I watched in horror as the missiles were redirected to the countless battleships floating in the waters, holding many more men and women, people with their own lives, who had no idea who they were dealing with.

What they were dealing with.

"Erik, they're only following orders." I pleaded. My voice caught in my throat, sounding weak and desperate. I was desperate. I can't , couldn't believe that Erik would murder thousands of people in cold blood. I couldn't let go the man I knew.

I couldn't. But I saw the threads slipping. I knew that he changed and took countless lives on his bloody road to revenge. And that he would not hesitate to take another for the sake of his twisted idea of justice.

"I've been at the mercy of men following orders." He spoke calmly. His words coated with poison. His eyes were cold and steely, no hesitation. "Never again."

I never would have known that our relationship could have met such a horrible end. Being a telepath, I was accustomed to knowing everything. Hardly anything surprised me anymore. I should have known that Erik and I were too different to be together, to look eye to eye. But I was too blind to see what was right in front of me.

I'm so sorry, my friend

I tackled Erik into the sand. Caught by surprise, Erik temporarily lost control of the missiles. I watched a few detonate before I felt his fist crash against my cheek. I couldn't tell whether his face was twisted in anger or betrayal. I knew mine was brimming with tears.

OOOOO

3rd person POV

"You know," he whispered, "you look so peaceful when you sleep."

Charles smiled into Erik's chest.

"I'm afraid that is a painfully pathetic excuse for watching me sleep. The children left up to their own devices? Imagine the havoc downstairs." Charles playfully chided.

He felt a pair of arms weave around his slim waist, pulling him close to the warm body next to him.

"Thank you," Erik breathed into Charles' ear, "for letting me into your mind and seeing your flaws and fears. I'm so sorry that you had to live with that kind of-"

"It's okay now, Erik. My step-father was nowhere near as bad as Shaw was to you." Charles added. "But, you're welcome. It was my pleasure. I have never let someone as close as I have let you, Erik. I trust you."

He felt Erik's arms tighten. "I will never betray you trust, Charles. Never. I won't let anybody harm you again. I will never abandon you."

OOOOO

"Don't make me hurt you, Charles." He grunted, easily overpowering me.

I wanted to tell him that he already did.

That he had brought us face to face on the battle field.

That we may never be on the same side again.

Gone when he placed the helmet on his head.

Gone when he had silenced the thoughts that brought me comfort from the short time that we've known each other.

Gone when he still didn't trust me, despite all that we've been through.

In one day, he broke all the promises he whispered to me within the closed door of my bedroom.

In one day, he made me regret ever trusting him.

In one day, he made me regret ever wanting.

Wanting a life with him.

Wanting a life of peace.

Wanting.

Wanting.

Hurting.

Crying.

In the end, it wasn't the bullet which had separated us.

It was the helmet.