Just something I've been having on my mind lately, hope you like it!

Also, I used the same name of the song Secret Smile of the band Semisonic for the fic, because it inspired me a little to write this. And I just love that song, haha

Thanks for reading 3

-I own nothing

"Listen, guys, you know how big this whole Erik and Charles relationship fandom is, right? I mean, you've seen it, they've got names for it and all", said Bryan. Michael chuckled and nodded, and James looked at him briefly to see his reaction then nodded nonchalantly too, almost copying him, trying to look casual but he had instantly felt a knot in his stomach; it always made him nervous to talk about it, to even consider that people would know how he really felt about the whole thing, how he felt about Michael. The three of them were sitting in Bryan's office, and he had gathered them both at the end of the day, saying he wanted to talk to them about something regarding to next day's scenes.

"Okay, good, then we're on the same page. The writers and I have been thinking and talking about it, and we've decided we'll do a little bit of fan service in this movie; on the past two films there was this kind of undertone about it, and it was never planned but it was a natural thing between you two, right? – he looked directly at them with big eyes, but didn't really wait for an answer and just continued talking- And now that we've seen people actually ship it, well, let's just say we want to mess with their heads a bit", said Bryan with a little smile, tilting his head. "Okay…" said Michael, squinting slightly at him, with a small, mischievous smile, and James' heart was racing a little faster, not knowing what Bryan was going to ask of them; he frowned a little bit and shifted in his seat, waiting for him to continue. "You mind if I smoke?" asked Michael suddenly as he took out his cigarettes, looking at Bryan and then at James, who made a friendly -"what are you talking about?"- face at him; they usually smoked together so he obviously didn't mind. "Go ahead", said Bryan distractedly with a movement of his hand. "So… –Michael lit his cigarrete slowly, sexy as it gets, according to James' point of view- are we finally gonna kiss on screen?" he asked, raising an eyebrow, and James almost choked when he heard him, feeling himself blush terribly, but laughed as naturally as he could and playfully punched Michael's arm to cover his nervousness, he was an actor after all. Bryan laughed too, and Michael winked at him to let him know he was kidding.

"Not exactly. The scene you're recording tomorrow, the one where Erik is trying to convince Charles to join him for the last time… –again- interrupted James with an exaggerated roll of his eyes, supporting his character, and Michael chuckled and punched his arm back, playfully too – Yes, again – said Bryan, chuckling - I need you guys to be very close, you know, Erik to be tempting and sexy, Charles to be nervous and kind of hot about it, basically – he explained- Tomorrow I'll be directing these things more specifically, but I need you guys to know this so you know how to prepare or rehearse it. What do you think, are you cool with it?"

James was torn between listening to Bryan and watching Michael smoke, a thing that made him burn inside because of how attractive he looked. He watched the smoke unfocusedly, not knowing what to answer, since he had the most mixed feelings he had ever had before with this whole thing; of course he wanted to have a kind-of sexy scene with Michael, it excited him just to think about it, even if it was just them acting, but he was worried about his poor little self; how was he going to manage to have a non exactly friendly close scene with the man he wanted so much, who he was in love with and stupidly desired every second of his life? One of the perks was that at least he wouldn't have to worry about acting since he'd probably be nervous and hot as hell when they made the scene, and that was supposed to be Charles' reactions to Erik being close and enticing. Oh, God. Poor Charles. It amused him how much alike he and his character actually were.

"Yeah, it sounds interesting and doable" said Michael with a little shrug, then turned to look at James with a curious look in his eyes; James held his gaze and, for a second, the nervousness faded away, and all that was left was the excitement, and a tiny portion of hope. Their mouths quirked a little at the same time, with that complicity they had always shared, not needing to talk, and Michael's little grin turned into a full smile. James rolled his eyes almost imperceptibly at Michael, still smiling, and then turned to Bryan, "It's okay with me. Just be careful with how close you place us though, some fans might explode", he said jokingly, and Bryan and Michael laughed, "good, that's the first scene tomorrow, so be here early so we can talk about it first… you're done for today, right?" said Bryan, and they both nodded, "good, go then, have some rest. See you tomorrow guys!", he said with a smile as he got up from his seat and left to one of the sets to continue with a small scene they were recording with Hugh.

"Well, we'll see how that goes", said Michael raising his eyebrows with a little smile after watching Bryan go, and James smiled back, nodding, without really knowing what to say. "Let's go, I'm starving… wanna get a pizza or something?" he said as he rose from his seat after a moment, trying to look like he didn't mind too much about the next day, and Michael followed him, "sure, pizza sounds great", he said, giving a little scan to James' figure as he walked in front of him, then gave a big step to catch up with him. They went to their trailers to pick up their stuff, and then Michael waited outside James' for a minute, since he had finished first. Once James was out, Michael received him with a big smile that was delightfully returned, and they started walking to the hotel, which was just blocks away. They walked in comfortable silence for the first minute, both tired of the day, but content about the company. Michael turned to look at James, noticing the slight worry in his eyes, and saw how he released warm air with a long sigh, contrasting beautifully against the cold air and looking like smoke, making him wish for a cigarette; he had been supposedly trying to quit and he had just had one 20 minutes ago, so he ditched the thought and ignored the craving. He playfully pushed James with the side of his arm, to wake him up from his trance, "hey!" said James softly, with a little smile, and pushed him back; Michael chuckled, "you're okay? You're a bit quiet, and that's not normal", he said, winking at him when James rolled his eyes, "I'm sorry I never shut up, but you love me anyway", he said, and Michael laughed and circled James' shoulders, rubbing the one at his reach to warm him up, "I do, I still don't understand why", he said, and James laughed, ducking his head to hide the blush he felt creeping on his chest and face, not sure if it was because of Michael's comment, even if it was obviously a joke, or his touch, or everything at the same time.

"Ugh… I forgot, could you order the pizza while I go to the bathroom? I should've ordered it earlier, I'm so hungry" said James a bit desperately once they arrived to the hotel and took the elevator; "I ordered it while I was waiting for you at the trailers, it should arrive in 10 minutes or so", said Michael with a little smile. "Really?" asked James excitedly and smiling widely, "you're the best", he added, resting his head briefly on Michael's shoulder affectionately, not realizing he was doing it but it seemed so natural, and it was at his perfect reach. He blushed lightly, thinking how much he wanted to stay there, to kiss his shoulder and tell him that he really was the best, but instead pulled apart from him, and Michael chuckled. "I know", he said jokingly, "wanna hang out at my room? I asked the pizza place to tell reception to send it there" he added. "Yeah, your room is alright, I'll just go quickly to my room to change into my pajamas" said James, getting out from the elevator and smiling backwards at him, already walking towards his room, which was right next to Michael's. Michael nodded and walked to his room, listening to James opening the door, then opened his and walked in, getting a couple of beers out the fridge as he waited for his friend.

James arrived five minutes later, his face fresh since he had washed it, and felt renewed, much more comfortable. He came in the room with a soft knock and smiled at Michael as he saw him lying on the bed, barefoot now, and he smiled back at James beautifully. He felt himself quaver slightly at the sight and thought of Michael waiting for him lying on his bed, relaxed and gorgeous, sexy as always. Michael took James' beer and opened it, then handed it to him as he was sitting on the spot next to him, "thanks, just what I needed", said James softly, and they both took a long gulp. After a few minutes the pizza arrived, and they both cheered excitedly; Michael paid for it and didn't accept James' money, frowning at him like he was saying something ridiculous when he mentioned he'd pay, and it made James blush with a little smile, just because he was being all gentlemanly with him; he was always like that, with everybody else too, but it still made him feel special and flushed just to be in that situation, to fantasize for a second and wonder how Michael acted on dates, if he did things like this, if he kissed on first dates; he probably did, he thought, flustered.

The first two slices were eaten quietly, they were both just concentrated on fulfilling their hunger; James took his third slice and just as he gave a bite he closed his eyes to savor it, then felt a presence very near him pulling at his food, so he quickly opened his eyes with a gasp and saw Michael biting the upper side of his slice of pizza at the same time than him, his face too near to James, his features too handsome for James to function correctly; "what are you doing?" said James a little scared and very amused, Michael laughed as he pulled apart from him and after swallowing he said, "just practicing for tomorrow", with a little wink. James rolled his eyes, "well I don't think you're supposed to scare the hell out of Charles", he said, wishing to hide his blush. "No, but I've gotta make him nervous –said Michael with a shrug- How do you really feel about it, that whole flirtatious thing happening on purpose on screen?" he added before taking a bite from his own slice of pizza, looking at James. He looked at Michael for a bit, thinking; he wanted to say he was excited, but scared about letting everything show, and eager about having an excuse to have him close, but instead he answered, "I think if it's done with good taste then it's interesting. We have to be careful I think, so it doesn't look tacky", which was the other thing he thought about the scenes, after all it was his job and he worried a bit about the reaction of the people who saw if it wasn't done tastefully. "I trust us, though" said Michael after a moment of thinking about what James had said, "it depends on us, and I know we'll do great, we always do, somehow", he added with a chuckle, and James smiled at him; Michael always managed to make James feel safe, like nothing could go wrong if they were together, like it wasn't a possibility.

That was what had made James fall head over heels for his co-star and friend, his ability to make him feel comfortable, secure, happy, apart from the obvious reason of him being the most gorgeous man alive. It had happened since day one, their chemistry, the click they had felt on and off screen, and the feeling had stuck to James, growing bigger each day, so by the end of the first movie he was terribly in love with Michael, and he had known it would happen since he first crossed looks with him; it was inevitable, really. He often wondered how all the people around them managed to not be in love with him, too. He had tried to fight it, obviously, but after their first break from recording, judging by the way he missed him so much and how he dreamt about him, about his voice, his smile, his touch, he knew it was all in vain, he'd just have to bare with it, and that's what he had done for the last few years: accept their friendship, not act on his feelings, smile at Michael when he talked about his girlfriends or the people he met at bars, even if it made him want to kick his butt every time he did and his heart broke a little. He couldn't help to notice though, how sometimes he said he had met "someone" instead of "a girl", and he wondered, and hoped, just because it was all he had left to do with this whole ridiculous being–in-love-with-your-male-friend thing, to dream that he might, some day, like him back.

After having dinner and hanging out for a while, they were almost falling asleep so they called it a night, and James went to his room, leaving Michael to change into his pajamas; as he was closing the door, he saw Michael's reflection in the mirror as he took his shirt off, and he paralyzed for a second, feeling his lower stomach jump. He realized he was staring so he closed the door quickly with a gasp, thankful that Michael hadn't seen him gawking at him; it had happened a thousand times before though, Michael being shirtless and James staring hopelessly at him, so whatever, he didn't care too much anymore if he noticed it.

Next morning, James woke up an hour earlier than needed, because he was too nervous and couldn't really keep sleeping. He tried to, but when he realized he wasn't going to be able to, he got up and took a long shower to try and relax. He usually listened to music while he was showering or getting ready, so he started a random playlist on his phone and smiled with a sigh and a little roll of his eyes as the first song started playing, since it always reminded him of Michael.

-Nobody knows it, but you've got a secret smile and you use it only for me-

He listened to the lyrics as he closed his eyes and felt the hot water run down his hair, his shoulders and fall directly into his back, relishing on the feeling. He really did think Michael had a smile that he used only with James, he didn't know why, but still, he had noticed it, and he adored it: it made him feel proud and special. He thought of the scene they were going to record that morning, and he inwardly cherished the opportunity of being actually able to work with this gorgeous man, his friend too, and get to do a scene that was at least close to what every actress -and some actors- in the world would want, a sexy scene with Michael Fassbender. And he'd already been nose to nose with him before, in two films… he was very lucky, really.

He checked his cellphone once he was out the shower and saw he had received a message from Michael,

- Wanna go together to the set?

James smiled, it amused him how they always messaged each other even if their rooms were next to each other, and answered back,

- Don't we always?

- Just cheking! I'll pick you up in 15 minutes, darlin'.

He smiled again, wishing for a second the petname wasn't just for kidding; he got ready quickly, not minding too much about what he was wearing since he'd have to change as soon as they got there, so he just took a hoodie and a pair of jeans. He heard a soft knock, so he took his stuff and opened the door; Michael was waiting outside, "good morning", he said with his usual charming smile, and James smiled back at him as he got out his room and closed the door, "good morning, you. Thanks for picking me up, I hope it didn't take you too much time or divert you form your usual route", said James, and Michael laughed, "it did, a bit, but it's worth it", he said, and James smiled bashfully. Michael grinned too at James' reaction, "do you wanna have breakfast at Starbucks? I'm tired of the hotel's breakfast menu", said Michael, and James nodded, "yes, please. If I have those pancakes again I swear I'll sue Bryan", he said, and Michael laughed as they waited for the elevator to arrive. They had breakfast, and then they headed for the set, arriving twenty minutes earlier, since Bryan had asked them to.

Bryan described the scene to them with the point of view of the writers and him, and it was, as James had thought and hoped, tastefully done, so he didn't have to worry about that anymore. They went to make up and then they got dressed; Charles was wearing his civilian clothes, but Erik was dressed as Magneto –something that made James' knees quaver. They arrived to the set they'd use, which was some type of metal tunnel that was supposed to be in Xavier's mansion, and they were asked to do the first take. The first part of the conversation was a normal discussion between them, not too heated nor too friendly; Charles was being his usual peaceful self, but Erik was a little more intense than normal, both of them getting passionate about their discussion towards the part that James was fearing to do.

"Look at you, Charles, you're not even using your own powers just to be able to walk again, the last time I saw you you were already on your wheelchair, you crave to be like any other human", said Erik to Charles angrily, gesturing at his legs. "I had to use the antidote today, Erik, for personal reasons, please don't start with senseless arguments. And you can take that helmet off if you know I can't read your mind", answered a slightly more annoyed Charles. Erik smirked, looking at Charles dangerously for a couple seconds, then took his helmet off slowly and held it with one hand, loosely right next to his hip. "You don't want senseless, okay, then I'll give you a plain, raw reason to join me", he said, emphasizing the word "join" suggestively, getting slightly closer to Charles as he did; he then got right next to Charles' ear, resting his weight slightly over the other man's chest, supporting his hand on the wall that Charles was resting on, caging him. "You know you want to", he said, one camera on James' face, the other one zooming on Michael's slightly parted lips right next to James' ear. James could feel Michael's warm breath against his ear, and found it incredibly hard to not moan at how delicious it felt, at how sexy he smelt, how hot he was getting by having this gorgeous man so close; he had dreamt about it so many times, but in his dreams it always ended up differently: they'd kiss, touch, and moan against each other mouths, and Michael would let James undress him, and he'd ask James to undress for him, telling him to do it slowly, just like that scene in Shame that drove him mad.

He gasped and opened his mouth slightly as he closed his eyes since he felt them blur with desire, not even remembering what he was supposed to do on the scene, so he took a deep breath and concentrated on thinking of other things because he didn't want his body to betray him; swallowing heavily he moved his head slightly apart from Erik, thinking that's what Charles would do, even an in-love-with-Erik Charles, which was kind of the point of the scene. He placed his hands right between Erik and him, and pushed him faintly away, almost imperceptibly, ducking his head. "Michael- he said faintly- I mean, Erik! Fuck-", said James, blushing terribly as he heard "Cut!", and Michael chuckled, giving a little step back. "Sorry!" said James out loud, looking at Bryan, who smiled at them, "It's alright, let's take it from there, you're doing amazing, I love it – lots of sexual tension right there" said Bryan, drawing an invisible doodle with his finger between James and Michael, and James chuckled nervously, biting his lip. Michael laughed, then looked at James and winked at him as they all prepared to start recording again and heard the "3-2-1" on the background, James not being able to register it completely since he was struck by the effect of Michael's wink. He took a deep breath as Michael placed himself on the same position from before, resting his weight slightly on James' chest, caging him with his arms, his warm breath on his ear. James swallowed, "Erik, please… -he repeated the little push with his hands- whatever I may want, I won't let it interfere with what I desire the most; it is bigger than me, and bigger than us", said Charles, James concentrating as never before, since he didn't want his mixed feelings of misery and delight to be too evident.

Erik moved slowly apart from Charles, obviously baffled, then stopped so they were facing each other, closer than ever; James held his breath as he stared at Michael's eyes, which were staring back at him, and he couldn't help to look quickly at his lips, those lips that tortured every inch of his mind and soul, and swallowed thickly as he looked back at Michael's eyes. He saw Michael squint at him imperceptibly, not Erik, Michael, and he worried a bit, realizing he was being obvious. Erik was back and got closer to Charles for a second, then opened his mouth, like he was going to say something or kiss him, and James' heart skipped a beat, but then he retrieved as he straightened his costume with his hands, letting Charles go. It was time for Charles to turn away and leave, he remembered, so he left looking at the floor, and he knew what Erik was supposed to say next, but to hear it live, on Michael's voice, broke his heart a little. "Stay", he heard Erik say behind him, his voice thin. He stopped walking and turned his head a little, to look at him with the corner of his eye, then continued walking away. Stupid Charles – he thought- he'd stay in a second, help him end the human race, whatever, fuck it, he'd stay without a thought, if Erik, or Michael, asked him to.

"Cut!" he heard, and then came back to the set, since he had walked away for the scene. Bryan was already with Michael, and when he saw James come back, he smiled brightly at him, "that was amazing, James! I think it's perfect the way it is, we'll just do another take for safety reasons, but you were great! I believed every second of it, well done!" said Bryan, looking too excited, and walked away to talk to one of the cameramen. James smiled and nodded, then when Bryan left he turned to look at the hem of his shirt, not wanting to look at Michael; he knew. Michael poked his side, "how did you feel? You were great, man", he said with a smile, and James smiled back at him, blushing a little, "thanks… I felt good, I thought you were great too" he said, and Michael squinted for a second, noticing James' weird attitude, but smiled and nodded back at him, "thanks. You smell great, by the way" he said in a mocking tone and with a little wink, and James chuckled nervously; this man wanted to kill him. James wanted to tell Michael he smelled like a freakin' greek god –whatever they smelled like- how stupidly hot he was, how his own "acting" wasn't even acting at all, since he did make him feel all those things Charles was feeling for Erik. "Thanks - he said timidly instead - so do you", he added after a second, and Michael snorted playfully because of James' sudden sheepish attitude; it wasn't like he hadn't complimented him before, but okay, whatever.

They recorded their second take, which was equally painful for James since he was one second away from taking Michael's face in his hands and kissing him fervently, and those thoughts were interfering with his acting, but it went alright after all; apparently everyone thought he was acting greatly as a flustered Charles, which was just him being flustered, but they didn't have to know it. After their take, he crossed a couple words with Michael with a bright blush, how was he going to talk to him normally right after that? He was still relishing on his sweet, manly smell, on the slow and warm pace of his breath near his neck and ear, how it had made his skin blush and tickle, his lower stomach jump and burn. He had to leave at that moment or he'd start reciting promises and poems of love in one knee. He left with a dumb excuse and went to his trailer to hide, trying to take a nap but all he could do was remember Michael's sweet look, the sparkle in his eyelashes the way he had licked his lips so near to him right before speaking... he sighed a little desperately, hiding his face in his hands, but feeling himself smile inevitably at the memories from that same morning.