Summary: Charles/Erik Warnings for MPreg
X men first class - beach divorce scene occurs. Charles is being overly hormonal, his powers are going haywire, and Erik is the father…
Story revised and reposted - and has turned into a bit of a mission... Sorry if you reviewed previously - I don't think I have managed to delete anything...Here is the revised version. Please let me know what you think…
Disclaimer: All characters belong to Marvel and associates…I am just borrowing them for a while… (other than the healing twins Talia and Simon whom I have made up).
Part 1 - Betrayal
Three days. It had taken three days before Erik too consumed by anger, rage, and taking control of Shaw's entanglements finally let himself think of Charles. Guilt and pain surged through him as he considered his rash actions on the beach. I shouldn't have left him. He thought bitterly, even as he regarded Emma Frost from across the bars of her makeshift prison, her abilities drawing painful parallels as he made her his offer.
She read the pain in his face, the reminder of who she was replacing. "Ahh, yes your little telepath. I remember." Every hint the predator as she rose to her feet. "Tell me Erik, does it feel good knowing what you have done to your former ally?" It took every ounce of self control he possessed not to step back at her insinuating words. Whether she could be trusted would remain to be seen. He could not afford to show weakness in front of her, yet her insight goaded him.
"What do you mean?" Raven demanded quietly. "Can you reach my brother?" For a long moment Emma's eyes fixed on Erik's before she turned to regard the shape shifter. A lazy smile shifting across her face. "You don't know." Her grin widened, and Erik barely refrained from wrapping any one of the numerous metal fragments in the room round her thin neck. It would be so easy… "Know what?" He demanded. "Oh, Erik - if this is what you do to your friends - perhaps we should be enemies."
She gasped as he slammed her against the wall of the room. "Tell me what you have seen." Spiteful joy flared in her eyes, before she gave a loud sigh, "Oh well - don't shoot the messenger." She addressed Raven, "Your brother is paralysed - from the waist down - from a bullet wound…" She paused, her eyes faintly glassy, as a look he had seen on Charles's face often enough to know she was partly elsewhere. He released her as though poisoned, hearing Raven's sharp pained gasp. "Yes - if what I hear is right…I can't reach him directly - he appears to be in some sort of coma…perhaps a result of what he did to Shaw." Her voice taking on a musing tone.
Erik started at that. "What?" She blinked, coming back to herself, surprise in her tone. "Oh Erik, tell me you aren't that foolish? How did you think your telepath was keeping Shaw frozen in place - a pretty neat trick that let me tell you." She leant towards him, a gloating note in her voice. "Lets put it simply - Charles was in Shaw's head when you killed him. He had to be - or Shaw would have broken free and destroyed you - he was that powerful. - So every slow inch of that coin in your pocket - every ounce of pain you inflicted on Shaw, your telepath felt it too." She drew back thoughtfully. "It's a wonder the shock did not kill him - that he did not die with Shaw…He had to have been holding him pretty tight."
She shrugged as though nothing consequential had been revealed, "So, you basically gave him a choice when you put on that helmet. To let you die, or jointly commit murder. I'm guessing that neither of those choices bore well on him." He caught Raven's arm even as she flew forwards at Emma, her overwhelming anguish evident even as her form flickered. "You - you're enjoying this!" He drew her back. "Raven enough." Drawing her close as he observed the tears in her eyes. "I should never have left him…" She sobbed.
Erik clamped down fiercely on his own churning emotions. They would not work here. They were a weakness that she was reminding him of. He regarded the smug victory in the telepath's eyes, before speaking in a cold tone. "If you accompany us, you will follow my rules. Break them and I will not hesitate to kill you." The smile fell from her face as she felt the tightening of metal around her. "Your diamond form is breakable. Don't forget it." He awaited till she lowered her eyes before drawing Azazel's attention. They left nothing behind them but a flash of red smoke.
Part 2 - Guidance
Erik had not survived long without learning to adapt, and seek ways round impossible seeming situations. Yes, he could finally admit he had a part in hurting his friend. Yes - he had deflected the bullet into Charles's spine, and now he was paralysed. Yes he had forced him to choose between murder, or letting him die. Charles had made his decision - against all his moral idealisms. He had chosen Erik. As clearly as he could announce in any actions.
Pain coiled in his chest, yes his friend had chosen, and then despite everything…Erik had walked away leaving his blood draining onto the golden sand. No Erik - its your fault! Charles pained words echoed in his mind. Yes it was. He knew that now, he had hurt his friend badly when he killed Shaw. Despite their differences in ideals - Charles clearly had not been himself. He had not been thinking - and how could he after experiencing Shaw's sinister mind… Erik shuddered to himself, he knew only part of the man's deprivations, but Charles - Charles had witnessed the whole. The very soul of the monster. And perhaps in a way - part of Shaw, in a last strike attempt had spoken through the telepath, knowing the very words that would spur him on. They are just following orders!
I have been at the mercy of those just following orders before…not again!
He had seen it happen before. On the long road trip to recruit the team, when Charles had begun to speak in strange voices, acting strangely, only to snap out of it after a while. Only when they had been for some time in the larger populated areas. The telepath had admitted it was a constant strain on his shields to keep everyone out. Sometimes difficult to know the boundaries between himself, and others. It was more than likely he had been overwhelmed by Shaw - at least for a little while.
He had been missing the details. Emma had unwittingly provided him with the truth. He had even admitted it himself This is what they want Charles - us turning on each other…Only at that junction, he realised it had not only been the humans, but Shaw - in a lingering moment of revenge, seeking to isolate Erik. Too keep him distant - focused on the mission. And he had fallen for it - pushing his friend aside to take up Shaw's cause. How predictable must he have seemed?
Something settled within Erik. A lingering unease that he had not been able to shake for days. For three days to be exact. Unable to let himself feel, because to feel was to let loose the deep anguish, guilt, pain, and sense of loss he felt. Never in all his life did he believe that in the moment of his finest hour, the moment he had been working towards since his mother's death, would feel so achingly hollow. For in those weeks since Charles had literally leapt into his life mind and body he had learned to live. Learned laughter and joyful tears. Shared his fears - and been lifted. He had achieved his goal - yes, but he had lost the one thing that had ever mattered in doing so.
Now he understood. Shaw would not have his final victory. Rising to his feet, he decided it was time to sort through Shaw's various contacts and resources. First things first. It took some time before he found them. In all the variations of mutations that he had seen since Charles had opened his eyes with, You are not alone Erik! and the endless possibilities they had theorised existed, they had both known that it was most likely that these mutants existed. There were too many historical accounts to explain away. Too many miracles that could be attributed to such power. He smiled softly to himself, recalling the way that Charles's eyes had lit up excitedly as he discussed the potential links between historical events, and mutations…Erik could listen for hours to his gentle guiding voice…
Part 3 - Rescue
It was now, on the fifth day when the stupid humans had done little to help or assist his friend, that Erik found himself barging through the hospital doors, with Emma, Raven, Azazel, and the twins Talia and Simon by his side. Locating Charles was easy. His room was surrounded by the familiar metal taste of guns - security guards. It was easy, too easy to cause a distraction elsewhere, distracting them. Too easy.
This was the best they could come up with to protect Charles? A frown creased his features, as he opened the door, and found himself face to face with Moira, gun in hand. "Get out." She demanded fiercely, and he had to admire her courage, knowing full well the weapon she held was no match for him. "I am not here to cause trouble - but to help." She snorted softly, her gaze taking in the empty corridor, beyond Azazel's bulk. "Help - you want to finally help!" She demanded, "What do you think you can do that these doctor's can't? Do you know he's paralysed? In a coma - we have been trying to reach him for days!" Erik frowned, sending the gun out of her grasp, she stepped back. "You did not have another telepath - or healers." He announced softly. Moira blinked, taking a moment to absorb the information. For a human she was remarkably intelligent. "Healers - mutants?" He nodded. Her gaze took in Emma, however and she gasped - "Erik - are you sure-" He gripped her wrist, yanking her aside. His gaze clearly reflecting his turmoil, those his lips stated another. "She's the only choice we have to reach his mind."
Raven's gasp drew them apart, as she ran forwards, flickering into her familiar blond human form, "Charles…" She murmured, grasping his pale hand in her own. He didn't stir, or make any acknowledgement as to their presence. Erik stepped up beside her, taking in his still features silently. He was pale. Too pale, he clasped his wrist registered the slow, almost idle pulse of iron thrumming through his veins. Slow. Too slow. Too akin to the relaxed pose Erik had seen too many times on lost faces from his childhood in the camps. He expelled a sharp breath, motioning the twins forwards.
Their entwined hands began to glow lightly as they traced their fingers lightly over his skin. Their eyes were closed in concentration before they stilled over the small of his back, motioning for Erik to draw him onto his side - there beneath the bandages existed a small ugly wound, that would no doubt have healed to the tiniest of pinpricks in time. So small a thing - such small evidence for so big a crime…Erik swallowed as the twins murmured in their strange singular language, and the light became blinding to look upon. He was forced to look away, fighting tears, and the haunting emptiness that he had come to expect in the telepath's presence. Without it - it felt as though he were already dead - despite the cool warmth of the wrist clutched tightly within his grasp. Charles…
Emma's sharp gasp drew his attention, as she flickered into diamond form in an instinctive defensive motion. A groan of pain escaped Charles, and Erik stilled as his hand was suddenly held in place by a surprisingly strong grip. He could hear Raven yelling at the diamond telepath, "What have you done?" But it was in the distant background as those shatteringly sky-blue eyes shot open to fix on Erik. "I haven't done anything!" Emma yelled back - "It was Erik!" Raven stilled looking back. Charles was sitting up, Erik's hand coiled tightly in his grasp with tears streaming down his face and she had a feeling that more than a few lapsed moments had passed by - judging by the twin's frozen stances.
She ran forwards, uncaring of the scene, leaping onto the bed, wrapping her arms around her brother. "R-Raven?" Charles jolted, seeming to waken fully. Charles. Charles. Charles. She sang back at him mentally projecting as he had taught her so long ago, feeling the tears as his arms wrapped around her. I am glad to see you. He sent, and she laughed in fierce relief. "Raven, we need to move." Erik stated quietly, and she looked up to see the concern in his eyes. She reluctantly drew back, even as Charles regarded Erik in quiet confusion, as the metal kinetic brushed his fingers against her brother's cheek. A gesture that could not be mistaken for anything other than tenderness.
Those frozen suddenly awoke, and Charles stifled a pained gasp. Erik's hands instantly round his shoulders. Light from the twin's healing powers beginning to fade as they slumped to the ground in exhaustion. Erik…what? Charles began, taking in the scene, Emma a stunned sly smile in her eyes, Azazel lounging lazily against the door frame, Moira arm's folded against one wall - settling on the fallen twins. Erik what have you - Erik gave him no time to argue, scooping him up in his arms, and with a simple commanding nod the red mutant was in motion, teleporting them all back to the mansion.
"Go - I will call when I need you to return." Erik stated calmly to Azazel, looking down to see Charles eyes squeezed closed from the unexpected dizziness. Emma caught Erik's wrist, and her eyes were wide. He wiped the minds of the entire armada - both of them! There was quiet awe in her mental tone. "Keep away from him." Erik snarled, only to find a sly smile reflected in her face. He's beyond exhausted, to be honest I don't know how he managed it. His shields are almost nonexistent. I didn't draw him out of that coma - your presence did. Erik looked up startled at the surprise evident in her tone - but before he could question her on it they both vanished in a flash of red smoke.
He left Raven and a dazed Moira supporting the twins to sweep into the grandiose entrance to the mansion. He was striding up the wide stone steps, into the hallway when Beast almost collided straight into them. The blue furred mutant stopped dead in comic shock, before observing Charles in Erik's arms and lunging forwards. "Erik…" He snarled, "Let him go." He stopped in mid air, finding himself held by every element of metal on his person. "Haven't you done enough damage?" He demanded fiercely.
Erik stopped then regarding him quietly, "I never meant to hurt Charles. The humans have done nothing to help him. I am resolving that." Beast collapsed to the floor abruptly released leaving him staring as the metal manipulator strode up the stairs. Alex alerted to the commotion ran into the hallway. "Beast are you-" His voice broke off, catching the direction of his gaze. The blond youth's face turned scarlet in absolute fury. "How dare he show his face here!"
Beast leapt to his feet, "Alex no!" He cried, "I think…he's here to help." Both turned hearing Raven's familiar voice. "You got that right. Now are you going to just stand there - or give us a hand?" She demanded. Alex blinked, torn between striking her, despite the fact she was a girl, and Hank's revelation that they were not here to cause trouble. Raven's features turned into a snarl. When Moira lifted her head from beneath Simon's frame. "Alex, Hank - calm down. Erik has discovered the twins here who possess a very special mutation." Raven rolls her eyes at Moira's matter of fact approach, so like her brother in many ways. "Meet Talia - and Simon, they are healers." Hank's eyes widen as he instantly understands, before rushing forwards to assist, speaking urgently to the dazed pair. "You - you can heal anything?" An amused smile is exchanged between them. "Live things…some harder than others…Charles hurt…" They paused before nodding, and Alex was belatedly moving to assist.
Part 4 - Regeneration
Erik carefully eased Charles down onto the soft cushioned surface, fingers brushing the strands of unruly hair from his face, and watching as his features relaxed into simple sleep. He rested his hands against his chest, over his heart finding a measure of comfort in the more regular stronger pulsing rhythm. Never had he felt such a deep ache running through him - of something so needed - so vital to his existence. It felt as though he had been living in the dark for the last few days and the sun had just returned. Passion fierce and strong had re-awoken within him at the gentlest touch of that familiar beloved mind against his own. Blinding surging emotions so strong, so complex that he would need a lifetime to sort through them. How could I have ever left you. Silent wonder coursing through him.
His reaction was purely instinctive hearing the quiet sound of approaching intruders. Charles was vulnerable - as Emma had been so eager to point out. He had to protect him -
"Erik!" Raven's voice pounded through the magnetically locked door. A door impaled from the other side with several sharp implements. "Let us in!" Which after a long moment it did.
"Don't you need to rest?" Beast had asked, even as they half carried the twins up the stairs. Talia shook her head. "Muchly rest…Charles hurt…heal pain." Only half understanding Beast found himself relenting under the intensity of her gaze, though he was uncertain about leaving them or the professor alone with the clearly volatile metal manipulator. However he made no move from the bed, and it wasn't as though any of them could force him to do so. An aggravated growl of frustration emerged from his throat. Erik looked up at him, a savage light flaring in his eyes that had Hank fearfully moving towards the door, whilst the savage part of himself would stay and defend them all. Alex was moving forwards clearly to confront Erik when Moira caught his arm. "Please Alex, now is not the time." Surprise showed in more than one set of eyes at her actions, and more over as she was followed through the door. She glanced back at the metal manipulator. "Don't hurt him." She stated with ridiculous fierceness before she was gone, the door shut behind her.
A part of Erik felt deeply uneasy at allowing these two virtual strangers so close to his friend, especially as he was so vulnerable as Emma had pointed out. He scowled to himself, carefully watching the pair. Emma Frost was a pain in his side. She had been too close to Shaw for him to ever fully trust her; had shown how swift and forcefully she could tear his mind apart whilst standing at Shaw's side. Yet, whilst he could not trust her, he needed her in Charles's absence.
He considered her words. Had Charles really wiped the minds of those on the ships…and if so to what purpose other than to protect them? Yet that would go against all his high morals, and ideals. Why had he done it? He felt the lightest, touch against his mind, Because it was necessary my friend. He started but other than that Charles gave no physical indication of their presence.
"Yes…yes…that way…" The twins having recovered their strength were clearly in their element as they regard the unconscious telepath. "Never seen such…" They murmured to themselves as they placed their hands over his back, turning every so often to glance at Erik.
He quelled his irritation. Yes they were a bit strange, but they were more than happy when he had rescued them from their makeshift prison. They had been accused of sorcery, and the town seemed uncertain as to how to deal with them, until Erik had taken the choice from them. The pair seemed co-dependent on each other, often finishing each others sentences, and he was sure they must have some sort of telepathic communication. Riptide had confirmed that this pair caught Shaw's attention, and he had been planning to retrieve them just as soon as he had stepped up his plans for World War III.
Erik stilled realising the pair were staring at him, like he was supposed to do something. "Yes?" He asked. "Need to stimulate the nerve endings." He blinked uncertainly, not quite sure as to their expectant looks. "Yes - what does that mean?" The pair however grinned at one another, "You - generate electricity please." What? He shook his head, "I don't know what you want me to - " Talia the younger of the two gripped his arm, drawing it towards the bed, as Simon extended his hand towards Erik. He gasped as he felt the slight current being generated - by himself - somehow drawn out by Simon and directed into the wound. For a moment he saw the injury as they did. A lack of nerve endings simply not connected - they were closing the gaps. His jolt of electricity simply being the seal to their work. "You're sure?" He asked uncertainly. They nodded. "As before. Much pain first - can't stop." Talia paused, and Simon repeated. "Much pain first - can't stop." Talia tilted her head as though listening to something. "Weak till strength returns." Erik grasped their meaning through their broken disjointed English. "You're saying he's not paralysed?" They nodded. "Sore pain - lots at first…need distraction." Erik nods feeling sharp relief fill him. "Thank you. Do you need to rest now?" Talia blinks, looking back at her brother who nods. "We can stay?" Erik nods, "I think you'll be welcome here - Raven will show you to some empty rooms." They almost bounced out of the door, and as they did so Talia paused, still holding her brothers hand. "Thanks muchly, congratulations!" Stifling a sigh, Erik waited till they had gone before shutting, and activating the metal door lock. Charles could teach them his perfect English soon enough.
He walked to his friends side, easing him over, and drawing the covers up around him. "I'm sorry Charles." He murmured softly. "I never meant for any of it to happen…you weren't supposed to get hurt…" His fingers reached of their own will to cord through the soft unruly hair. His features were almost angelic when he slept, unguarded they gave him an even more youthful appearance, an innocent vulnerability. "I understand now…you were overwrought that day…I never thought what it would mean for you to hold Shaw - hold him till the end…I'm sorry I caused you so much pain." He kissed him lightly, before drawing back. "I'm sorry your ideals can't work in this world. The humans will seek to use you - your abilities. I won't let them do that."
Part 5 - Reunion
It is some time later when Charles awoke from the most dreamless restless sleep he had had in the last few weeks to see Erik watching him with an almost predatory sheen in his eyes.
"Erik?" He asks uncertainly in the silence. "What are you doing here?"
It pained the metal manipulator to see such uncertainty in his friend. "I told you that day Charles - they will attempt to turn us on one another…that will never happen." Charles blinked, watching as his hand was lifted in Erik's larger fingers, in a gentle caress, his lips pressing against his skin. He flushed. "Erik…war is not the option." His hand was released, and for a moment he thought the other man would leave - again.
However he stopped by the window, and Charles realised belatedly he was back at the mansion - in his own room…what on Earth…? "Perhaps not yet - we are not strong enough." Erik responded.
Charles is sitting up, drawing his legs over the side of the bed before he stills in realisation. He knew when he took the bullet wound - knew that he would never walk again. Knew from vague distant fragments of clinical minds that he is supposed to be paralysed…wasn't he? Knew from Moira's distant panicked mind - though he could not seem to reach her, having been lost in the darkness. Till Erik came. He knew with startling clarity that it had been Erik's presence that had guided him back from that strange dark void - and now - now he could feel his legs again…
"What…?" He began, biting his lip at the intensity of sensation flooding through him. Yes he could feel - and with it came sharp needle slicing pain. He gasped, and instantly Erik was beside him. What did you do? He demanded, meeting the intense green eyes. Did you think they would let you go? Did you think they made any attempt at helping you? Erik demanded in return, opening his mind to the telepath. He had nothing to hide.
"Emma told me you wiped the minds of everyone on those ships." Charles flushes, looking away. "It was necessary." Erik grips his chin, forcing those brilliant blue eyes to meet his own, "Yes, it was. I'm glad you did." Charles frowns. "Erik - I shouldn't have done. I don't know what came over me-" He breaks off as his lips are suddenly captured. Some sense finally. Erik returns in his mind, and his powerful hands - are suddenly exploring his chest in dangerously distracting teasing motions...
His focus falters as he is unable to block the strong impassioned images, towards him, of himself held down, Erik ravishing his body. He swallowed - only to be pushed back down against the bed. Shh…A victorious grin lights the emerald green eyes, and then Erik's weight is pressed against him, is pinning him down. I understand - after everything that had happened - and all the emotions and tensions running wild…you weren't in your right mind…Charles groans, unable to deny the arousal sweeping through him. The only mistake I made was leaving you that day. And Charles's can't help but be swept up in and by that declaration. Every ache, every jolt of pain…everything vanishes to a narrow focus of deeply mesmerising green eyes.
Part 6 - Rebellion
That dream. And oh what a dream it was! Has Charles wakening each morning for four days in a row, heart pounding, his breath sounding ragged to his own ears, drenched in sweat. Recalling vivid dreamlike impressions of Erik coming to him each evening, but in the morning there is nothing to indicate that he was ever present at all.
Hank comes in with breakfast, and at lunch with Alex, and Sean. For supper they all sit round the edge of his bed, telling him their eager eyed tales of the day, and they all seem to be getting along rather well. He occasionally senses but does not see Raven, how far away she is and what she is doing. Yet he keeps his promise to not read her mind. And he is exhausted by a strange echoing lethargic pain...
It is on the fifth morning subsequently that he rebels against his bed-rest orders and heads out to face the day. Pain still shoots through his legs like echoing strands but that pain is a relief to the frighteningly dead sensations he had felt prior to that. He vaguely wonders where Moira has vanished to, having seen her scarcely since he first awoke. Probably doing some CIA fixing work, he decides glumly.
The kitchen breakfast is a joyous affair, and he can feel the relief radiating from Hank, Alex, and Sean. The twins he has heard so much about, he has yet to meet in a physical sense, and his first sight of them is linked arm-in-arm, quite clearly co-dependent on the other. He wonders at what kind of life they have had to go through, having sensed some of it from their healing treatment. He starts however when they greet him on a mental level.
Hello professor, glad awake you. Congratulations! He breaks into a grin, "Telepaths too?" Eliciting surprised looks from the boys. He rises to his feet, enveloping them warmly, "I have been waiting to meet you. I have a lot to thank you for." They smile to one another, "Erik thanks - and you - home." They speak out loud clumsily, but their mention of Erik, reinforces to Charles the fact that perhaps he is not simply dreaming the metal manipulators presence. Gathering the gist of their meaning he mentally corrects their grammar, and is enveloped by them both in turn.
It is some time after breakfast that he feels a sharp pained nausea over take him, and barely makes it to the bathroom before he is sick. Gasping he realises he forgot to shield as Hank arrives, easily pulling him back to his feet. "Professor - are you alright?" He asks worry radiating from him in waves, along with mental reproach. I knew I should never have let Sean make breakfast…Charles cannot but help laugh at that. "It tasted well enough." Hank grins, "Yeah, but he could make anything inedible."
The following week they have re-entered a less hectic training schedule, and Charles has not seen Erik for some time (exactly 6 days). Presumably plotting something destructive. However Charles had sworn not to look, and Erik had taken him at his word, with a promise to return. Charles however could not help but wonder if he would. Any number of things could happen to the metal manipulator, he could get injured, or worse. Then again there was the nagging worry that he would leave. Leave as he did on the beach, and Charles would never see him again…
They did not see eye to eye on many things, and least of all on how they should take the next step forwards. Integration, or all out war. Yet truthfully Charles did not see how they could possibly win a fight…they were simply outnumbered, and untrained. He was not now as innocently idealistic as he had been, and knew that blood would be shed no matter which path was taken forwards now. In all cases there would be innocents hurt, and he could only hope to mitigate as much damage as possible.
Part 7 - Discovery
He sighed, regarding the remnants of his breakfast as it filled the basin once more. Clearly it had not been Sean's cooking. He wondered if he was developing a strange mutant allergy to breakfast foods. Hank had tried alternating over the past few days, from simple plain porridges to the full English works…nothing seemed to work.
He would almost think that…no…he shook his head at the idea. He didn't protest at the blue furred hand that was waiting to pull him to his feet this time. "Professor-" Beast's blue eyes held a kindly concern, "-perhaps I should conduct some tests." Hmmm…He was caught in strong arms even as the floor moved towards him in a disorientating motion. I'm fine- He protested, only to blinked at the twin images of Beast smiling down at him. Ok Professor.
He opened his eyes stifling a sharp groan to realise he was in their makeshift infirmary. He could vaguely make out the familiar intelligent buzz of Hank's mind as he slowly sat up, gathering his bearings. He was currently discussing something with Alex, but before he could make out what it was Sean's familiar visage popped up in front of him. "Hi Prof, are you feeling ok now?" He blinked for a moment as Sean's freckles seemed to have suddenly multiplied and taken over the room. Concern reflected in the boy's eyes. "Hank!" He yelled back, "Hold on prof!" Sean suddenly caught his arm as he got to his feet, What time is it Sean? He asked, "Umm - about 10 o'clock I think." He screwed up his face. As Charles realised he had been out for about an hour. What was going on? Why did he feel so faint…? Sean's grip on his arm grew distant as he picked up on the heated argument rising. If he did not intervene there could be fireworks shortly. Literal fireworks.
"Hank - its not possible!" Alex yelled in shear incredulity. Whilst the scientist was quietly ruminating that "Actually - it is. I just have never, well considered the aspects of it before. I am sure the professor could explain the genetics of it to you more easily, however it is simply another form of mutation…" Alex slapped his hand to his face, before a concerned look crossed his features, "Doe that mean you or -" The blue mutant shrugged, "This is a new area Alex - I have no idea what to expect - we are all going to have to wing it." He sighed regarding the blood sample. "Guys!" Both jolted at the force of Sean's scream, which set off a couple of experiments - yet Hank for once was unmoved by the destruction. "Sean - that was a little loud-" Charles groaned at his side - feeling Hank's strong arms slip around his shoulders. He did not have to have his eyes open to feel the strength of the glares being directed at the other. He was lifted onto the bed, a furred hand pressed against his brow. "Hot." The scientist mumbled, and Alex's concerned, "What does that mean?" Clear panic in all their expressions. Charles moved to get down again, only for Hank to stop him. "Hank let me down - I'm fine - " Dizzy? He shook his head trying to focus and succeeding to some extent. What…? Hank continued, his paws resting firmly on his shoulders. "Professor you need to take it easy - my tests show a high deficiency in iron concentrations in your blood." Charles paused, "Are you saying I'm anaemic? Opening his mind Hank showed him the results of his tests it was as though something was drawing the iron out of Charles's body, or rather it was congregating in a specific location…
- Oh -
Breathe - Professor -
Heart racing, Charles felt absolute panic over take him. Not possible…not possible…Oh gods Oh Gods…not possible… Alex is suddenly there - "It will be alright professor - calm down."
"I'm pretty sure it's happening at an accelerated rate though why that should-" Hank was murmuring softly, before he broke off. ""Woah…" Hank looked back at Sean who was observing the objects spinning crazily round the room - nothing having yet collided with anything though it was likely to do so at any second. His eyes widened, taking in the objects hovering round the room in a seeming maelstrom. Alex blinked taking in the scene, and all three exchanged a startled look. "Sean - go and phone Raven, she needs to contact Erik." Hank noted quite calmly in a distant voice. "Now!" Sean raced from the room without further prompting.
Oh Gods Oh Gods Oh Gods… - Erik - Oh Gods Oh Gods Oh Gods - Charles panic stricken mind latched onto the image of the metal manipulator like a lifeline.
Part 8 - Battlestations
Erik stopped dead in the mid of the siege feeling abrupt panic hit him.
ErikErikErikErikErikErik
Suddenly Charles was there - abruptly in his head, and the metal manipulator felt himself begin to hyperventilate from the sheer force of the telepath's fear. Charles you need to stop…
He staggered against the near chair, losing his grip on the guns currently being directed towards his small group. He heard Emma gasp beside him, and Raven's cry of concern. "Erik!" Charles seemed to hear them, and in an instant Erik felt him look through his eyes - saw Raven recoil as his eyes for a moment took on a blue sheen. "Charles?" She gasped. The guns fired, and Erik was too stricken to move. He felt Charles's panic escalate.
ErikErikErikErikErikErik - not hurt - stop - not hurt - ErikErikErikErikErikErik
Then abruptly the pressure, panic, and Charles were gone - as though he had never been.
Taking a deep breath Erik raised his hand, moving to shield as many of them as he could - only for Emma to catch his wrist. At her tug he looked up startled at the bodies littering the ground. "I wouldn't bother your little telepathhas taken care of them all for us." She regarded him with a quiet expression, as Raven helped him to his feet, her arms around his shoulders. "Congratulations by the way. We can finish this off now - you need to go home."
Erik glared at her retreating back, only for Raven to catch his shoulders. "I've never seen my brother do that before - I didn't know he could…he must have reached out through you and projected his gift at them…" She paused… "What's happened?" Erik stilled at her question. He did not know - but it sent cold fear running through him. He had never seen Charles Xavier panic stricken. Never. In all the pained memories they had shared of the past, never had he felt such open terror. He fear a sharp metallic tang of blood, and realised he had bitten his lip. "He's terrified…" He murmured in shocked realisation. Raven's fingers dug into his wrist. "Go to him - Emma's right we can handle this now." Her voice was low, a command to go and protect her brother. Erik nodded, finding somewhat to his surprise that Azazel was already waiting. There was a rare fierceness in the red-mutant's eyes that startled him. Erik felt the familiar arsenal of metal he always kept on hand - as the familiar dissolution began. Whoever had hurt Charles would feel his wrath.
Part 9 - Devastation & Joy
As Azazel teleported he sent him away again - the others could handle the mission, but it was best to have an early escape route. For a long moment he thought the red-mutant was going to argue, before he inclined his head, and vanished. Immediately Erik tried to reach out and project his thoughts. Charles - Charles…only to receive no response. He was not given to panic. He broke into a run, stopping on reaching the entranceway to observe Sean crumpled against the ground beside the telephone, half off the hook - in seeming unconsciousness. He knelt briefly, alarm rising. What if the house was under attack - he cursed himself for sending Azazel away. Oh thank goodness Sean was alive. Breathing. Simply asleep. Asleep?
Erik stilled, had Charles done this? He raced down the hallway towards one he was sure would have the answer. He found Alex similarly sprawled in the entranceway, and tore into the laboratory, to find it a complete ransacked mess. They were under attack. He felt a cool clinical detachment cloak itself round him. Whoever had done this would pay. A low groan caught his attention, and he knelt beside Beast, who was coming round. "Erik…" He sighed, "Thank goodness…" his words were slightly slurred… "Who did this?" He demanded. "Where are the others - what's happened to Charles?" Beast blinked, observed the desperation in the brilliant green eyes. "You make a good father." He mumbled, eyes closing once more. "Hank!" Erik shook him, dragging him up, "Where's Charles!" Metal objects began to rise from the room with the strength of his ire. "Hank!"
"The professor did this." The scientist stated flatly, as his eyes focused, and Erik's anger abruptly deflated into shock. "What…why?" The blue furred mutant swallowed, "You should take that up with him…" He shook himself, wincing as he did so. Erik barely restrained from strangling him. "Hank…what is going on?" Sensing the danger in his voice, Hank took a step back. "Really Erik its between the two of you - you should speak to him." Erik's eyes flashed. "Tell me what is going on - what has happened to Charles?" He demanded stalking Beast round the lone surviving battered table, till he had him back up against the wall. "Er-ik…stop…find Charles - stress is not good in his condition…" Erik stopped dead. A low note to his voice.
"What condition?" His mind throwing a thousand scenarios - had the twin's power a limited timescale? Had something else happened?
"He's pregnant."
Every metal item hovering in the room clattered to the floor. "Wh-at…?" Erik asked, and if the situation had not been as it was, Hank would have wished for a camera for the normally unflappable composed metal kinetic was completely stunned. "He's pregnant." Hank repeated quietly. "I don't know whether it is a side effect of the twins power - or something before then, perhaps a latent mutation coming into effect." Erik seemed to snap himself out of it. Pregnant. Right. Impossible… Mutation…?
"We should have realised sooner - all the signs were there…morning sickness…hormones out of whack…he's very emotional right now…"
Emotional. Erik swallowed. He could understand that right now. However he did not understand why Hank was gesturing wildly to the mixed tangle of the laboratory equipment. How could Charles have…oh…Hank's words zoned into place…"Latent telekinesis - protective instincts - calm him down…"
In the end he realised, there was only one place that Charles would go - and there was a path of devastation leading right towards it. Guiding Erik's feet towards the hedgerow maze. Charles stood on the small ledge overlooking the central lake. Far too still, far too close to the edge for Erik's liking. It was like the eye of a storm - an unnatural dead centre of calm. He moved swiftly forwards, wrapping his arms around the younger man - only he seemed frozen in place - locked by some force that Erik could not shift. Charles! He tried projecting "CHARLES!" His breath gusting against the soft skin of his neck - brought the telepath back to reality with a sudden jolt. Erik tightened his grip feeling the sheer alarmed panic sweep through him, threatening to overwhelm him once more. Oh Gods Oh Gods…Impossible…Oh Gods Oh Gods…Impossible…
Not impossible…not for us…
Erik murmured gently, his lips caressing his neck. Charles shivered, leaning into his touch. His heart was pounding much too fast. Erik - oh Gods - Erik. Humour spilled through the metal manipulator's mind. Erik - is here… Even his mind voice sounded faint. Breathe Idiot! Erik commanded sharply, seeming to shake some sense into his shocked mind. Charles swallowed, Kill me now. At that Erik did laugh, Idiot - why would I do that? Especially when you are pregnant with my child?
Charles swallowed again, Not angry - confused…head hurts…don't tell him…
"Don't tell me what?" Erik demanded gently, turning him round to draw blue eyes to meet his own.
After a long moment he drew back. "Don't tell me…" He retracted, and swallowed, "Not mine?" Of course he had only known Charles for what - 3 months…he did not know how many months - He began closing off. Charles blinked, finally finding his voice, "No - yes…"
Swallowing as those brilliant green eyes swung back to face him with arresting scrutiny. "Explain to me exactly what you mean Charles." He shivered at the coldness in Erik's eyes. Should kill me now… He mumbled to himself, before a sharp burst of anger tore through him. Did Erik trust him so little? "How can you think that?" He demanded, unaware of the effect his anger was having on the surrounding environs. "There is no one else - only you! Its always been you! I never - " He broke off, shaking his head, "Do you think I go sleeping round with the whole city? - Or maybe I do - and just wipe yours and everyone else's minds - I am that much of a whore-" He stepped back away from Erik as he extended his hand - he felt air beneath him for a fraction of a second - .
- "Charles no!-" Erik lunged, but there was nothing he could get a fix on - nothing he could grasp with enough metal on it. Water splashed everywhere. Erik slipped, and collided to the ground, as Charles landed in the shallow water. Staring up at him for a long moment in dazed shock. "Charles!" Erik knelt grasping his shoulders, staring into his wide eyes. "Charles?" Speak to me! He demanded.
Charles simply stared at Erik's face - panic stricken. So similar to that day on the beach. His heart was tearing. Water dripped down his face. Should kill me now. He thought deliberately, he was desperately close to tears. Tears he could not shed. Not here. Not now. "You should go." He stated, hating the words as soon as they were torn from his throat. It was killing him to do so. He closed his eyes in utter despair, starting when he was ensnared in strong arms, and hauled to his feet.
He struggled, but was twisted round, his wrists caught, and pinned in a steel grip, in the circle of Erik's arms. "Calm down Charles - you're not doing yourself - or the baby any good-" Overemotional…hormonal…not tell…how can he think that…
"I don't think that - its just the way you said it - you're not the only one who is not thinking straight. I'm sorry. Of course the child is mine." Warm possessive lips pressed against his neck, his mind murmuring gentle apologies in German. Polish. And the 5 other languages Erik was fluent in. "Its your fault I'm anaemic!" Charles gasped, "They have a strong affinity for metal already - I wonder why!" Erik's eyes widened, "Excuse me?" Charles stilled, staring blankly ahead, "I could briefly feel - not thought - too young yet…but there is more than one…"
Large hands slipped under his sodden white shirt, to rest lightly against his abdomen. Charles could feel the lightest of exploratory touches, the faintest brush of Erik's gift. "Two…" He murmured tenderly. "Hello little ones…" Charles was not going to cry. He was not…Shh…
He was pulled round to face Erik, calloused fingers gently brushing against his face, wiping his tears away. Calm yourself. He grinned smugly, They do like iron…
Charles banged his head down against the broad shoulder - Insufferable…he's going to be…insufferable…
A heavy hand cupped the back of his neck - preventing him repeating the motion. Stop. Came the quiet rebuff. I am going to be the perfect doting - protective - possessive - father, and you are going to be locked in a metal cage out of harm's way, and do everything I say. Charles stifled a laugh, and Erik gave a smug grin. Who is living in the dream world now?
Don't say I didn't warn you. Erik responds, pulling him out of the sodden white shirt. You need protecting Charles Xavier, even from yourself.
Hey - I liked that shirt -
Its wet. Erik responds wrapping him in his dry leather jacket, the zip pulling up by itself. I'm being held captive by a jacket. Erik grins. Stop moaning - it suits you. Charles scowls into his shoulder. Don't blame me if I am sick all over it - or you!" He gasps as he is swept from his feet, closing his eyes at the nausea that sweeps through him. Erik's familiar scent, the steady thrum of his heartbeat is soothing. "Its your fault!" He groans into his neck, shivering. Humour washes through him as Erik laughs lightly. Not entirely - I recall your active participation - several times. Quietly the metal manipulator unfurls his gift, and metal elements begin to radiate a relaxing warmth, that slowly lull the drained telepath into sleep.
This time as he ascends the stairs to the mansion with Charles he is met by 3 pairs of eyes.
Hank, Alex, and Sean. Hank steps forwards, a needle in hand which he is about to wave away - "It contains iron - should help with the anaemia." Sensing the truth - in the iron rich material, he nods, allowing the blur furred mutant to step forwards, pressing the contents against the telepath's arm. "Is he ok?" Sean asks softly, and Alex stands between a defensive, and aggressive pose. "It was a shock." Erik nods, watching Hank work. "We're all going to need to keep a close eye on him. Keep him safe." The boys all nod in mute agreement, forming their little pact with their devil in order to keep their angel safe.
Please review let me know your thoughts...this started out as a bit of a re-write and ended up as a book all on its own!
I have a few ideas for protective father Erik, and poor Charles coping with everything, and his powers going haywire in the loop as well...