In Retrospect

Author's Note: My obsession with X-Men: First Class has abated somewhat – but only because I have been privy to the many wonderful stories being written about this incredible movie. ^_^

While working on my A-Z drabble collection for White Collar, I decided to write a series of drabbles for First Class, as well. This collection will feature six drabbles, each from a different perspective.

Enjoy! And please R&R.

Spoilers: If you haven't watched X-Men: First Class, you should do so right now and then, if you'd like to, return to my story afterward.

Disclaimer: I claim no rights to X-Men.

I. Alex

Erik, Alex thought as he stood guard before Charles's hospital room, was a bastard.

He had been their mentor and friend, and he had abandoned them – forsaken Charles – on that beach.

Alex wanted to hate him. But Erik had had faith in him, a faith borne from cruel necessity.

One afternoon, while rummaging in the kitchen cupboards and muttering obscenely over his failed attempts in the bunker, a metal cookie canister had floated into Alex's line of vision.

Erik preempted his greeting: "You will learn control gradually. Don't let anyone take that control from you."

Alex had never thanked him.

Thank you for reading! Constructive criticism is always welcomed and appreciated.