Erik felt Charles' cool skin against his chest as he woke slowly. He moved to free his arm from the crumpled position it had gotten itself into, and his half-dreaming partner sighed, scooting closer to him.
"Good morning, baby," he whispered, laying his curly head in Erik's lap and nuzzling his leg.
"Hello, liebling," He replied, running his fingers through Charles' silky soft hair. "Happy anniversary."
"Oh, that's today, isn't it?" Charles grinned sleepily, taking a deep breath.
"Yes indeed, 5 years today."
"Well, well, wasn't I the luckiest man in the world that day and every one since?"
"You're too sweet," Erik said, sliding out of bed, much to the dismay of Charles.
"Daaaaarling," He cried, laughing. "Come back."
"You know we have to work today, love," Erik smirked, patting Charles on the head.
"I know, I just don't wanna go on such a special day," he replied, pulling on a pair of khaki trousers while Erik was finishing buttoning the worn jumper he wore every day he could. Charles had given it to him, on their 1st anniversary.
"Nor do I, love, but I'll see you tonight."
"Charles?" Erik said, balancing the phone on his shoulder as he did his cufflinks in his office mirror.
"Yes, dear?" His partner responded from across the street. He'd just finished his 4-7 class, and he was sitting in his car, drinking cold tea from the morning's thermos.
"Are we still on for dinner at Antonio's tonight?"
"Good god, yes. I'm definitely looking forward to eating with a dashing man after teaching for the last 3 hours," he started the car. "I'm on my way to get you now, babe. I love you."
"Love you too, dear, drive safely."
"Always do."
"Oh Erik, this is so lovely. I still can't believe it," Charles' eyes travelled around the room, wide with excitement.
"I'm very glad you like it!" Erik grinned, lacing his fingers in between Charles'.
"I love it!" Charles kissed Erik's hand and gently squeezed it.
"I love you!" Erik booped his boyfriend's nose lightly.
"I can't believe it's been 5 years, Erik. It seems like it's been both forever and so short a time. It's just so perfect," Charles gushed.
"Well, I was wondering if we could change up our relationship a little, babe," Erik winked at Charles.
"Erik?" The colour drained out of Charles' face. "Do you want to...open our relationship?"
"Oh god!" Erik exclaimed, shaking his head frantically. "No, no, no, of course not!"
"Good," he sighed. "Then do you mean?"
Erik slid out of his seat onto one knee and pulled out a small box which opened to reveal a sparkling silver ring with a small sapphire in the centre.
"Charles Francis Xavier, will you marry me?"
Charles' jaw dropped, and he let out a small squawk. He threw his arms around his now fiancé and stammered,
"Oh, Erik, yes. I will, I'm honoured. I love you!"