Author's note: Refer to previous chapters about lack of ownership
Warning: mentions and act of spanking in chapter. don't like, don't read
"Domestic life looks good on you," he heard. Scott turned and saw Alex in the kitchen with his bags.
"Hey. I didn't hear anyone say you'd gotten here."
"Well I am. Where should I put my stuff?"
"You want to just room with me for now?"
"Sure." Scott wiped his hands and led Alex to his room.
"I'll get another bed in here before we're ready to sleep. You can just put your bags on my bed for now."
"Thanks. How's it been?"
"He hasn't changed. He's probably going to time us just for the hell of it."
"Aw man! I haven't even thought of that in years!"
"Tell me about it. He did it to me before we even realized who the other was. It pissed the mess out of Jean."
"I'll bet. Who's that skunk lady in the kitchen?"
"Hepzibah. She's, uh… I'll let Dad tell you about her."
"Got it. Do you know how long he'll be here?"
"I'll let Dad talk to you about that, too."
"Come on, man. Just tell me."
"I don't know how much he wants to tell you and I'm not getting in trouble again."
"'Again?' Dude, what'd you do in the past six hours?"
"I was 'disrespectful,'" Scott said as he headed to the door after hearing knocking. He opened it and allowed Chris in his room.
"Dad!" Alex rushed to Chris and hugged him. Corsair wrapped his arms around Alex and squeezed. After a few moments, he lifted an arm towards Scott and Scott got in on the hug.
"My boys. Oh, my boys. I have dreamed of this day for so many years."
"Dad, what happened to Mom?"
"She's gone, Alex. The Shi'ar emperor, D'Ken, destroyed her in front of me." Chris looked away from Scott and Alex in shame. "I tried to save her, but I was shackled to the wall."
"Why did they hurt her?"
"Because she was pregnant." Scott and Alex looked at Chris in complete shock. They understood what Chris wasn't saying- they'd lost a mother and a sibling.
"You did everything you could?" Scott asked.
"I did. I broke the shackles, but it was too late. They realized how strong I was and they threw me into the prison camps. I kept to myself, but I saw the guards taking Hepzibah to their tent. I wasn't going to let another innocent woman suffer. I met up with friends she'd already made, and we rescued her before anything could happen. We got out during the chaos and confusion and became the Starjammers, hellbent on destroying everything the Shi'ar holds dear, just as they did to us."
"And they're the ones who caused your ship to crash in the backyard?"
"Yes."
"What's to stop them from coming and finishing what they started?"
"Earth isn't part of their empire. And the Guardians specifically protect Earth, since their leader is half human. As well as Captain Marvel."
"Who?" Scott and Alex asked at the same time.
"The Guardians of the Galaxy. They're like… they're like the Avengers of space. And Captain Marvel. That's Carol Danvers, another USAF vet. She's hard to explain unless you know her."
"And you know these people? Do they know you're a pirate?" Scott asked.
"Space Robin Hood. And yes. Once they realized that our goal is to ruin the Shi'ar, they actually started helping us. Our deal was that if D'Ken was… disposed of and his sister became the Empress, we'd back off. Everyone loves Lilandra, so it was an easy deal. But enough about me. I think the brownies will be done soon, and I want to introduce Alex to the Starjammers, and I want to meet your… parents." Alex nodded and the three left to go back to the kitchen.
"Jean!" Alex said, happy to see his brother's crush as she removed brownies from the oven..
"Alex. How was your flight?"
"Quick. I still can't get over how fast the Blackbird can travel. You should take a look at it, Dad. I'm sure Scott can show you how to fly it." Chris rolled his eyes and turned off the beeping timer.
"Where are your parents?"
"Funny thing. They didn't actually come."
"I thought that was part of why Logan went to get you?"
"They didn't want to interrupt me seeing you."
"Did they agree to let you go to Alaska?"
"I didn't ask." Chris sighed and crossed his arms while looking at his youngest.
"Get them on the phone. Now." Alex nodded and pulled out his phone. He dialed a number and held the phone to his ear.
"Mom! Yeah, I made it safely. Uh-huh. Yeah. Yes, I packed enough clothes. Yep. Yeah, look, my dad wants to talk to you and Pop. Yeah. Ok. Love you too." Alex handed the phone to Corsair and winced at the look his father was giving him.
"Hello? Yes, this is Christopher Summers," Chris pointed to the brownie mix boxes at the table with Hepzibah and Scott and Alex nodded. Chris stepped out of the room to continue his conversation.
"Oh, Hepzibah, this is Alex. Alex, this is Hepzibah."
"Um. Hi."
"Hello. Jean-girl was telling Hepzibah about Captain's kitlings." Scott grabbed a box of mix and set out to make another batch of brownies.
"What was she saying?" Alex asked, sitting across from her. Scott tuned the two out and concentrated on the brownies.
"How are things going?" Jean asked, putting her hand on Scott's arm.
"They're ok, I guess."
"At least you don't have to deal with him for too long," Jean offered. Scott slammed the spoon he was using to stir the mixture into the bowl.
"Why does everyone keep saying that?!"
"Scott, man, calm down," Alex said, getting up to stand by him. "She's just worried about you." Scott shoved the brownie batter into Alex's arms.
"Then let her tell you she's ready for you to be an orphan again. I'm done hearing it." Scott stormed off towards the lower levels and opened the door for the Danger Room control room. He went inside, closed the door behind him, and sat at the control table, trying to make sense of the swirling letters and numbers around him.
*Scott, where are you?*
*I'm in the control room for the DR, Professor. I'm sorry, I just needed a minute.* Minutes later, the doorknob turned. Scott stayed looking out the window into the simulation room as he heard footsteps walking towards him.
"Hep told me what happened," he heard Corsair start.
"I don't want to talk about it," Scott said, feeling a hand on his shoulder.
"I don't think your friends are actually pushing me out, you know. Well, the redhead might be. I think they're worried about me taking off and leaving you, so they're, in their own way, trying to prepare you to handle it."
"They need to just mind their own business."
"Part of me agrees, but son, if these are the people you train with every day, the people you trust to have your back, then honestly, I'd be flattered that they cared so much. And hurt that more aren't concerned about your well-being." Scott shrugged.
"I don't open up to a lot of people."
"Your mother was the same way, you know. She only had a couple close friends she felt like she could confide in. Married one of 'em."
"So how did she end up with you?"
"Ow, Scott. You wound me," Corsair told him with a smile. Scott gave him a small smile back and then turned away again.
"Jean figured out what the brush was for. I think she's rooting for you to pack up and leave."
"She'll just have to be disappointed then, won't she?"
"Dad?"
"Yeah?"
"I'm glad you're here." Corsair patted Scott on the back.
"Me too, son. Me too."
"I'm not… I'm not in trouble for running off, am I?"
"Did you leave the property?"
"No sir."
"Did you hurt anyone on your way out?"
"I don't think so."
"Then I think we're good. But just to be on the safe side, you can help clean up after dinner."
"But I was going to do that- I mean, yeah, that sounds fair." Corsair winked at Scott and walked towards the door.
"I need to get the grill going. Want to show me where it is?" Scott nodded and stepped out into the hall. Jean was there pacing.
"Scott, I'm sorry. I didn't- oh. You're here."
"Yes, I heard something was said to my son and I was concerned for him."
"Why are you doing this to him? You know you don't plan on staying. I heard you talking to Professor Xavier about the jet."
"One, it's rude to listen in on adult conversations. Two, of course I would ask about a plane- I'm a pilot for Pete's sake. Three, I am leaving in a few days- with Scott and Alex."
"We are? Oh, yeah! We're going home."
"What do you mean 'home?' This is home."
"This is your professor's home that he's opened up. Scott's home is in Alaska." Jean turned to Scott and stared at him.
"And you're just going to go? You're leaving us?"
"I thought you'd be happy for me."
"The X-Men have been your family for three years, and the second some aliens land, you're happy to just give it up. Yeah, I'm thrilled for you, Scott Summers." Jean turned and started walking away.
"I'm just going for a week to my childhood home with my dad and my brother. I didn't realize that was going to make me a traitor." But Jean refused to listen. She lifted herself into the air and flew away. Corsair sighed in frustration for his son.
"Just give her a few minutes. Once she hears the announcement that I'm staying on as an instructor, she'll figure out that I'm not abandoning you or taking you away. You know, for someone who isn't your girlfriend, she sure acts like it." Scott blushed.
"She prefers jocks."
"You were in Little League."
"It's not the- stop laughing at me!" Corsair bit his lips to stop laughing, but the face Scott was making made it impossible to completely stop. Finally, Scott just rolled his eyes and left for the kitchen. Corsair quickly followed after him.
"I always looked forward to you two being teenagers. Your mom dreaded the attitudes, but I couldn't wait to be able to tease you and it not damage you."
"Can I ask for one thing about that?"
"I can't guarantee I'll give you the answer you're looking for, but sure."
"Can you just keep the teasing between us or us and Alex? Even in front of just Kurt is fine, but the rest of the team can't see me like that. I have an image to maintain, and-"
"I got it, son. That's something you don't have to explain to me. You're the leader of your team and your team would have a hard time accepting your authority if they kept seeing you being ribbed by your old man."
"Exactly."
"But I expect the same thing once I become an instructor. If you have a problem with me and how I run things, I need you to talk to me privately. If you come at me in front of them, I will take you down in front of them."
"When you say 'take me down,' you mean…?"
"I'll verbally take you down, and depending on what exactly happened, I could very well announce that you'll be getting your ass spanked."
"I was afraid of that."
"So if you have a problem with me, you'll…?"
"Ask to talk to you privately."
"Good boy," Chris said, ruffling Scott's hair. Scott scowled as he fixed it back outside of the kitchen. He walked in after Corsair and Scott felt eyes on him immediately. He looked around and saw the whole main team staring at him and Chris.
"Um… Hi?"
"Is it, like, true, Scott?" Scott blinked, not that anyone could tell.
"Is what true?"
"Jean said you're leaving us, man. Just because some guy showed up? Dude, what the heck?" Scott glared at Jean and crossed his arms.
"I don't know what Jean has told you, but I am not leaving the X-Men. And this man? This is my dad. Why are you allowed to take time off to visit your parents, but come after me for wanting to spend time with the dad I've spent the last ten years thinking was DEAD?"
"So, yer not leavin' permanently?" Rogue asked.
"No."
"So, like, why are you leaving?"
"I'm going home to see if we can find pictures of my dead mother. Does that satisfy everyone's curiosity?"
"Scott," Chris quietly chided. Scott saw Alex's face and he sighed.
"You guys could have just asked me. You didn't have to gang up on me. Now if you'll excuse me, some guy needs to start the grill so you all can eat." Scott pushed through the group and grabbed Alex on the way to the patio from the kitchen door. He pointed to the grill and Corsair walked over to it to get it heating up.
"Is that really why we're going home, Scott?" Alex asked, making Scott feel incredibly guilty.
"No, it's just a bonus. We're going home because it's home, and because we'll get uninterrupted time with Dad."
"Then why-?"
"Because they deserved a proverbial slap in the face for accusing me of abandoning them and for begrudging me time away with my family while they spend practically every holiday with theirs. I'm sorry I didn't realize you were still in the room. I never would have said that if I saw you."
"You shouldn't have said it regardless," Corsair scolded from the grill. "You knew I was in there. Are my feelings about your mother less important than your brother's?"
"No sir." Corsair turned and looked at Scott with his arms crossed.
"I'm tempted to turn you across my knee, Scott Christopher. You're old enough that I shouldn't have to tell you to watch what you say."
"Dad!" Alex started to protest.
"Alexander, this has nothing to do with you, so shut your mouth." Alex's mouth closed at the command. "You tell me, Scott. How should I handle this?"
"I don't know, sir," Scott answered. His hands were clasped behind his back and his legs were somewhat apart, but he wasn't meeting Corsair's eye.
"Maybe if I'd spanked you right earlier, this wouldn't have happened." Scott winced, knowing Alex was hearing everything. Chris sighed as he looked at the grill. "You'll eat and clean up after dinner, and then I expect you in bed. You're up with me at 4:30 for a five mile run in the morning."
"Yes sir."
"Good. Dismissed." Scott relaxed his body and went back inside where the other X-Men, minus Jean, were still lounging around. He saw Logan looking at him and blushed as he realized Logan most likely heard that whole exchange with his acute hearing.
"So like, where exactly are you from?" Kitty asked. "I don't think you've ever told us."
"No one's asked."
"Well, we're askin' now," Rogue said. "Where are ya from?"
"Alaska," Scott shrugged.
"Then like, how did Alex end up in like, Hawaii?" Scott sighed.
"I don't know, Kitty. I was in a coma. Look, can we not talk about this anymore? I've got schedules to make for while I'm gone, it's almost time to eat, and because of me snapping at being blindsided by my friends, I get to run five miles with a USAF major at 4:30 tomorrow morning, so I'm not in that great of a mood."
"What a coincidence. Red's doing the same thing with an Army private," Wolverine said looking at the spices Chris had left on the counter. "Cayenne?"
"My grandpa's recipe. And thanks," he whispered. Logan nodded.
"Your daddy's callin' for you," Logan said pointing with his head to the door. Scott opened the back door.
"Yes sir?"
"Bring me the hamburger patties and the hotdogs."
"Yes sir." Scott left the door open as he went to the fridge and took the requested meats out. He closed the fridge door with his foot and carefully managed to get the patties and hotdogs outside.
"Alex, bring that table closer to the grill for your brother."
"Yes sir." Alex got up and touched the table, which was immediately blasted away and destroyed. Alex looked at Chris in fear, but Chris ran to him and grabbed his shoulders.
"Are you ok?" he asked, checking Alex over. "Scott, put those down. They'll be fine for a few minutes. Alex?"
"You… you're not mad at me?"
"Why would I be mad?"
"I destroyed the table… with special powers."
"Did you intentionally destroy it to get out of helping?"
"No sir."
"Then why would I be mad?"
"Powers?"
"Alex, I already know that this house is filled with people with special abilities. Charles told me earlier that that was how he found you. I've seen Scott's powers in action. I was hoping to see yours in a different setting, but this is fine, too."
"Will the professor be upset?" Alex asked Scott.
"With as much crap as Spyke and Kitty mess up? Losing a table won't even begin to phase him. Besides, he's really cool about powers acting up. It's why he opened the Institute, so that people our age can learn to use them so things like that don't happen."
"Then why are you here?" Alex said, pushing himself away from Chris.
"Just because I can't turn my powers on and off like you-"
"Boys." Alex crossed his arms and Scott turned away. "Alex, pick up the trays of food. Scott, go get me another table." Neither moved. "NOW!" They jumped into action. Chris used the spatula he'd brought out and started putting patties and hotdogs on the grill while Alex held the trays. Scott came out a few minutes later with a long folding table and dishes to put the finished food, and slices of cheese.
"Dad, can you help me?" Chris came over and took the table from Scott. He opened it and sat it near the grill.
"Alex, put the trays of food down on this end. Scott, put those dishes on the other end." They did as requested and as soon as their arms were empty, Chris reached out and popped Alex twice and then Scott twice.
"Ow!"
"Dad!"
"I don't want to have to talk to either of you about arguing again for the rest of the night. You're brothers. Act like it."
"Yes sir," they said together.