The rain fell from the sky, tapping the windows in Charles Xavier's study as the professor sat behind his desk staring at a blank piece of paper in front of him. A black fountain pen lay vertically beside the sheet of white paper, waiting. Charles continued to stare until he heard a knock on his door. Charles kept quiet, hoping the person would leave him to his thinking. He did not want to be bothered, nor did he feel inclined to listen to anyone's concerns or problems.

The locks on the door clicked as they were reconfigured to unlock. Charles sighed. Through the crack in the door, he saw the three-quarters profile of a tall, lean man wearing a black turtleneck sweater. He entered the study without even a 'hello' before seating himself in front of Charles' desk. The man's steel grey eyes narrowed on Charles as Charles looked away towards the rain-splattered windows.

Silence consumed the room as Charles continued to avoid Erik's gaze. He was the least person he wanted to see nor be around, but he didn't want to admit that to this man. He was tired and he could sense that Erik was full of energy, energy he slightly envied. The rain continued to splatter the windowpanes in Charles study. A rumble of thunder rolled across the sky, non-threateningly.

"Charles," Erik said, his voice emanating virility. He had his legs crossed with his hands and fingers interlocked in his lap. Charles turned to look at his friend.

"I'm here for you," Erik said, staring into Charles' strikingly blue eyes, like oceanic orbs with tumultuous waves threatening to drown his viewer.

"I know," Charles replied quietly. "But I also know that you are not here for my comfort." Erik's jaw tightened at the mental intrusion while Charles looked away.

"I want you by my side," Erik said. Charles opened his mouth, but closed it, rethinking his words. He looked at Erik across from his desk, across from the paper and pen that once had his full attention to the man who had always and will always have his complete attention.

"Erik," Charles said, his voice becoming brittle. "God, why do you torture me so? I want to be by your side but if it means watching the person I care about most slowly lose himself to his own pain, then forgive me because I cannot bear to watch."

Erik, putting his hands on Charles' desk, stood up as Charles watched him cautiously. Charles was about to add something to his comment but noticed the black fountain pen levitating in midair before aligning itself vertically with the tip pressed against paper. Both Charles and Erik's eyes were focused on the pen's movement, watching the ink bleed from the tip into curlicues and lines. Charles lips curved into a smile.

"I meant, I want you by my side forever always. I'm done fighting," Erik said, as the pen gently laid itself down. Charles picked up the finished product. It read, in cursive, 'C+H' at the center of an almost perfectly drawn circle.

"Bring me peace."