Pairing: Alex(Havok)/Sean(Banshee) & Erik/Charles, don't like it don't read it.

Disclaimer- I DO NOT own any of the characters in this, they all belong to Marvel. However, the story is mine.

A/N: This is just a tester to see how it goes over... If people like it I will continue with the chapters, evolving the story, if not... I figured this would serve as a fairly good one shot. So PLEASE comment, review, let me know what you think!

"Listen very carefully my friend… killing Shaw will not bring you peace."

The statement echoed quietly around the small library, filling the room with a tired voice as Charles sat forward in his chair. The chess game that sat before him, black and white pieces mingled together on the board, had been all but forgotten… no. This conversation was far more important. After all, Erik had made no effort to keep his intentions of killing Shaw a secret, whether it be verbally or in his thoughts… and that had Charles greatly worried. In their short time together he'd become rather attached to the young man across from him, more so than was healthy to be sure…

"Peace was never an option."

The reply came back simple and quiet, the undeniable accent coloring Erik's voice as he sat back in his chair, arm resting lightly on the side while his cerulean eyes took in every inch of the man across from him. Those words… those five, simple words stung Charles more than Erik would ever know, but he didn't show it. Instead he sat back and placed his hands on his lap, bright azure eyes falling to the chess board for a moment before they moved back to the man across from him. Erik was always so calm… so guarded… so unwilling to allow anyone to help him. And despite Charles' best efforts to get beneath that steel like exterior, he'd gotten no further than a brief touch of his mind, and that had been weeks ago when Erik had tried to leave the government facility.

With a reluctant sigh he leaned forward once more and grabbed up a black knight, moving it the appropriate spacing before setting it down and shifting back. It was Erik's move now…

"Charles, don't act so surprised." The low, deep voice echoed out across the small distance between them and Charles' eyes shot up, lingering for a moment on the other's before falling back to the board, watching as Erik bent forward and grabbed up a white bishop, shifting it a few spaces before placing it down. "I've not hidden the fact that I have every intention of killing Schmidt." He added, withdrawing his hand and placing it on his knee as he looked up to Charles now, nodding towards the board to indicate it was his opponent's turn.

"I know, Erik." Charles replied quietly as he studied the board, debating on his next move. "I just wish you'd listen for once." His voice was soft, almost trance like as he chewed on his lower lip for a moment before he reached out and grabbed up his own queen, moving it four spaces to the left and setting it down. Suddenly Erik was clicking his tongue, his head shaking back and forth as he moved forward and grabbed up his own white queen, moving it ahead.

"Bad move, Charles." He murmured, a small smirk turning up the corner of his mouth as he lift his gaze up to Charles, watching the man carefully as a disgruntled expression suddenly came across his face. "Check mate."

"Damn it…" Charles cursed, causing Erik's eyes to widen slightly as he sat back in the chair, crossing his arms over his chest which caused the black turtleneck to stretch lightly over his chest and arms.

"Charles…" He mocked, forcing a small amount of shock into his voice that quickly gave way to a quiet laugh, one that immediately made the disgruntled expression flee Charles' face and change instead into a brief grin.

"We should be getting to bed, Erik… Tomorrow is going to be a very trying day." Charles managed as he pushed himself up from the chair, disregarding the chessboard that lay before him. The game was over, Charles lost. He wasn't always the most graceful of losers, but tonight was much different than any other.

"You know I won't sleep Charles." Erik responded, shaking his head as he too pushed himself up, his arms fall to his sides as he sidestepped his friend and moved towards the door. "Though I think I will get in a bit of last minute training to-"

The words were cut off abruptly by a sudden warm hand that was clasped around his wrist, preventing him from moving any further. Charles was standing directly behind him, arm outstretched as his blue eyes searched the strong, angular face before him. "Erik…" His voice was soft, delicate as he stepped forward, quickly closing the distance between himself and the other man, not breaking their connected gaze for one moment. Erik stared down at him, searching that familiar face for any hint of what was going on in that mind of his… It was moments like these were he desperately wished he shared his friends powers.
"Please, just know you aren't going into this alone." The words were spoken softly, freezing Erik to his spot as every muscle in his body tensed. "You have a team, friends… me." Charles murmured, his words having as much impact as if he were shouting.

Silence fell as Erik searched those brilliant blue eyes that seemed to be filled with something… something he just couldn't place. Before he could ask though, Charles squeezed his wrist for a lingering moment before he let go all together and stepped around him, moving towards the door. Once he stood in the frame, the small telepath stopped and turned back to look at Erik, a small smile in place as he nodded. "Good night, Erik." And with that he was gone, leaving Erik quite alone in the library.