Author's note: Refer to previous chapters about lack of ownership.

Warning: mentions of and act of spanking. Don't like, don't read. It was in the story description

"Come on. We can take my car." Scott led Corsair to the garage and to his red and white convertible.

"You actually found it!" Corsair laughed.

"The professor hunted it down for my sixteenth birthday." Corsair patted Scott's back and moved to get in the driver's side.

"What?" he asked, seeing Scott's face.

"Where's your license?"

"Brat," Corsair said, switching to the passenger seat. Scott got in the driver's side and started the car, put it in reverse, and left the property.

"There's a diner some of us like to go to up here. Would that be ok for lunch?"

"Sure." Scott drove to the diner and parked. He and Corsair got out of the car and went inside.

"Scott, dear, how are you?" A waitress said, coming over.

"I'm great, Ms. K. How are you?"

"I'm well, son, thanks for asking. Now who's this you have with you? I don't think I've seen him before, and you know better than to come when I'm not working."

"This is my dad. He was in an accident when I was little and… he lost his memory. He finally got some of it back and the first thing he did was come find me."

"It is a pleasure to meet you, then, Scott's dad," Ms. K said, hugging Corsair.

"Chris, please. And I'm happy to see that my son has so many people caring for him." Ms. K blushed as she led the two to a booth and gave them menus.

"What can I get you boys to drink?"

"I'll have my usual, Ms. K."

"Fruit punch and lemonade. And for you?" She asked Chris.

"I'll take a Coke, please." Ms. K wrote it down.

"Ok. I'll be back with those in just a few minutes."

"Who's on the grill?"

"Hector."

"Awesome. Thanks Ms. K!"

"You must come here often."

"It was just me and the professor for a while. He didn't exactly know how to feed a teenager, and I didn't know how to cook. Enter Ms. K and Hector. Once I got my license, I made it a point to come by at least once a week to check on them and let them check on me. Sometimes others will come with me, but it's usually just me or me and Jean, since she came in the picture about two months after I did."

"What would you suggest I get?" Corsair asked after perusing the menu.

"Hector is the best. I haven't had anything here that I don't like. But coming off of the diet you were probably on, it might be best to have not super greasy stuff? I'd recommend the deli sandwich."

"What are you getting?"

"My usual: strips and fries. It's comfort food," Scott shrugged and then smiled at Ms. K as she sat down two cups on the table.

"Know what you'd like, sugar?"

"I'd like chicken and fries, Ms. K. Especially since it's Hector. He seasons the fries better than anyone I know," he told Corsair.

"And I'd like a deli sandwich please."

"Your side?"

"Fries as well. Thank you." Ms. K took their menus with a smile.

"I'll get those out to you as soon as they're up."

"Thanks!" Scott took a sip of his drink and looked at Corsair. "So… you and Hepzibah?" Corsair nodded.

"Is that ok?"

"I mean that's your business… I just don't understand it." Chris raised an eye.

"Didn't think you needed to. Just know it works for us and we're happy." Scott blushed.

"So… you met in that… camp?"

"We did. That was how we all met and escaped. But there are a lot of things I shouldn't say out loud here, so let's move on."

"Ok. Um. How long do you think it'll take for them to fix the ship?"

"A month, at least. Possibly two." Corsair saw Scott's shoulders drop. "That's actually what I'd like to talk to you about, if you're up for it."

"It's fine. You had a job before you knew we were alive. I can't expect you to-"

"No, Scott. I'm leaving the crew. Charles is hiring me as an instructor for you and your friends."

"Really?"

"Yes. I still need to let them know, but I'm sure they'll figure it out. I have spent many years telling them I'd give it up for another chance with you and Alex."

"What about Hepzibah?"

"I'll give her a choice, to stay with me or to go. We can try long distance, if that's what she prefers. But I'm a father, first. If you two were adults, then maybe I'd still go with them and just visit more. But you've just turned seventeen, and Alex is almost fifteen. I still have time with you before you make a life for yourselves." The two thanked Ms. K as she set the food on the table. Scott reached for the ketchup and squeezed a generous helping onto his plate.

"Do you think she'll stay?"

"She won't like to be cooped up. I truly don't know how it will work." Scott absentmindedly tore a chicken strip in half as he thought.

"We can ask Professor Xavier. I'm sure you saw my friend Kurt last night. He's the one who helped get the ship in the hanger?"

"Ah, yes. Hard to forget him."

"Well, he doesn't always… look like that. The professor figured out a way to hide that so Kurt could go out in public. I'm sure he can make one for her if she'd like. I mean, it's an option if that's all that would keep her away. And she doesn't have to use it at the Institute. We're the least likely to judge things like that."

"I'll talk to Charles first to see if he'd agree, and then I'll talk to her. Thank you, son." They continued eating in silence for a little while.

"So what would you teach us?" Scott asked once they both only had fries left.

"Flying, safely jumping from a plane, weapons- ours and theirs, hand to hand. And lessons about them."

"We'll be co-instructors for flying. I've had my pilot's license almost as long as I've had my permit. I helped the professor build the simulator we have."

"What is it you do there?"

"I'm second in command, first while on the field or in simulations."

"I can't see someone like Logan taking that well." Scott shrugged.

"It helps that I'm not lording it over him. He sees that I make good calls and that I actually take what he says into consideration. We also both understand that if I screw up, he's the one who gets to decide what happens."

"Now that I'm here, I doubt that will be necessary. I'm sure you remember how I handle misbehaving." Scott blushed.

"It's pretty rare that I make a mistake that causes me to be put on probation."

"Then we won't have a problem."

"Logan's doing fine. You don't need to-"

"I'm your father, not him. Any questions?"

"No sir."

"Good. I'd hate to have our afternoon ruined by having to remind you how to act."

"You can't just jump back into my life and expect things to be the way they were ten years ago," Scott said angrily.

"Oh, I understand that some things have changed, but the way I discipline my children is not one of those things, Scott Christopher."

"Dad!"

"Exactly. I am your father. It's my responsibility to make sure you are prepared for-"

"For what? Being on my own? Been there, done that." Scott took a last sip of his drink before going to the register near the front to pay.

"Are you alright, sugar?" Ms. K asked.

"Yes ma'am. It's just going to take some getting used to again." He handed her $30, more than enough for the bill. "Keep the change, Ms. K. Thanks for taking care of us." Ms. Kay patted his hand and he went outside to wait for Chris. It was less than a minute for Corsair to leave the diner and join him.

"I know it's an adjustment, Scott. I'm sorry I was gone for so long. But if you want me here, this is how it's going to be."

"And if I refuse?"

"Then I'll withdraw my offer to Charles and leave with the Starjammers once the ship is done."

"So you're going to just come and hear we're alive and then go back, leaving us alone again. Great parenting, Dad."

"That isn't what I want to do. I want to stay with you and Alex. I want to contribute to something that you two are a part of. But if you can't accept every aspect of that, then there's no point."

"You're blackmailing me."

"No, I'm trying to treat you like a mature adult since that's the way everyone else seems to treat you, but if you'd prefer, I can go back to treating you like you were seven years old again."

"That's not what I-"

"Hush. You have until we get to the store to decide if you want me to stay with all that it entails, or if I'm leaving and occasionally visiting." Scott frowned as he started driving to the store, thinking over Chris' words. He made it sooner than he'd anticipated and he parked in the nearest open parking spot.

"I want you to stay," he said quietly.

"What was that?"

"I want you to stay," Scott repeated, a little louder.

"I'm glad to hear that, Son. I want to stay, too. Now let's go in and get what we'll need for tonight. I think you're old enough to learn your Grandpa Summers' secret recipe for hamburgers."

"I'm too young to drink." Chris laughed as he and Scott got out of the car and started the walk inside.

"First things first," Corsair said after they grabbed a cart. "We need hamburger meat and hotdogs. Show me where they are." Scott led his father to the refrigerated section of the store and pointed out the meat. Chris looked at a few different types before putting several styrofoam containers in the cart. Scott led him to the lunch meat area and Corsair grabbed a few packages.

"Why so many?"

"I'd assume a bunch of teenagers would take a lot before getting full. And Ch'od can eat double that. Buns?" Scott took Corsair down the bread aisle and helped him get several packages of hamburger and hotdog buns. They moved on to get condiments and then onions, lettuce, and tomatoes.

"I take it you have olive oil, salt, pepper, and other spices?"

"Um… if there's a specific spice you're looking for, I'd grab it just in case."

"Ok. I need worcestershire sauce and garlic powder. And Grandpa's secret ingredient, cayenne pepper." Scott led him down the spice aisle and they found what Corsair needed.

"We should probably get a bunch of chips, too. And stuff for beans. And mac and cheese."

"And brownie sundaes?"

"Of course. Wait- Alex and I get dessert, right?"

"You two were arguing earlier, so we'll see."

"Dad!"

"What? You brought it up. I see the chips from here. You go get the stuff for dessert and I'll handle chips. We'll meet on the canned food aisle for beans and mac and cheese." Scott nodded and went to grab ice cream, whipped cream, sprinkles, syrup, and then he dropped it off at the basket before going to get the boxes of brownie mix.

"I'm going to grab some sodas too, ok?" Chris nodded as he put cans of baked beans into the basket. Scott came back with several 2-Liters of soda and started putting them in the basket.

"Watch the chips and bread, Scott."

"Then help me move them since my hands are obviously full."

"Excuse me?"

"I-I meant would you mind helping me so I don't mess them up?" Chris moved the bread to the seat of the cart and moved the chips so that Scott could put the sodas down.

"I need a new hairbrush. Where are they?"

"Dad, no. Please, I, I forgot."

"Scott."

"Dad-"

"One. Two. Th-"

"They're this way," Scott mumbled. He led Corsair to the other side of the store and waited by the cart as his father looked at the different styles of brushes. He finally found one, a straight backed wooden brush. He slapped it on the palm of his hand and then put it into the cart.

"Anything else?"

"No sir."

"Then let's check out." Scott nodded and they steered the cart to the register. Scott helped Chris load the belt with the food, making sure to not touch the brush himself. Once everything had been rung up, Scott paid with the card that was used for Institute related purchases. Once the cashier handed him the receipt, the father and son were headed to Scott's car.

"Alex should be here soon," Scott said, trying to initiate a conversation.

"Good. The two of you can help make dinner."

"Remember when Mom would pretend to let us help?"

"No, I don't. That must have been while I was deployed."

"Oh. Yeah, I guess so." Corsair sighed.

"It won't work, Scott. We're going to get back to the house and we'll put groceries away, and then you and I are going to go up to your room for a few minutes."

"Dad, please. I just need a day to get adjusted to you being back. It won't happen again."

"Just drive, son. The more you try to talk me out of it, the likelier it'll happen." Scott stayed silent for the rest of the drive. Once they got to the Institute, Scott scanned his thumb at the gate and drove up the long driveway. He parked near the stairs to get into the mansion and got out of the car to open his trunk. He grabbed several bags, and to his dismay, he saw Corsair grab several bags with 2-Liters, reminding Scott that Chris' muscles weren't just for looks. They took the bags inside where Jean and Kurt were waiting to help put them away until it was time to use them.

"Are there more bags?" Kurt asked. Scott nodded and Kurt teleported them outside.

"It's just these left," Scott said, grabbing the bags of chips.

"How are you doing?" Scott shrugged.

"It's great because my dad is still alive, but it's hard because he wants to just insert himself into my life after having been gone for nearly ten years."

"At least he'll be gone soon," Kurt added. "The Starjammers vere very positive." Scott shook his head.

"He's staying. The professor has talked to him about being an instructor here. But he hasn't told the Starjammers, so don't say anything."

"How is that going to vork?" Scott shrugged.

"I'm going to stay grounded for the rest of my life," he sighed.

"But you're Scott! You're never in trouble!"

"I have a strict military dad. Trust me. He seems like he's super fun and chill, but say one disrespectful thing and you're done."

"See? You do remember!" Scott turned and looked at the steps to see Corsair standing with Hepzibah. "Go put those away and then I'll see you upstairs." Scott nodded and turned to Kurt who immediately teleported them back to the kitchen. Scott helped Jean put the rest of the food away. Jean was on the last bag and pulled out the hairbrush.

"Who got this?" She asked, looking at it strangely.

"Oh, that's, um, my dad's. He got it for Hepzibah."

"Ok, I'll go take it to her."

"No, that's ok. My dad wanted to see my room, so I'll just give it to him and he can get it to her." Jean looked at Scott with a confused look.

"It's fine, Scott. I was going to go work out before dinner, so it's not a big deal."

"Jean, please." Jean looked at Scott and saw his red face.

"Ok. Here." Jean handed it to Scott. "It's not for Hepzibah, is it?"

"I can't, Jean. Please just drop it." Jean nodded once and Scott slid the brush into his pocket. "I'm going to show my dad my room," Scott said, refusing to look at his oldest friend. "Then we'll start working on dessert and dinner."

"He can't do anything without your consent. Just remember that."

"He already has it," Scott admitted before hurrying away. He saw Chris standing at the top of the stairs, waiting.

"Where've you been?"

"You left your purchase in the bag," Scott told him, leading him to his room. He opened the door and stepped in, Chris following close behind. Chris closed the door once he was in the room and he looked around.

"How long has this been your room?"

"Nearly three years."

"It looks like you've just moved in. There are no posters, no pictures, no movies… Geez, kid. Is this a school or a prison?" Scott crossed his arms and looked away from Corsair.

"I don't spend a lot of time in here. I don't see the point in decorating." Chris sighed and held his hand out to Scott. Scott felt his face burning as he handed his father the hairbrush from his pocket.

"What did you do wrong today?" Scott sighed as he stood at attention.

"I was disrespectful to your position as my father. I spoke out of turn. I was rude and demanding."

"What do you deserve?"

"Discipline, sir," Scott answered, shaking.

"Present yourself." It had been ten years since Scott heard those words, but the feelings they brought felt the same at seventeen as they did at seven. Scott sniffed as he unbuttoned and unzipped his pants and turned as he brought them and his boxers to his knees before bending over his bed. Scott heard footsteps coming behind him and felt the cool touch of the hairbrush.

WHACK! Scott jumped as he felt the sting on his unprotected butt. WHACK! WHACK! WHACK! WHACK! Scott knew better than to move, but he was quickly becoming uncomfortable.

"What do you have to say for yourself, Scott Christopher?"

"I'm sorry sir. I'll do better." Scott felt a hand on his head and he knew it was over.

"Get your pants on. We have dinner to prepare."

"Yes sir," Scott said, standing. He quickly pulled his boxers up before allowing himself to rub the small ache out. Corsair was watching with his eye raised.

"Will you survive?"

"That remains to be seen. I'm sorry, Dad," Scott said again as he pulled up his pants and buttoned and zipped them. Corsair nodded and held an arm out for Scott. Scott went to him and allowed his father to comfort him.

"I hope you understand that I intentionally went easy on you. I couldn't let the disrespect go, but I didn't want to ruin our day."

"I understand. I know I deserved worse and I appreciate the leniency."

"For someone who hasn't been punished by me for several years, you sure didn't miss anything."

"Some things are impossible to forget, no matter how hard I tried." Chris kissed the top of Scott's head.

"Let's go get those patties made. Alex will be here soon enough and you'll have someone you can commiserate with." Scott walked with Corsair out of his room and back to the kitchen. Hepzibah was sitting at the small table in there, looking at the back of a box of brownie mix.

"Corsair," she greeted.

"Scott, I'd like to officially introduce you to my mate? Girlfriend? Partner? I don't know, Hep. How am I supposed to explain our relationship to my children?"

"Girlfriend is fine, Dad. I don't think I should hear a different word for it yet."

"Ok. Scott, this is Hepzibah, my girlfriend. Hep, this is my oldest boy, Scott." Scott shook Hepzibah's hand.

"Scott-boy doesn't seem disgusted by Hepzibah."

"My best friend is a fuzzy blue elf. Not much bothers me now." Scott followed Chris to the sink and they washed their hands.

"Let's get out the hamburger meat and the spices and worcestershire sauce. I'll get the meat, you get the bowl and spoon to mix it." Scott nodded and grabbed a big mixing bowl and a wooden spoon. Chris opened the package and dumped the meat in. Scott handed him the salt, pepper, and worcestershire sauce.

"What was Grandpa's secret ingredient again?"

"Cayenne pepper." Scott nodded and grabbed that as well. He watched as Corsair added some of each to the bowl and then started mixing it.

"What can I do?"

"Get me some parchment paper and something to put the patties on." Scott nodded and grabbed the parchment paper from a drawer and put some on cookie sheets.

"Will this work?"

"Perfect. Now," Chris said, dipping his hand into the mixture, "get about this much meat and form it into a patty. Not too thin or it'll burn, and not too thick or it won't cook through. Yeah, that's a good size. Put it on the paper and then move on to the next one." Scott and Chris kept forming patty after patty. Towards the end, Scott checked the time.

"Alex should be here any minute now." Chris nodded and moved to wash his hands after his last patty.

"Get the trays in the fridge. They won't take long to grill, but I'd like a few minutes with Alex." Scott nodded and washed his hands before following his father's instructions.

"Want me to get started on the brownies?"

"Sure." Scott took a box Hepzibah wasn't looking at intensely and turned the oven on to start preheating. He grabbed eggs, a measuring cup, and vegetable oil and started measuring, cracking, pouring, and mixing. Once it was mixed together, Scott found a pan that would hold the mix. He sprayed it down and poured the mix in. Just as he finished pouring the mix in the pan, the oven beeped to indicate it had reached the desired temperature. Scott popped the tray in the oven and set the timer.

"Domestic life looks good on you," he heard. Scott turned and saw Alex in the kitchen with his bags.