Happy Hangover Day—I mean, Happy New Year, Everyone!

And, yes, I know, I have a few others things to finish, but I couldn't help writing this piece, not with the sudden strike of inspiration that I got over the holidays.
Therefore, after binge reading a good portion of Cherik tag, I proudly present my first fanfic starring those two lovely idiots. I blame that one line from The Holiday—you know, the "I won't fall in love with you, I promise" line—which upon this year's rewatching reminded me so much of Charles and Erik. So, I ended up writing this throughout the holidays.
Apparently, though, I am incapable of writing something short and sweet without turning it into a complex and emotional story, with a pinch of angst and exploring the issues that some characters might have. Therefore, though there should be mostly fluff ahead, I must warn you that there are a few more serious moments ahead, with Charles's difficult childhood being implied. Other than that, though, the story ends on a positive note, so don't worry.
I was thinking about keeping their powers for a while, but in the end I decided against it (I feel like Charles would cheat a bit at first and figured stuff out at the very beginning, and I still want to have the element of surprise).
It's mostly for those of you who love The Holiday as much as I do, but knowing the film shouldn't be necessary to enjoy this piece.

It's unbeta-ed, simply proof-read, so if you find any mistakes/inconsistencies/mischaracterization/etc., don't hesitate to let me know—I'd be really grateful.

Since I've already written the big chunk of this story, it'll be updated weekly, with the first two parts dropping simultaneously.

Enjoy!

Falling For You Was Never An Option

Part One

to hate
is an easy lazy thing
but to love
takes strength
everyone has
but not all are
willing to practice - rupi kaur

The champagne is quietly sizzling in Charles's glass as he brings it to his lips. Technically, it isn't after midnight yet, but he just cannot help but take a sip from the beverage which—as he now realises—so fittingly reflects his own agitation.

He feels positively light-headed, though he hasn't consumed any alcohol until this very moment. A truly peculiar sensation. Charles is certain he hasn't felt like that since he was a child, if ever. Nevertheless, the utter joy that seems to wrap around his heart, penetrating it to its very core, couldn't be more welcomed.

With bubbles popping happily against his upper lip, Charles is unable to keep himself from smiling. If somebody had told him a few weeks ago that he'd be standing here—in a place that he can call "home" without a second thought—surrounded by people he's grown so close in a matter of days, he would've thought of it as utterly ridiculous.

Now, however, standing in the doorway to a small, compared to the rooms of his family mansion, but exceptionally cosy living room, Charles cannot believe his luck. Not when he's gazing at a man who's sitting on a light brown sofa next to a beaming girl—his daughter—as they chatter joyously, laughing every now and again. Charles feels the corners of his lips rising in an even brighter smile at the sight, a warm feeling filling his chest.

It is love, he knows now. It's taken him quite some time and an angry parting to realize that, but it's all been worth it in the end. It's what has brought him here, after all—into the life of a man who's change Charles's whole world with one unexpected knock—or rather banging—at the door.

The man in question looks up at him, a hint of a smirk in the corners of his lips. Charles doesn't miss a playful glint in the steel grey eyes—the one that he's come to love so much. That one glance is enough to pull Charles into the room, leaving his still lingering disbelief behind.

A new year is coming, after all.

A new beginning of a truly beautiful adventure.