Chapter 4
Tony wakes up the next morning wrapped and sandwiched between two warm bodies. He peeks out and sees Charles asleep in front of him which means that Erik is behind him and Tony smiles. For the first time in a while he's feeling safe...and dare he say happy.
“Good morning,” Erik says.
“Good morning,” Tony says softly so as not to wake Charles.
“Don't worry. He'll sleep like the dead. He hasn't slept since you got here,” Erik says.
“Sorry,” Tony says.
“No need. If it wasn't you keeping him awake it would be him searching for more children that need a hand. Which would mean that he'd be running off to rescue them, adding to his exhaustion or he'd be coming up with some new devious assignment for an exam,” Erik says softly.
“You care about him in...a special way?” Tony asks.
“Yes...does it make you uncomfortable?” Erik asks.
“No. I think it's nice. You two work well together,” Tony says.
“Yes, we do. Would you like to stretch your legs?” Erik asks and Tony nods and sits up. Erik helps him out of the bed and then Erik tucks Charles in.
“The only things I could find to fit you,” Erik says when he hands Tony a set of slacks and a cardigan.
“It's fine,” he says rolling up the slacks.
“Oh absolutely not. I am not letting my new brother out of this room dressed like that,” a boy with grayish hair says and before Tony can even blink he's gone and back with torn black jeans and a black T-shirt.
“Thanks,” Tony says and steps behind a screen to change.
“Of course. No way is my little brother going to dress like some reject from the prep catalog,” the boy says.
“I'm Tony.”
“Peter. Welcome to the family. I heard you met Kurt already. I'm way cooling and will accept the title of best brother whenever you see fit to bestow it,” Peter says with bow.
“I've never had brothers before,” Tony says.
“I'm very good at it. Don't worry my twin sister Wendy has never complained,” Peter says.
“Peter, she complains about your nearly every day,” Erik says but there's a smile on his face and Tony laughs.
“If you want Dad I can show Tony around and you can get some alone time with Mom,” Peter says.
“Oh no you don't. There's no telling what chaos you two could get up to,” Erik says and the two boys following him out of the medical room. Tony sees several kids running through the hall with backpacks and notebooks.
“Do all the kids live here?” Tony asks.
“Some. There are some parents that accept their children's mutations and do all they can to support them...but there are some that seek to use them or that can't accept how amazing their children are. So, we let them stay here,” Erik says and Peter waves to a couple of students.
“Are you a student too?” Tony asks.
“No. I'm one of the gym teachers. Wendy and I graduated a long time ago, she went to work as a police sketch artist and I decided to stay on here,” Peter says.
“Cool,” Tony says with a grin.
“Yep. I love it. I get to run around as much as I want and I can boss people around,” Peter says grinning.
“He's the assistant gym teacher,” Erik corrects and Peter pouts a little but then smiles.
“This is super cool. But it sucks that there isn't more support for this place...maybe there could be foundations established to help provide funding. There could be press conferences too. To help introduce you,” Tony says.
“Tony slow down. People are not ready for us. If parents can't even accept their children who are mutants will they accept complete strangers? Especially of two of those strangers are in a homosexual relationship?” Erik says and Tony's mind slows down.
“I guess not. They'd probably try to study you guys. I don't want that to happen,” Tony says sadly.
“Tony, I was where you are now. I wanted nothing more than to make, to force, people to accept us. To make them fear us so that they wouldn't hurt us...but that mind set only works as long as I am alive or someone is willing to lead. Once that no longer exists there is no fear to prevent blow back. That's why I joined Charles. I want the changes I made to last, but it is not the right time. There may one day be a time when we're needed and can be accepted,” Erik says.
“I understand. When that day comes I hope that I can help you with it,” Tony says.
“I'll make sure you're included,” Erik says and blinks a couple of times.
“Charles has started breakfast for us. Let's go to the dining room and then we can go explore the grounds,” Erik says and they go to the dining room where Charles is sitting with several plates of food.
“Thanks Charles,” Erik says and sits next to him and Tony sits with Peter.
“Erik and I are going to have to go out in a few days. There's a child whose powers are proving too strong for her body and I am worried about her,” Charles says.
“Is it safe for her?” Tony asks.
“Her parents are accepting. They are just worried about her safety. She's one of the strongest telekenetics I've ever met and has been floating her entire neighborhood,” Charles says.
“She sounds fun. How long will you be gone?” Tony asks.
“A day maybe two. But, I'd like permission to open a link between you and myself. This way we will be able to communicate while I'm gone. I can also act as a switchboard between you and Erik as well,” Charles says.
“Will it hurt?” Tony asks.
“No. It will simply allow you to alert me by thinking at me. It sounds difficult but it is simple. Especially for someone who thinks as loudly as you do,” Charles says.
“Okay. I'll do it,” Tony says and digs into his pancakes almost as fast as Peter does. Soon Kurt has joined them along with a girl named Ororo and Dr. Hank. Then a few minutes later a woman known as Aunt Raven, to Peter and Kurt, and now him, comes in. Some other kids run through grabbing things on their way to classes Tony assumes.
It's odd, chaotic, and Tony absolutely loves it. It's amazing.