Aah new fandom jitters.

Here goes.

Edit because I am an idiot and posted the un-beta'd version.


He didn't know why he started it, why he was gently exploring Erik's body. Charles wasn't surprised when he'd found it, nor was he surprised to find scars on Erik's chest, arms and neck.

Then why was he unable to move past Erik's souvenir from the Holocaust?

He stroked Erik's wrist, memorizing the numbers. 214782.

Charles couldn't resist touching the inked-on numbers. He rubbed his fingers across the tattoo, unable to look away. And then his mind was not alone.

He looked into Erik's eyes, too startled to move. He sensed confusion and shock and then deep, bitter, pain. There were many emotions in Erik's mind, but most strongly Charles sensed not good enough and just a number.

Charles frowned at the idea. Oh, Erik.

Charles steeled his mind, making sure that he couldn't intrude on Erik's thoughts.

"Charles," Erik whispered, projecting his memories and feelings at the telepath. I want you to see.

Are you sure? Charles asked.

Erik nodded slowly.

Charles nodded back, touching Erik's mind again.

Then Charles was seeing Erik's mother with a gentle smile on her face and then he was seeing Erik's mother crumble to the floor, clutching her bloodied chest.

Charles could see Erik's hand shaking. He leaned down to lightly kiss Erik's palm. Charles stroked the numbers, 214782. Then Charles kissed the tattoo.

He could feel Erik crying, so he wasted little time making his way to the other man's face. Charles kissed his cheekbone.

He kissed Erik's forehead.

Charles leaned back to look at Erik. There were still tears in his eyes, and Charles stroked Erik's cheek with his thumb.

And Charles gently pulled Erik close and kissed his lips.