Black Numbers On Flesh
by Lacrimula Falsa
Disclaimer: I do not own any part of the X-Men universe. Written because of a random flash of inspiration, not to make profit.
Summary: The numbers are no secret, but they're still secret, something Erik keeps to himself. (Drabble, one-shot.)
The numbers are no secret.
Hank glimpses them when Erik is doing dishes. Raven rips Erik's sleeve while they spar. She says nothing. Erik is grateful.
The numbers are no secret, but they're still secret, something Erik keeps to himself.
So when Charles finds Erik sitting in one of the unused rooms of the mansion, staring at the numbers on his bared arm, he's surprised when the sleeve stays rolled up.
"Sometimes I think I'll wake up. I'll wake up and they'll have vanished."
'Oh Erik.' Charles thinks. But he says: "I know."
"Yes. You know."
'You're the only one.'