Enough
A little Charles/Erik-ficlet I wrote at work, have fun :) No serious disclaimers, this is basically just ridiculously domestic fluff.
As it became increasingly cold outside since early October, Charles and Erik found themselves in front of the fireplace in the study more often. It had somehow became their sanctuary, where the kids didn't dare to disturb them and they could enjoy quiet evenings.
Charles was reading a book as he almost always did, balancing it on the armrest with one hand, while his other hand was busy caressing Erik's hair. The metalbender lay on his back on the sofa, head rested comfortably on Charles' lap. The arm around his him and the fingers combing through his hair didn't seem to bother him in the least while he filled in a crossword puzzle.
The fire was cracking in the fireplace from time to time, filling the room with warmth and dim, red light.
Charles sighed contented, feeling very cozy. The warmth of Erik's body on his lap was more effective than any blanket could be. He turned the page of his book when he noticed Erik shift a little in his place.
When the telepath looked down and their eyes met, both men smiled at each other. Sometimes, there wasn't even telepathy needed between them to communicate.
Erik lifted the hand that held his pencil to softly nuzzle Charles' cheek. The latter put his book down, cupped Erik's hand with his own, and kissed the palm in response.
Erik's fond smile became just a bit wider.
How could this be any more perfect, the professor thought, smiling against the other one's palm.
Then he picked his book back up and continued reading and threading his fingers through Erik's hair.
The fact that Erik trusted him enough that he was willing to endure so much physical contact and closeness was a miracle by itself.
„Charles?" Erik's voice was soft, as if he didn't dare to disturb the comfortable silence in the room.
„Yes, Erik?"
„Just a question-"
„Sure, go ahead."
Erik sighed. „Is this enough? Will it always be enough?"
Charles quirked an eyebrow at him. „Is there any reason why you think it wouldn't be?"
Erik shrugged as he placed his magazine on his belly, eyes locking with Charles' again. „I dunno," he mumbled, „I mean – don't you miss a woman around? I'm hardly anything near feminine."
„Don't worry," Charles chuckled cheekily, „You've always been woman enough for me."
They both laughed and Erik poked him gently into his side.
When they returned to contented silence and exchanging deep, heartfelt smiles, Charles' heart clenched in his chest at the beautiful picture before his eyes. Erik, simply resting on his lap, smiling relaxed and happy, a rarely seen expression on the metalbender's craggy features. He cupped Erik's face in his hands and bent down to kiss him slowly and lovingly. Charles felt the smile on Erik's lips while doing so – even more because of the weird angle in which their lips met.
As Erik broke the kiss, Charles smiled gently and genuinely joyful at the other man.
„I love you, more than anything or anyone else in this world - isn't that enough to know that you will always be enough for me?" the telepath asked.
„Okay, I think you convinced me," Erik laughed, „and, by the way, love you too." He wrapped his hand around Charles' neck and pulled him down for another kiss.
Sometimes, it was just necessary to hear it. He pulled the blanket over his upper body from where it had slipped down and snuggled cozily against Charles' lap and stomach.
Charles' hand was back in his hair.
Well, that's it :) I will post a way longer, way dirtier story within this week, though, so stay tuned :)
In the meantime, you can take a look at my numerous other Cherik-stories, if you don't know them already! ^^