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.

340. Ch340 Of Cassidys and Second Chances

Rise or Fall

Chapter 340: Of Cassidys and Second Chances

Chapters to Check: 105, 197, 299, 316, 327, 328, 329, 337, 338 and 339.

Dedicated

To

The Beautiful Birth and Fantastic Future

of

Long-Time Fam Member
MissMarvelGirl

Everybody's doing a brand-new dance now
(Come on baby, do the loco-motion)
I know you'll get to like it if you give it a chance now
(Come on baby, do the loco-motion)

With Little Eva blasting from the portable radio, the apron adorned baking crew maneuvered rhythmically around the culinary space.

My little baby sister can do it with me
It's easier than learning your a-b-c's

At the next round of lyrics, Frank seized Becky to spin in place with her. The green-eyed girl's laughter became infectious, easily increasing the delight in the baby trio present. At the table, Maya showed Mira how to sprinkle in cinnamon and stir their bowl of oatmeal raisin ingredients. With Brian and Todd contained in their highchairs, Trick gave them small pots to bang on to their hearts' content. Frank and Becky worked on a combination of peanut butter and chocolate chips. Trick prepared an Irish shortbread recipe he still remembered from moons long past.

When his mother walked in, Brian pointed his spoon at her giddily.

Going to kiss the top of his head, Emma took in the music and merriment. "Looks like dessert is going to be fabulous tonight. There wouldn't happen to be a little dinner to wash it down with, would there?"

"What sort of madman do you take me for, dear lady?" Trick indicated the two stock pots filled to the brim with spaghetti noodles. "The sauce is heating as we speak, courtesy of Master Lehnsherr here."

With a most self-satisfied grin, Frank added, "And Mom's recipe."

"How could I have ever doubted you?" Emma then requested, "But with excessive carbohydrates in mind, let's keep the cookies to a minimum. Tommy has more bloodwork in the morning."

"Sorry, my idea," Maya admitted, looking up. "I just wanted to do something special for Tommy. Not only his powers, but… I know what getting to live in this house full-time means."

Emma applied a fond squeeze to her shoulder. "So do I."

"Ooh!" On enthused feet, Cordelia darted into the kitchen and observed the activity taking place within. "I smell a Cookie Quest. Need some help?"

Becky flung the yellow and white striped apron her way.

"Fabian," Emma acknowledged the male who came in at a more restrained pace behind her sister, "join us for dinner."

When the telepathic elder walked out without waiting on a response from him, Fabian determined the offer to be an order.

II

Overhead rays casting streaks of light across his elated face, the ten-year-old's landing got abruptly intercepted. With his arms secured around his much slimmer brother, Sean dropped into the grass on his back. Cody and Joey watched them from a short distance away.

Propped on top of the older Cassidy, Tommy peered down at him fancifully. "I never imagined it could be anything like this… you seriously call this a nightmare?"

Sean eyed him for a quiet moment. "I used to." He sent fingers through his dark hair. "But it never has to be that way for you."

Tommy then inquired in sheer incredulity, "How can you give all this up?"
"Lads," all four young mutants in the backyard jumped to attention when the Professor's projected image appeared between them, "I believe that's more than enough recreation for one day."

"What?" Tommy exclaimed in disbelief. "You can't be serious."

"Just a few more minutes, Uncle Prof," Cody negotiated.

"No," Charles shot down without a hint of wavering. "Tommy's abilities are not even twelve hours old." He looked towards the boy in question. "We don't want you overdoing it. Now, come inside. Dinner is nearly ready, and Emma will not take kindly to a horde of unwashed heathens at the table."
While Tommy still appeared disappointed, Joey sighed, "Yes, Dad."

Charles' image faded with that.

Sean herded them along with, "Move it, mini men."

"You mean X-Men," Tommy corrected swaggeringly.

"Yeah!" Cody high-fived with him.

The redhead rolled his eyes but allowed them their self-satisfied enthusiasm.

IIIIIII

Due to a desire to spruce up as if they had not spent the last three hours in the kitchen, Maya, Becky, Cordelia, and Trick arrived last in the dining room. Frank clean up and changed as well, though in half the time. In addition to the spaghetti with plump homemade meatballs and marinara sauce, the meal included two different salads with wheat rolls. Trick had already cut up smaller portions of spaghetti for Mira, Todd, and Brian to spare Kayla and Emma the effort. As everyone began passing serving dishes back and forth, Tommy's gaze became fixated on the floral centerpiece.

Noticing, Logan remarked, "I take it the calendulas were a good call, eh, black Irish?"

Tommy reached for the stem of one. "They're perfect."

"I was going to say the same thing," Cordelia concurred of the yellow flowers.

With a light tap to Tommy's shoulder, Erik suggested, "What say you concentrate on the leafy greens right in front of you, hm?"

At the reminder, Tommy lifted his fork then refused to lower it any time soon as he began to devour every bit of his servings. He shoveled in both salad options without pausing to add dressing. The other youngsters gaped at him while the adults proved taken aback.

"Sweetheart, slow down," Emma coaxed. "The food isn't going anywhere."

Realizing himself, Tommy stilled to chew and utter, "S—"

"Don't talk with your mouth full," Kayla, Emma, and Alana all chorused.

Sean immediately added, "No one's trying to see that, nasty."

"Refrain from choking yourself as well," Erik nudged Tommy's water glass closer towards him.

The boy promptly chugged down the liquid contents.

A pleased Fabian noted, "Starve a fever and feed an X-gene."

Cody commented, "And I thought our powers made us slam food."

"He's still on Day One," Logan reminded. "His system's got to get used to this."

"When are we telling the Cassidys Tommy doesn't want to live with them anymore?" Becky threw out casually.

"Masterful subtlety, lass," Trick quipped.

"Anya." The disapproving tone and glance from her father made the teenage telepath lose a sizable portion of her smug impetuousness.

Tommy turned to Sean as he similarly wondered, "When are we telling Mom and Dad?"

"Leave that to us, dear ones," Emma conciliated.

At the commencement of the meal, Logan and Kayla returned to their suite with the twins. Trick saw to Brian for the Xaviers. Cordelia helped Alana ready the cookies along with warm milk in the TV room while the older children dressed for bed. The Headmasters and Emma gathered Sean, Maya, Leon, and Alex into Charles' study.

"While, admittedly, brash," Emma perched on the edge of her husband's desk, "I still think our Rebecca raised a valid point." She eyed the tall redhead in the room. "There really is no use in prolonging this. The sooner your parents learn the truth, the sooner we can all move on from these initial discomforts. Tommy, especially."

"Nothing can top my mom's reaction," Maya brought up. "Liam and Doreen won't be anywhere near as blindsided."

"That's not automatically a good thing," Sean refuted. "With me, it was like a bizarre birth defect or something. Now, being a mutant is way more dangerous."

From where he sprawled on the sofa, Leon put forth, "Sounds more like the seasoned mutant parents are in for some serious combat flashbacks."

"Oh, yeah," Alex said derisively, positioned on the right arm, "they'll never stop reliving the trauma of playing Scrabble in their living room while we broke their kid out of containment. And we'd have stayed in the dark about that if Tommy hadn't told their grandparents."

Hands in his pants pockets, Erik asserted, "That boy ventured into the light well before he did Westchester."

"Ultimately, his X-gene is superfluous." All looked to where the Professor filled his desk chair. "All that Tommy's seen and learned here… His parents were no more equipped to handle him yesterday than they are today."

Emma stood fully to approach Sean. "Shall we contact them tomorrow?"

After swapping gazes with Maya, Erik, and lingering one on Charles, Sean bobbed his head in the affirmative.

II

Savoring the scrumptious amalgamation of chocolate and peanut butter, Cordelia leaned back on the couch. "I was definitely the late bloomer next to my sisters. I swear, Em and Dri got to do everything first." Granted, she blossomed in certain other areas of puberty ahead of Emma.

Munching on a similar cookie, Tommy wondered, "But if your folks were okay with them, why didn't you tell them about your powers right when you got them?"

"I don't know," the blue-eyed teenager answered honestly. "I guess with how distant we all were at the time, it was this special secret I wanted to hog to myself for a while." She then asked Becky, "Yours started like Em's, right?"

"Yeah," the younger girl confirmed, between Cody and Tommy on the loveseat. "Uncle Charles', too. First, it was like something was wrong with my ears. Then, the voices kept coming at me. I still can't believe Hank and I were alike the whole time we knew each other."

Next to her, Joey stated, "I wish I could've kept mine to myself like you guys. I don't think I can even remember a time when I didn't have sparks flying everywhere."

Giving him a playful nudge, Cordelia teased, "You were just gearing up to meet Laci."

With a bashful smile, Joey bumped her back softly.

"Eh, who cares how we started? We're altogether now." Cody made fast work of guzzling the remainder of his milk. "My dad'll be startin' in Eye Spy soon. I better go help Ma with Mimi and the Toad." He collected the other empty glasses with his own as he took his leave.

II

Seated hip to hip on the hood of the Ferrari, both sets of brown eyes stared in the direction of Logan and Alex's work bench.

"If you keep letting it eat at you this way, you will give yourself away to the telepaths." Frank turned to Fabian silently as the older teen went on. "I know what's really bothering you in this."

Frank cocked an unconvinced eyebrow. "You do, huh?"

"Si, because I'd feel exactly the same in your place." Fabian eyed him now. "You can't help believing you've somehow committed treachery against Magneto; likely the Professor as well. But you have not betrayed your father. We did this for him; all of them. Most of all, for Tommy. You can truly help him now. If I had the chance to do the same for my brother and sister from the beginning, nothing would stop me."

"I get it, man," Frank replied earnestly. "I'm still with you and Cordy, whether we get busted or not. Even though I already know Sean won't see it our way."

Catching the uncertainty laced with the last sentence, Fabian ardently stated, "Which shouldn't even be a footnote among your concerns. I will admit how good a friend he can be, but Sean doesn't get to have a validated stance on mutation while he's trying to escape it at the same time. When it comes right down to it, he's no different from the rest of his family in that regard. Yet his brother could not be more removed from them. And she might not say it, but even his homosapian-born wife clearly doesn't agree with him. It wasn't that long ago that Maya was pulling off late evening escapades with Melissa and Brenda. How long does Sean really believe she'll be satisfied confined to his shroud of ordinariness?" Though Frank's eyes reflected a glint of disorientation from the biting words, the New York City native could not formulate a rebuttal. "The way I see it, you're not losing anything." Fabian stood from his car to walk around to the driver's side. "You've merely gained the superior Cassidy."

Looking on as the older teen got behind the wheel of the Ferrari, Frank exited the garage first via teleportation.

IIIIIII

Done with her evening hair maintenance, Becky stepped out from her father's bathroom. Spotting the boy who all but dangled out of the widest window, she made her way over to stand alongside him.

They wordlessly watched the night sky until an entranced Tommy said, "Everything is so different now. Do I feel any different to you?"

"A little," Becky determined.

"Better?" he grinned, glancing at her.

"Happier," the girl clarified. "Other than that, you're the same as before."

"What was I before?"

"My brother."

Tommy started to speak until he experienced a yank from behind.

"Funny," with a ruffle to his hair, a dubious Frank tossed the smaller boy onto the bed, "I was gonna say the same thing."

Laughing on cushioned impact, "Hey," Tommy hurled a pillow, which Frank caught with ease.

"Imps," Erik's robust voice preceded his entry into the suite along with Alex and Leon, "it's well past time to settle down."

"Sorry, just… oh, man!" Tommy rolled to the other side of the mattress ecstatically. "I still can't get over this. It really happened- I'm finally one of you."

"Finally?" Alex echoed with a raised eyebrow. "What, you just went braindead to the last couple of months? No more plant sniffing for you."

"You know what I mean. I'm better like this," Tommy insisted. "A mutant, just like you guys."

"And you were no less one of our own yesterday." Sitting next to him on the mattress, Erik cupped his cheek. "One of mine. Tommy, mutation is not your contribution to this family. You've already gifted us all with your love, support, and acceptance."

"To a frightening degree at times," Leon inserted. "No complaints, mind you."

"Yeah," said Frank, "the powers just give your folks less to balk at about you going to school here. You're still the same dorky dwarf we all kinda, sorta like."

"Hm," hummed Becky, climbing up to snuggle against Erik's opposite side, "isn't that how everybody used to describe you?"

Alex smirked, "What do you mean 'used to'?"

"Aw, what's the matter, paste face?" Frank came back with. "Mad that I'm ten times finer than you now?"

The blonde shrugged. "So's Lee. What's your point?"

"Boychicks," Erik summoned followed by a beckoning wave of his hand.

All promptly complying, Frank sat next to Becky. After Leon got situated with his head on Erik's lap, Alex draped across the wide bed, facing the rest of them. Despite the late July temperature, Erik enjoyed the warmth provided by the surrounding youths. He then began a tale about one his many boyhood escapades. As the sound of the metal wielder's voice filled the youngsters with secure comfort, they steadily tapered off from the day's exhilarating events. Frank left an arm around Becky, Tommy played in Leon's hair, and Alex rested his head on Leon's ankles.

Minutes later, Erik raised his head at his sister-in-law's arrival in his doorway. He indicated the slumbering Leon and Tommy positively. Walking in with silent grace, Emma kissed the temples of the five youths. She lingered to ensure a peaceful dream state for Tommy and Leon then closed the door upon departure.

Arms enveloping the youngest three, Erik gazed upward in veneration.

II

Maneuvering through his extensive family library, the male telepath discovered the one he sought towards the back. With his back to the shelves containing the updated encyclopedias, the ginger sat on a manmade stool comprised of five hardbacks.

"Here I thought the music studio served as your new sanctum."

Peering up from his current chapter of Lord of the Flies, Sean replied, "For business, maybe." He glanced around the study space. "As soon as Raven showed us this part of the tour, I went completely blank on the rest of the house. I was so ready to move right in here between the stacks."

"You practically did." Charles squatted before him. "Sleep trouble?"

Sean nodded. "I said good night to the baby man already, but I didn't want to keep Maya up. She wants to have meditative tea with Logan in the morning."

"You're afraid for Tommy, aren't you?" Charles asked kindly.

Sean quietly considered that for a moment. "If it had to happen, I'm glad he was here. I'm not… I'm not ashamed of us, Charles. You know that, right?"

"Of course, I do," Charles responded promptly.

"I just wanted things easier for Tommy than they were for me," Sean explained. "But that was pretty much thrown out the window after we were snatched that night."

"Yes," Charles concurred sympathetically.

Sean stated, "It is more dangerous to be a mutant now, but we're not alone anymore, thanks to you and Erik. I am so grateful that he gets both of you from the jump."

"That package could easily include you, Seanie." At the mild bewilderment that appeared on the younger male's face, Charles continued, "I'm well-aware that you have your career and university on top of being a newly married man. However, there is no reason why we cannot all work around that. If I have not emphasized this enough, you were absolutely outstanding heading the last mission. You might not have been ready a few months ago, but that has all changed. Erik and I both agree that if you and Maya are willing to remain with the X-Men, we want you made an instructor immediately."

"Charles, tell me you are not sinking to bribe bait right now."

"I would not dare insult you that way," the Professor affirmed. "I've long accepted your leaving. I only want you to know every option you have available. I'm also willing to use whatever influence necessary to have you and Maya transferred to a more local university. The two of you would be excellent, deserving candidates for any school of your choosing."

Sean sat mutely for a few seconds. "I can't promise you anything, Charles. And I have to talk to Maya."

"Yes, I know. But regardless of whatever you two decide, know that I am behind you and that this will always be your home."

A soft sheen came over Sean's pupils. "… Thank you."

After sending an adoring hand through his red hair, Charles stood to take his leave of the library. He walked back to the master bedroom. An equally awake Emma awaited him in bed with a tuckered-out Brian and Joey next to her. His ruminating expression giving into a smile, Charles removed his robe and joined them, keeping the boys in the middle.

IIIIIII

Drooping ten-year-old in his possession, the metal wielder made their way into the kitchen. With Mira and Todd in their highchairs, Kayla worked at the stove.

"We have a battered warrior in desperate need of replenishment." Erik placed Tommy in a chair at the island and messed his hair. "He just had his blood drawn."

Tommy laid his head on the counter with a light moan. "I am so done with needles."

Kayla applied a gentle palm to his back. "I can guarantee my Cody's been sending you his condolences all morning. Now, what do you say we start you off with a juice and leftover cookie pick-me-up?"

Eyes brightening, Tommy lifted his head. "Okay, I am beyond loving this mutant thing."

"Music to my ears." Erik poured him a glass of OJ and let him pick two cookies out of the jar. "I want you to have room to spare for a legitimate breakfast."

Kayla said, "If the dinner table last night was any indication, we can only hope he doesn't swallow a fork in the process."

Tommy laughed as he munched away.

After partaking in a contest for best facial grimacing with Todd, Erik informed, "I'll be right back for a rematch," then left to see about the other fledglings.

Once he drank his juice and made crumbs of his cookies, Tommy petitioned questioningly, "Kay?" The woman looked over from mixing omelet components. "Why does Cody get so weird whenever anybody talks about what it was like to get their powers? The way Sean and Joey tell it, you guys are this mega mutant family."

Kayla's lips quirked wryly. "Our reputation does precede us there, doesn't it?" She moved to stand across the island from the inquisitive child. "It is true that Cody takes so much pride in his powers now. Unfortunately, they emerged during our darkest days."

Tommy eyed her dolefully. "Jaycee?"

Kayla bobbed her head. "I don't think Cody will ever stop asking why he was able to grow stronger than ever before," her gaze drifted over towards her twins, "yet his sister couldn't."

"I don't get it, either," Tommy said. "It seems like everybody had it so rough when their powers came. Sean breaking stuff, the telepaths thinking they were crazy, Scott's eyes, how dirty that town did Joey, the little girl Maya was taking care of, Lee's dad…"

Kayla leaned forward to prop her upper body across the surface. "That seems to be an area where you and I differ vastly from the others. I first discovered what I could do when I was a little younger than you are. My broken arm healed almost completely on the same day I got it."

"That's too cool," Tommy reacted.

"My parents' sentiments also," Kayla recalled fondly. "I may have the powers, but they considered themselves to be the ones blessed."

Tommy's pleasant countenance faltered slightly. "I wonder if my parents will ever see it that way."

"They still need time," Kayla offered.

"…. I haven't really said anything, but something hit me pretty hard this morning." At the lady's expression of attentive patience, the boy went on. "Sean's always been the big brain; honor roll, winning all those writing awards and stuff. My biggest thing was being the 'normal' one. Now, I keep picturing them looking at me like they're gonna be sick or something."

"I do not believe that will be the case," Kayla urged genuinely. "While I don't see them planning a parade, I cannot see them simply casting you or your brother away like that. They've had to make adjustments and compromises to keep Sean in their lives. I have no doubt they'll do the same for you. From where I'm standing, you're both more than worth it." She reached over to place her hands on top of his and he regarded her appreciatively. "Now, how do you like your omelet?"

Without deliberation, Tommy told her, "Gargantuan."

IIIIIII

At the all but entirely stripped space that greeted his gaze, the English Headmaster surmised, "I take it you aren't merely relocating everything to the third floor."

Zipping up his final overnight bag, Sean stood straight. "I wish I could say that's the case. God knows Maya and I went back and forth on it enough. Right before the wedding, we felt called to stay on longer." He looked at Charles directly. "But the last mission is over and we played our parts in it. I thought I'd jump at the chance to be an instructor, but I can already see where that road's heading."

"What do you mean?" Charles inquired in puzzlement.

"You know what being an X-Man means to me, Charles," the redhead expressed solemnly. "But I've spent these past few years living in Hank and Alex's shadows. I don't want Tommy going through that with me. He needs to grow into his own."

The Professor concluded, "And you need to do the same with this next stage."

"Charles," Sean moved to close the short space between them, "I can't even…"

"Seanie," Charles placed a consoling grip on his shoulders, "it's alright."

"No," Sean adamantly countered, "no, you have to understand. I wouldn't have been able to do any of this three years ago. Trick might have introduced me to this whole musical world, but I wouldn't have what it takes to go after any of this if it weren't for you. You saw more in me than anyone ever has. Way more than just a vicious scream of doom."

Applying squeezes to his shoulders, Charles responded, "Whatever I saw was already there. I only received the privilege of helping you bring it out for yourself. And I meant what I said last night, Seanie. Fly to the ends of the Earth and back- your home will always be here. For you and Maya."

Sean dipped his tall frame to fully become encased in the man's hold, leaving his bowed head on his shoulder. As a shudder escaped his stoic form, Charles tightened his lock, and both shut their moistening blue eyes.

IIIIIII

Early Monday afternoon offered generous sunshine and a lulling breeze. Over in the east garden of the glorious estate, the two women sat on opposite ends of the small circular patio table. A tray of refreshments between them, both wore light skirt suits in white and violet, respectively.

"I can't tell you how pleased I am that you managed to arrive this soon." Emma extended a plate out to her guest.

Doreen accepted one of the tiny tea cakes. "My aviator of a father can be very motivated at times. I knew there had to be a reason you asked me to come alone. My mother has Liam and Lauren on a souvenir hunt in Jersey."

Emma nodded her head approvingly. "I won't mince words here, Doreen. On Saturday, Tommy's dormant X-gene unlocked."

Cake going dry in her mouth, Doreen only stared blankly at first. "… You mean he's…?"

"A mutant," Emma supplied. "As overwhelming as that may seem right now, you have no reason to be astonished. The gene is fairly common among siblings. My brother is the only non-mutant out of the four of us. You and your husband had to know how strong the possibility was."

"There is also a possibility of one of them being in a car crash. Awareness does not cushion the shock."

"I understand what you're feeling right now, but it's absolutely irrelevant."

"Irrelevant?" Doreen parroted incredulously. "How can you say something so cold? This is my son we're talking about; my little boy."

"Exactly," Emma said pointedly. "This is about Tommy, not you or Liam. We've run his bloodwork twice and his health is perfectly in order. He's receiving ample support around here, but he needs you behind him as well; more so, honestly. I know you were frightened and confused with Sean, but that doesn't change how much self-loathing he's suffered for his gifts. With Tommy, you've been given a second chance to give him the encouragement he needs. I'm not speaking as a mutant diplomat. This is from one mother to another."

Doreen peered at her reflection in her teacup for a few silent seconds before she raised her head again. "I need to see him."

With that, Emma telepathically informed all interested parties of their impending arrival.

II

In the woods, Flynn and Maya knelt on either side of Tommy by the pond. Nearby, Sean stood between the Headmasters until his mother came into view along with Emma.

"Mom." The tall teenager met her in a hug.

"Mrs. Cassidy," Erik acknowledged while Charles said, "Thank you for being here."

"Of course," the Irish woman responded.

Maya waved subduedly. "Hi, Doreen."

Tommy slowly stood. "Hi, Mom."

At her extended arm, he quickly moved to join her and his brother in their embrace.

Doreen kissed his dark-haired head twice before cupping his cheeks to visually examine his face. "How are you feeling, sweetheart? Is everything alright?"

Tommy smiled a little. "I think so."

Flynn piped up, "Show her your stuff, boyo."

Dipping to pick up a twig next to his foot, Tommy held it high. His on-lookers watched a short beam of red shoot from the wooden tip.

A hand going over her taken aback chest, Doreen uttered, "Saints alive!..."

Sean kept a pacifying arm around his mother. "Yeah, I know it's not supersonic cool, but he'll get there."

Doreen sent him a dry look. "My fears are allayed."

Tommy regarded her expectantly. "Is it okay, Mom?"

Doreen's lips parted as she searched for the correct words. "It's- you're outstanding, sweetheart. But all that matters is you. Are you sure you're feeling alright?"

"Yep," Tommy answered unflappably. "I just got dizzy a few times and I can eat five Thanksgiving dinners in a day."

"So, not much has changed," Flynn quipped.

"We found nothing alarming during his medical exams," Charles reported. "However, since he is so newly mutated, it's best he remains on the grounds for the time being."

"… Yes," Doreen slowly conceded. "I suppose you are more knowledgeable in handling these sorts of…"

"Gifts." Erik filled in.

"Mom," Tommy vexed, "what's Dad gonna say?"

"You don't have to worry about that," Sean assured then focused on the female redhead again. "Right, Mom?"

To that, Doreen addressed, "Daddy," and promptly received Flynn's attention, "could you go pick up the others? We have a lot to discuss with the Headmasters and we need to get in all the time we can with our boys before Liam has to get to work on Wednesday."

"Consider it done, Dory," Flynn guaranteed.

The Cassidy brothers exchanged elated glances.

"Take as much time as you need," Charles encouraged.

Maya offered, "I'll go with you, Grandpa."

Sean looked in his wife direction. "Are you sure you're up for seeing your mom right now?"

With an apathetic shrug, Maya pointed out, "These'll probably be the last times for a while."

"First thing's first, lass," Flynn instructed importantly, pressing a hand to her back as he guided them towards the mansion, "we have snacks to load up on."

IIIIIII

Stopping to sit on the bottom step of the front porch, the freckle-faced boy retied his left shoe. At the metallic clanking of the garage door opening, Collin peered up to see an unfamiliar vehicle rolling in. Following the indigo Ford Thunderbird into the garage, he watched Fabian emerge from the driver's side.

The redhead stood in surprise. "You got a new car?"

"A change of pace seemed in order for Boston," Fabian said offhandedly. "Besides, I find the blue more suitable these days."

"It is cool," Collin approved, "but what about the Ferrari? Figured you'd need the actual jaws of life to pry you out of that thing."

"Do you want it?"

Collin almost responded with something equally cheeky until he noticed the complete lack of jest on the older teen's face. "… What?"

Fabian clarified, "Do you want the Ferrari? Obviously, I don't need two cars and you're finally licensed for destruction."

Whatever astonishment he experienced previously bombarded Collin tenfold. "Just like that? You want to give me your dream ride?"

Removing the correct key from his chain, Fabian tossed it his way, "We'll have the title transferred this afternoon," then headed inside.

By himself in the garage, Collin stood in near catatonia before full jubilation made him take a victorious leap. Running for the luxury vehicle in question, he disregarded all dignity as he threw himself at the Ferrari in adulation.

IIIIIII

By early evening on Tuesday, the fully furnished but occupant void townhouse resembled a cardboard shipping and supply company. Adorned in a turquoise X t-shirt and track pants, Maya along with the two elder women attempted to condense the boxed contents to the counters and cabinets.

"Where do you plan on stashing these?" Lauren indicated the container of individually bubble-wrapped plates.

Looking over, Maya directed, "Leave those on the table, Mom. I need to polish them later."

From where she arranged pots and pans on the overhead rack, Kayla commented, "Again?"

Maya merely pointed out, "You know nothing from my grammy is dishwasher safe."

"Got to appreciate the back-breaking labor that goes into maintaining heirlooms you only get to whip out twice a year, tops," remarked Lauren, nonetheless carefully situating her mother's dishes on the table.

Entering the craftsman style kitchen, "Last one, Smiley," Logan deposited the medium box in his possession on top of a larger one on the island. "And you'll be eatin' off takeout for a week while you try to unbury this kitchen."

"No way," Maya denied. "I can't wait to cook our first meal in here… tomorrow."

Stepping halfway in with Sean, Trick informed, "We just finished stacking up downstairs."

Sean deduced, "I'm guessing I'm completely useless here beyond heavy-lifting?"

Easily grasping his meaning, Maya granted, "Go get your new office in order. We'll collaborate on the bedroom and living room later."

"Crash Pad, honey," Sean emphasized. "I'm not nearly shriveled up enough for an office yet."

"I second that." Trick pounded fists with him.

"Sure," Lauren quipped, "rub it in."

Logan then asked, "Need anything else from the geriatrics labor force?"

With a brief glance around, Maya determined, "Actually, I think we've got it from here. You guys should get back before traffic gets too nightmarish."

"Yeah, we'd better." Lauren went over and squeezed Maya's arm. "I'll call you about dinner next week."

Maya nodded. "Sounds good. Be careful driving back."

"Try not to stay up hyper-organizing this place," Kayla requested. "At least, not all night."

"I'll do my best," Maya assured.

"The best can be scary comin' from you," Logan half-joked, earning the girl's famed smile.

Sean slapped hands and shared a short embrace with Trick before speaking to the room. "Thanks so much, guys. Way beyond the move or anything else I can list."

"Entirely our pleasure," Kayla affirmed as their group headed for the front.

"You two just do your part now," Logan said pointedly.

"Without a doubt," Sean came back with.

Maya hugged Trick, followed by Kayla then entreated, "Call us as soon as you get in, please."

"Hey," Trick walked out and down the steps with a smirk, "that's supposed to be our line."

Departing for her vehicle next, Lauren stated blandly, "The Medicare journey has only begun."

Touching her hand to Logan's shoulder, Kayla said softly, "I'll start the car," getting a head bob from her husband.

Sean waved after the raven-haired woman then put forth, "Crash pad awaits," before making a swift path for the basement.

Remaining on the porch, Logan stood on the second step from the top. Both with hands stuffed in their pockets, Maya directly faced him.

The man spoke first with, "Red's already got a gig lined up for this weekend?"

"Right," Maya confirmed. "It's upstate, so I'm going with him. I'm going to try to catch as many of his shows as I can before school starts."

"That's good," Logan responded favorably. "We're all grateful that you felt the need to do justice by your X-Men duties before steppin' back, but you two deserve this time together."

Expression as earnest as her tone, Maya stated, "We're the grateful ones."

After a few wordless seconds, Logan brought up, "Make sure you keep these doors locked and double-check at night. Stay on Sean about that for when you fall asleep before him."

"I will."

"Try to keep your taser on you at all times. You have the spare?"

"In my purse," she answered straightaway, "both of them."

"As temptin' as it'll be, don't go wearin' out your," aware of their outdoor surroundings, Logan coded, "nifty trick tryin' to get this house in order. Take it easy; you're allowed to do that."

"An attempt will be made," Maya said blithely.

"Don't talk to strangers unless they fish you out of ice water."

"You buzzkill."

"And Smiley, if you need anything…" Logan's blue irises burrowed into her brown.

The tremors developing in her petite frame forced her to inhale through her nostrils before speaking again. "I know, Wolverine."

Their forms meeting halfway, Logan hoisted the slim girl off her feet and her arms flew around his neck. Their only movement for the next several seconds consisted of his fingers gliding through her ponytail. When he finally lowered her, Maya had to grip his burly arms for a moment to stay upright. With a tender pinch to her chin, Logan began the short trek down the steps to his waiting wife and truck.

As if experiencing a shiver, Maya folded her arms snugly while she watched and emitted in a hush, "Thank you, Daddy."

Logan's hand stiffened for a brief moment before he re-animated, seemingly, nonchalantly and continued into the passenger's side.

Once all the elders' cars fully disappeared from her viewing point, Maya re-entered the townhouse. After shutting the entrance and twisting the dual locks, she moved on to the master bedroom and closed its door. She spotted her black shoulder bag on the bed and grabbed it to retrieve the two tasers. She placed the backup in her nightstand and secured the bejeweled one to her pocket. Maneuvering around the boxes, she went into the attached bathroom next, where she activated the showerhead. As the water gushed, Maya took a seat on the edge of the tub. She stayed completely still until her own moisture erupted and her head sunk with sobs. Only when the water abruptly cut off a minute later did her tear-stained face peer up again.

Removing his hand from the faucet, "Nice try," Sean got down and gathered her into his impermeable hold.

Maya resisted none whatsoever as she wept into his green X-shirt.

IIIIIII

Golden tresses styled into a partially loose bouffant, the mutant matron accented the sleeveless, off-the-shoulder cocktail dress with her jewelry selection. She attached diamond studs to her ears with their matching tennis bracelet. Her white-gold infinity pendant complimented her sweetheart neckline. After spritzing herself with vanilla fragrance, she stood from the vanity bench on heels that resembled icicles. She then found herself pleasantly entrapped by the suave figure that came up behind her.

Lips brushing across her neck, Charles wanted to know, who the bloody hell needs to go out?

You, Emma reached up to caress his jawline, desperately, Sugar. She watched their reflections in the mirror. For music, lobster, Dom Perignon…

Trying to have your wicked way with me as soon as we stumble into the jacuzzi tonight?

Assuming we're done by dawn, shifting in his grasp, Emma eyed him enticingly, after what I have planned for the ride home. You are mine this night, Professor.

Endlessly, Mrs. Xavier. Charles fondled her pendant.

After a kiss with a duration that greatly reaffirmed that sentiment, Emma requested, bring the Jag around. I'll be right there.

You had better. Walking backwards, the man in olive dinner jacket kept his gaze locked on her before strolling out into the hall.

Once she conducted her final makeup and accessory checks, Emma took hold of her thin clutch bag. Going to the nearby nursery door, she pushed it open fully, finding her one-year-old along with her pigtailed sister at work on a curious building block fortress.

"Mama," Brian acknowledged cheerfully.

"Don't even think about pawing her." Cordelia reeled him in closely as she took in her older sibling's full ensemble. "Gorge to the highest caliber, big sis."

"Thank you." Emma swayed in the A-line skirt a bit. "I am getting Charles out of this house for several shameless hours."

"Please, Heaven and Earth demand it," Cordelia vehemently concurred. "Don't worry about us. Uncle Trick is taking over for this one," she played with Brian's small hands, "as soon as they get back from Syracuse then I'm helping Alex and Erik with a small training activity for the other kids. We need a whole lot of distraction around here."

"I'll know that feeling all the more," Emma replied, "once you make the triumphant return to our hometown."

Some of Cordelia's breeziness subsided. "I don't know how, but we actually broke the record for peaceful Frost sibling co-habitation. Granted, the previous one was only about forty-eight hours."

"Seventy-two for the odd-holiday," Emma humorously recalled. "But in all seriousness, after Mother… I'm so glad you came here, Cordy. It ended up being exactly what our family needed."

"I think so, too." Cordelia then somberly mentioned, "As thrilled as I am to be going to Bos U, packing up won't be easy."

"I know," Emma sympathized. "I'm also aware that I wasn't exactly in favor of you giving Fabian so much as the time of day, but it's great that he's going with you. A relief, even."

With an impish grin, Cordelia said, "So, you can trust my judgement in the beau department."

"Actually, baby sis," Emma came back with, "there are a number of areas I'm starting to trust your judgement in." At the younger female's resulting countenance of staggered inquisitiveness, the furtive blonde only reacted by blowing a kiss Brian's way. "Be good for Auntie." With that, she sauntered off towards the stairs.