how many hours he had just spent flying, Adrienne ended up behind the wheel. The three youngsters fit comfortably in the back. Between Angel and Scott, Samantha clutched Midnight in her lap. Even with the carrier door open so that she could periodically rub him, the cat made no attempts to escape.

With the windows half rolled down, Scott took in the abundant scenery of San Francisco. Even with the red tint of his glasses, he could not deny the beauty of the various flowers and trees he had never seen before. It surprised him to find so many foreign to him, considering the amount of plant life grown by Logan. He visually searched for one of the redwoods Leon spoke of so favorably but received no luck during the ride. However, he quickly received confirmation that the city consisted of a great number of hills.

Inside the neighborhood Adrienne referred to as Miraloma Park, they reached their destination at the end of a cul-de-sac. Surrounded by an immaculately maintained front lawn, the sandy two-story structure with slanted gray roof came with a tall three-car garage. Once the teenagers retrieved their bags, Adrienne left Victor with the pleasure of parking. Though the house could be accessed through the garage, she escorted them up the winding staircase to the front door. In atypical fashion, that brought them directly to the second floor.

"All three of you are on this side," Adrienne indicated the left. "Girls, you have the jack-and-jill setup. Scott, you have your own suite down here."

As her mother guided him along, Samantha shook her head. "Of course, he gets the private bathroom."

"What are you complaining about?" Angel playfully elbow jabbed her. "I'm the one who provides maid service most of the time."

When Scott stood tentatively outside the door at the very end of the hall, Adrienne encouraged, "Go on, it's all yours. Only try to remember that the floor is not an extension of your closet."

Scott noted, "You sound like Emma," as he finally entered.

"Low blow," Adrienne sent after him.

Immediately upon entry, Scott absorbed the light that poured in from the massive windows across the room. Dropping his duffel bag, he slowly veered to take in the multiple Batman posters along the off-white walls. The full-sized bed sported the same theme. The décor also included images of different airplanes from WWI to the current Air Force. An antique model plane sat on the desk next to a portable typewriter. He briefly peeked inside the three-piece bathroom before making a somewhat dazed path for the windows. With the way the sun hit the countless trees and hills, the sight very much resembled an oil painting.

"Glen Canyon." Adrienne came to stand alongside him. "We all have the same view. Just wait until you see it from the terrace at the other end of the hall."

"You…" Scott glanced around again. "You did all this?"

Adrienne glibly responded, "Expected more of a unicorn-hearts motif?"

Looking towards the closet, the X-Boy joked, "There's no sailor suit hanging up in there, right?"

Victor appeared at that and Adrienne informed him, "His sense of humor is an improvement over yours."

"Startin' up the sweet talk already," Victor quipped, leaning against the doorway.

Adrienne then remembered, "You must be hungry." She looked at Scott again. "I could go down and—"

"Burn the kitchen before we even unpack?" Victor interjected.

With narrowed eyes aimed in his direction, she concluded, "Go through the takeout options. Unless you kids want to freshen up and go out to eat."

Scott shrugged. "Whatever's fine."
"You just get settled and I'll check in with the girls." At Scott's nod, Adrienne headed out by Victor, who snapped his teeth after her.

As Scott wandered over to the bed, Victor inquired, "So, what do you think? Too Frosty chic?"

"It's cool." Scott sat on the edge of the bed, peering up at him. "Where's your room?"

"Double doors across the hall."

"And where's Adrienne's room?"

Meeting the child's waggish look, Victor repeated, "Double doors across the hall." He knelt to his level. "Does that bother you?"

Giving off another shrug, Scott countered, "Does it matter?"

Victor moved to sit on the bed with him. "Wouldn't have asked you if it didn't."

Scott replied, "Just because I didn't learn about this stuff at two years old like Cody doesn't mean I'm slow. Even before Sam came along, I didn't think you flew across the country just to slum it on the sofa."

"I'd have to be slow to call you slow," Victor stated. "And it's not so sordid. We—"

"Can we go out on our bikes?"

Letting the previous subject drop for the time being, Victor answered, "Not today. All you kids need to rest up and get better food in you than muffins and chocolate."

Scott fell back against the comforter. "Fine."
Victor then offered, "Want to check out the rest of the place?"

Eyes to the ceiling, the thirteen-year-old sardonically responded, "Too strenuous for kids needing rest."

The elder lowered beside him, propping himself up on his elbow. "Shades…"

Scott released a sigh. "Vic, can I just have a minute? Please?"

With a bob of his head, Victor patted the lean boy on the knee as he stood. "Still want you to eat soon, alright?"

"Yeah." Scott sat up at what he caught sight of on the night table. "Can I use this phone?"

"Almost sure that's what Meucci had in mind for them things, so yeah."

Scott raised an eyebrow at him. "You mean Alexander Graham Bell."

Victor nonchalantly said, "No, I don't," before taking his leave.

Left with a curious expression after that, Scott placed his attention on the blue extension. He gripped the receiver for several seconds before releasing it. Getting up, he returned to the windows to spread them apart. The breeze freshened the entire space as he gazed upon the ruby-tinted canyon.

IIIIIII

"My parents have the crappiest timing." Sean all but slammed the stack of plates down on the adjoined picnic tables. "Maya and I are moving into our place on Tuesday."

Arranging plastic cups, Frank said, "I thought they were okay with him staying a while longer."

With his powers helping him position condiments, Leon suggested, "Probably dawned on them that they need sufficient time to cleanse the mutant musk from his mind and body."

"Yeah, good luck with that," Alex scoffed, providing a plethora of napkins and utensils. "That kid quit being a visitor back during spring break."

Sean sighed in weary frustration. "I keep feeling like this is all my fault. I never thought my brother would want to set foot in this place, let alone call it home. Maybe if I'd just brought my family here sooner…"

"You saw what good that did with Hank's parents," Alex brought up. "Seanie, don't get this twisted in your head. This isn't on you. Our lives are just wild and random."

Activating his X-Ray vision on the house, Frank uttered, "Shhhh," at who headed their way.

Twin vases of wildflowers preceding her, Becky emerged from the back of the mansion. "Looks nice out here, you guys. Even though it's not the same without Papa and Big Bear dueling over the grill."

"Yeah, I know," concurred Frank. "Here, I got these." He took the vases from her and placed one on each table.

"Sean," a giddy Maya rushed his way, "you'll never believe the bargains we found out in Little Italy. For the safehouse, too."

"Greatness, honey." Sean walked off several paces with her and sent into her ear, "We need to talk after dinner."

Reading his face, she nodded without inquiry.

Through the still open backdoor, Cody hurried out to the yard to pour the two types of potato chips into bowls. Coming right behind him, Joey carried the corncobs and buns. Tommy proudly came over with the platter of patties fresh from Erik's grill.

"I love Festive Burger Night," Joey proclaimed.

"Me, too," Cody seconded. "Chips, French fries, juice…"

"Meaning you'll be having additional servings of milk tomorrow," Charles stepped out from the house next, "yes, little kitten?"

Cody smiled brightly at him. "You always know what I'm thinkin', Uncle Prof."

Sean, Frank, Alex, and Leon went back into the house to retrieve the last components from Alana. They had the fries, lemonade and fruit punch pitchers, and other toppings arranged by the time Kayla, Trick, and Logan came out and Emma had Brian in his highchair. Mira and Todd remained inside, both fast asleep from being out for most of the day with their parents and Maya.

Tommy grinned when Erik briskly hoisted him up to sit between Cody and Joey. He ruffled the hair of all the younger males, though Charles ducked when he attempted it with him. Leon took the time to calmly finger comb his back into place.

On his way to his own seat, the metal wielder put forth, "So, I have an idea for this weekend…"

"Oh boy," reacted Sean. "Just couldn't let me move out of here without running a few hundred laps, could you?"

"Brother, refrain from maiming them," Charles beseeched. "At least while Hank is out of town."

"Not exactly what I had in mind." Shark-esque countenance in place, Erik peered between the fledglings. "I was thinking more along the lines of a little excursion tomorrow afternoon. Maybe to the Bronx Zoo, the aquarium, Washington Square Park…"

At the third suggestion, Trick informed, "A regular artists' hub that area. To say nothing of the spectacular play space."

"Really?" Joey beamed.

Cody pumped his fists in anticipation while Tommy yearned, "Wish we could check out all of 'em."

"All of what?"

Everyone glanced towards where the golden mutant sprinted towards them and Alex commented, "There's the slacker now."

"Sorry, sorry, sorry." Dissolving her mutated form, Cordelia sat in the space Joey and the boys opened for her. "I was telephone trapped."

"One guess by whom," Emma said pointedly. "Even if the Acolytes don't practice formal mealtimes when Estevan is away, Fabian should know by now to respect ours."

"Yes, sis, sorry," Cordelia reiterated then wondered, "So, what are we talking about?"

"A family outing for tomorrow," Charles filled her in.

"And Sunday," Erik added. "After all, these are going to be the last days we'll have our new Mr. and Mrs. Cassidy among us for a while." Sean and Maya smiled softly in appreciation. Erik turned to the Howletts. "Do you have more to do this weekend?"

Kayla glanced at Logan then determined, "Nothing pressing, depending on how fussy the twins are in the morning."

Trick raised an arm. "Count me in."

Alana commented, "There's not much left that can scare me in this crew."

Erik then moved onto, "Instead of Temple tonight, I thought we'd have sword training after dinner then try to find a good picture on TV." High-fives exchanged between all the boys and the Poland native face his daughter. "Is that alright with you, Sweet Imp?"

Becky nodded. "I kind of felt like staying in, anyway."

"Now, what about your auditions?" Emma mentioned. "Any casting decisions?"

Cody declared, "I got Puck!"

Logan shook his head in amusement. "Really could've knocked us over with a feather there, Cat."

"Tell 'em who you got," Cody urged his fellow troop member.

With a humorous air about her, Becky announced, "Lady Macbeth."

"You got a lead?" Maya reacted enthusiastically. "Way to go!"

"As if there was ever any doubt," Emma boasted.

"Is that okay?" Sean asked delicately. "I know you were leaning more towards Eve."

"Honestly?" Becky replied. "I'm just glad I didn't get Hera."

"I'll say," Charles concurred wholeheartedly. "That vindictive shrew is unbecoming to my princess."

Alex snorted at that. "Try being on the receiving end of your princess' wrath."

Becky fluttered her eyelashes in his direction.

"Regardless," the Professor went on, looking from his protégé to his little kitten, "I'm absolutely thrilled. Both my kids considered to be of Shakespearean caliber for their very first show."

"Never fails," Kayla asserted. "Whenever they do something remotely well, they're the men's kids."

"Not true," Erik disputed. "When they do something wrong, I know for certain they're mine."

"Woot!" Frank and Alex crowed.

Tommy smiled impishly and Leon raised his arm in solidarity.

"It's not as great as you think, Uncle Charles," Becky told him somewhat solemnly. "Since it is our first one, Zeke's putting us in leads because we're new. It's basically a trial-run."

"Yeah," Cody said admittedly. "There's barely any old timey English in it. Not all that Shakespearean."

Charles merely responded, "You two are so adorable thinking you can silence my singing of your praises."

IIIIIII

Since none of the adolescents showed any interest in venturing out that evening, Victor sought out the closest grocery store. Angel accompanied him for that while Samantha opted to stay with her mother and Midnight. Between the move and her models, Adrienne had been living off takeout herself for the most part. After stocking up, including a stop-off at the bakery, they returned to the newly purchased dwelling. Adrienne, Angel, and Samantha put the groceries away so that he could get cooking immediately. To Victor's discontent, he learned Scott had yet to even peek out of his room. Samantha and Angel assisted him by gathering ingredients and chopping vegetables. At a safe distance from food preparation, Adrienne dressed the table.

By the time the lasagna came out of the oven, Victor picked up on the scent of the sole male child. The elder acknowledged him with a tilt of his head but did not draw excessive attention to his presence otherwise.

Stomach having propelled him to the first floor, Scott had taken his time exploring it. The level consisted of the living room, a side door that led out, a lengthy hall with a half-bathroom, two more closets, an office he only glanced into since he assumed it belonged to Adrienne, and the kitchen with adjacent dining room and an eat-in area. Midnight's food and water bowls sat in one corner. Scott had not expected so many neutral colors of black, white, and gray, but appreciated not having to tour Barbie's Dreamhouse.

"Hey," Angel addressed him gently, "you feeling okay? The jetlag's not as bad as crossing continents but coast hopping can be rough, too."

Shrugging yet again, Scott murmured, "Eh."

Adrienne asked, "Did you wash your hands?"

"Yes, ma'am," came the mechanical reply.

Victor felt certain he had not seen the boy act that reserved even during ROTC regiments.

Once they all gathered around the circular table with plates loaded, Adrienne put forth, "Now that we're all here, we need to go over household expectations."

Scott chewed slower at that but regarded them attentively.

"It's nothin' you don't already know," Victor said. "Don't go bargin' into each other's rooms, knock first, don't take anything without askin' first, pick up after yourselves- common courtesy."

"You have your run of the house," Adrienne told them, "except for my office. Unless you are leaving something on my desk or the like, it is strictly off-limits when it's empty. When I am in there and the door is shut, make sure you knock because I'm likely on the phone or with a client. The phone in there is my business line and should only be used in emergencies. All of you have extensions in your bedrooms for the main line."

"Don't go anywhere without lettin' us know first," Victor emphasized. "You two especially," he indicated the younger teens, "stay in the neighborhood. Scott's never been here and Sam, you're not used to gettin' around here the way you are in our part of New York."

Samantha sniggered at that. "Like anything here can top half the stuff we've seen in New York."

Scott laughed as well as he seconded, "Yeah, seriously."

Angel piped up, "Are you sure you want to let them out of the house at all?" She smirked at their twin scowls.

After they all had their fill of the hot food as well as donuts, which Adrienne declined, Victor directed, "Let's get this dishwasher loaded, Shades."

Scott wanted to know, "Why me?"

"Because the girls already helped get the food from the store and to the table," Victor responded simply.

With a thoughtful hum, Scott claimed, "I think loading dishes is too strenuous an activity for me right now."

Angel scoffed, Adrienne formed a questioning gaze, and Samantha eyed Victor expectantly.

Leaning over the table, the older male none-too-subtly suggested, "Then, maybe you need to go to bed early."

With another shrug and wry smile, Scott got to his feet, "Night, ladies," and strolled out of the kitchen.

Samantha stood incredulously as Adrienne and Victor exchanged quiet looks. Without a shadow of a doubt, Angel knew they were not in New York State anymore.

IIIIIII

After their session ended, Erik dismissed his three pupils and ordered them to the bathing chamber. He collected the weapons by himself, lingering to watch the stimulated trio scamper out of the gym. When the notion that their time together was more numbered than ever, a combination of ire and repudiation forcibly shoved that thought in front of a speeding locomotive. As he trekked through the lower level and up to his den, the man somehow knew his stubbornness alone did not account for the sentiment he felt.

What began as a distinguished activity to build discipline and self-esteem within the boys had transcended from that. Storing the blades behind the glass built-in designed specifically to house the swords, Erik considered how transcendence resulted in so many of his initial goals of the last few years. After all, none of this had been planned by him. During the recruitment mission, he only sought to gather enough able-bodied mutants still young enough to influence and shape into soldiers. So quickly did that course drastically alter. As did his seemingly aloof view of Charles as a highly intelligent yet naïve colleague to a brother Erik regarded with reverence. Then, on the first Christmas he ever celebrated, an attempt to introduce himself to the mother of one of his fledglings sparked something he never saw coming. Something he regretted yet desired not to undo.

Naturally, Tommy proved to be a particularly unexpected swerve. After Erik's initial struggles to have any sort of relationship with Sean, how could the teen's much younger non-mutant brother become his in a near instant? The same sort of unevolved, 'backwards' child he once discouraged his special young ones from becoming attached to. Now, a link had been forged between them as well as Cody and Joey. To lose that, however irrational, felt inconceivable.

With the weapons secure, Erik went upstairs for a fast shower. Almost as soon as he dressed and stepped out of his suite, he found himself a target for the rapidly approaching pajama clad lads. Joey attached himself to his side, Cody headbutted his front, and Tommy jumped to latch himself onto his back. Erik lowered, enjoying the odds of the three against one wrestling match that ensued. With them still clearly hyper from training and whatever tub games they had engaged in, the Headmaster did not let them get too worked up. He patted their bottoms in a settling gesture and they managed to taper off. Tommy lingered closest to him and Erik pressed a kiss to his hairline. He then herded them downstairs.

II

The first arrivals in the TV room included Trick, Brian, Emma, Charles, Alana, Alex, and Leon. An abnormally pensive Sean and Maya came in together followed by their more at ease counterparts of Cordelia and Frank. All recently bathed, everyone wore lounge clothes or nightwear. Trick and Brian used the latter's multicolor blocks to build some sort of abstract structure on the coffee table. When Erik came in with his aspiring swordsmen, Brian gestured excitedly at the man as well as Joey so they could admire his and Trick's work.

"I take it the Lab Mouse is chief foreman," Erik half-joked.

Trick claimed, "With my resume, I was lucky to make the payroll."

In lime pajamas and her peach robe, Becky wanted to know, "Did Scott call yet?"

"We tried him after dinner, but Dri said he turned in early," Emma told her, her own disappointment not entirely concealed. "Uncle Charles and I will be up for a while tonight in case he tries to reach us."

Alex said, "Twerp's probably still worn out from this morning."

Charles merrily recalled, "You lot were much the same our first night in California."

Erik sent him a knowing look. "Because your tendency to spring random getaways on us factored in none whatsoever."

With put upon offense, Charles countered, "As if it's my fault you lack the spirit of spontaneity." Noticing Becky's still less than appeased countenance, he moved to sweep her up in one arm and take her by the hand with the other. "What say you, my fair lady? Am I an adequate Macbeth?"

"Not a chance." Becky grinned widely as he danced in a circle with her. "You're too good to be a scoundrel like him."

Charles hoisting her high delivered a giddy squeal from the teenage telepath. When he collapsed into the nearest chair with her, laughter erupted on both their parts.

When Logan and Kayla entered with their arms loaded with fussiness, Emma regarded them sympathetically. "They heard you make after-dinner plans without them, didn't they?"

"As always," Kayla replied lightheartedly, attempting to soothe Mira's discontent.

"You're the little fink who gave them away, aren't you?" Trick playfully accused Brian, whose bright blue eyes displayed no signs of denial.

"Heart, what is the—" Before she could finish the question, Kayla received an answer when Mira pointed out the Professor.

"What's this?" Charles reacted to the Blackfoot woman relinquishing the small girl to his grasp. "A little Miracle all for me?"

At his daughter's instant appeasement, Logan remarked, "Faithie and the pretty boys… where did I go wrong?"

Becky crossed her arms and teasingly informed the younger female, "He was my prince first, you know." When Mira responded by nestling into Charles' shirt, the curly haired girl got up with a, "Humph!"

"Princess…" Charles reached a beseeching hand after her.

"Two-timer," accused Sean.

"Excuse me, remember a little somebody named Kiki?" Maya felt the need to bring up.

"You're the runner-up, honey," Sean said simply. "Accept it."

IIIIIII

Evening breeze soothing and plentiful, the woman in crimson and black hostess robe let her ginger locks cascade freely down her back. Victor stepping onto the terrace with a cold bottle and a pair of gobblers drew her line of sight away from the canyon.

"Suffered a bit of turbulence on air, I take it?" Adrienne accepted the sparkling grape juice he poured her.

Not missing her meaning, Victor replied, "Hardly heard a peep out of him the whole way, actually," filling his own glass.

Taking a seat on the edge of the balcony, Adrienne appeared introspective. "I remember him at the table when Alana and Trick made their impromptu re-appearance. Scott looked so torn- between whether to send a fork or those radiant eye beams of his through Trick's skull."

"One hatchet I'm glad they finally buried." Victor came her way, leaning over the balcony to observe their surroundings. "That in the kitchen, though," he sipped his juice, "that's not standard Scottie Summers protocol."

"Is it me then?" Adrienne put forth without offense.

"It's not you…" Victor attempted to word, facing her. "Specifically. Only time Scott gets into these moods is when he's tryin' to make some sort of point. I think he's like a cornered animal right now. He's off his home turf, away from the tribe he's been a part of since he was eleven. It's no surprise he's got his chest puffed out."

Adrienne then wondered, "And how far do you plan to let this macho match go?"

"Let me guess," Victor said flatly. "You think I was too easy on him."

"The girls there to witness it was the real issue. Samantha mainly."

Victor reminded her, "You know life in a three-teen house. Your old man comin' down on Chris like a ton of bricks didn't exactly work wonders for their relationship."

"Annoyingly fair point," Adrienne admitted. "And don't mistake me. Scott is no Bad Seed in my eyes. It's not difficult to see what interweaves you two."

A sway of his head made Victor's hair tumble to one side. "Good thing or…?" He followed her furtive gaze upward to the clear, twinkling sky.

IIIIIII

As it drew closer to film selection, the remainder of the room fell into comfortable positions. With a satisfied Todd all but glued to his chest, Logan settled in a chair with him and Maya perched on the left arm. The blankets spread out over the floor provided viewing spots for Trick- who held Brian, Sean, Cody, Tommy, and Leon, who currently enjoyed having his recently conditioned hair combed by an equally content Becky. Emma, Alana, and Kayla shared the couch. Erik sat on the loveseat next to Alex with Joey filling the older blonde's lap. Having stepped out for a kitchen run, Cordelia and Frank returned with refreshments.

While everyone else received cocoa milk, Logan accepted a chilled beer from Frank. "Appreciate ya, Glowworm."

The city boy bobbed his head and went to the couch. Emma inched over for him to sit and lean into Alana's side. Cordelia took the remaining space between Erik and Alex.

Of the Friday night films available, Sean made a case for The Hound of the Baskervilles. He emphasized its status as more of a mystery than horror, thus making it educational. It took next to nothing to sway Charles, Professor and Sherlock Holmes fanatic. Erik and Trick proved intrigued as well, neither having seen the picture since it first debuted in Europe.

Before they even reached the ten-minute mark, Mira, Todd, and Brian detoured into Slumberland. Kayla and Emma moved to take the babies upstairs. Trick offered his assistance, but they did not want any of the men to miss out on the movie. Kayla also had no desire to pry the Wolverine away from the Smiley. Instead, Cordelia got up to lend a hand in transporting the precious trio. She carried Mira out after Charles managed to release the warm, euphoria inducing vessel.

As the number of heavy heads increased, Tommy crawled over and parked himself at Erik's legs. The metal wielder wasted no time lifting him into his lap. Cody stretched himself out between Sean and Leon's legs. With her elder prince available again, Becky got up to sit with a pleased Charles. Despite the captivating nature of the film, Joey struggled in vain not to drift off in Alex's ever secure grasp. Charles' gaze shifted back and forth between the movie and Erik. The telepath's chest grew continuously heavier over the simultaneous tranquility and torment his brother experienced over the blissfully unaware Tommy.

While Kayla and her sister stayed upstairs with the youngest children, Cordelia reclaimed her place in the TV room. When the movie neared its conclusion, she asked Frank to join her for a few hours in Eye Spy. Doing so would allow Logan to stay with his family and most of the other men to focus on the children.

"No later than one, Cordy," instructed Charles. "You both still need some small measure of sleep."

"I can take over after that, Charlie," Trick volunteered. "I'm still ship-shape from that catnap with Brian."

Frank hugged Alana before getting up to go with Cordelia. They took the empty drink containers to the kitchen first.

"Sweet dreams, darlin'." Logan gave Maya a side squeeze.

The petite girl pecked his cheek then went to link hands with Sean.

"Got him?" the redhead asked Erik of the youngest Cassidy.

Erik nodded, carefully standing with Tommy, who instinctively latched onto him as he fell asleep.

Still partly awake, Cody caught a ride on his father's back.

Bringing Joey over, Alex determined, "He can stick with me tonight, Charles."

"I believe that's a foregone conclusion," the Professor smiled, having already figured Scott's absence would create such a need in the older Summers. "Good night, my little one." He kissed Joey's forehead and the boy released a pleasant sleep murmur.

With Melissa elsewhere that evening, Leon walked hand in hand with Becky on route for their father's suite.

II

In the rocking chair with her small but growing boy, Emma raised her head at her husband's approaching presence. Charles made his way into the nursery quietly. He studied the two for a moment before going to receive Brian from her. With a soft kiss to the baby's temple, he placed him in the crib between Dickon and his slew of other stuffed creatures. They lingered for a few minutes before the couple departed for the master bedroom.

"Hoped he'd demand to come home before sundown?"

"Hm?" Emma sat at her vanity to begin applying night cream.

"You know exactly what I mean." Charles laid on the bed on his side to watch her. Because I wanted the same thing.

Hope is not lost, Sugar, Emma returned. Tolerance for my older sister is far rarer than mutation.

Charles chuckled internally until the somberness reknitted itself. This situation with Tommy…

Could vanish with a mere tickle of the mind.

So, it's a choice between broken hearts and moral desertion.

Emma got up to join him on the bed. We both know my leaning…

We just tucked in our own baby boy, Emma, Charles emphasized. What right have we to use our influence to take away another's child?

Emma reminded, a considerable amount of influence went into adopting Joey, Becky, Trav, Kiki, and most recently, Samantha. Not to mention inviting Maya to live here before her power transference.

Tommy has not been abandoned or neglected, love. Yet…

Emma stroked the side of his face. Charles?

It feels too irresponsible to allow him to go back there, the male telepath divulged. Tommy has not been the same since his first visit here. The fire made that drastically apparent. He's seen and learned too much here.

From Leon alone.

Charles concurred, exactly. And the Cassidys are nowhere near prepared to handle him this way.

A hostile surge coursed through Emma's system. General preparedness is not the forte of the Cassidy Clan. Time is not on our side, Sugar. What are we going to do?

With a frustrated exhale, Charles sunk into his pillow.

IIIIIII

Upon poking his head through the cracked door, the first sight to fill the mutant elder's gaze came in the form of Midnight's glistening eyes. The cat laid at Samantha's side with the girl's arm spread across him. Stealthily making his way inside, he came to better adjust the light comforter around the mutant kitten and gave Midnight's chin a tickle. After he slipped out, Victor walked the short distance to the connected bedroom. Aware of Angel's disdain for having someone so much as glance in during her slumber, he remained outside her door. At the sounds that emitted confirming her peaceful sleep state, the man moved on.

The lean boy sprawled on top of the covers with his cheek against the pillow. He wore a t-shirt and Bat-pajama bottoms that appeared tailor-made for the linens. With a delicate hand, Victor reached out to remove the ruby glasses from Scott's face. He folded and left them next to the telephone. Deciding the double doors across the hall required no rush on his part, the stanch Veteran positioned himself at the X-Boy's desk. From the light provided by the windows, he noticed the unzipped but still fully loaded duffel bag on the floor.