Prompt: Charles trying to get Erik to adopt a cat - Charles loves it and Erik does not. But the cat loves Erik more. Feel free to do with that what you will.
"I hate this," Erik muttered, idly running his hand over the wire cages and pacing back and forth.
"I know. You've said that at least ten times already," Charles said absent-mindedly, waving his hands around in one of the bigger pens. "But you promised!"
"I only said it that one time, so you'd shut up about the pet and focus on me again," Erik grumbled. "Ever since you set your sights on getting us a pet, your sex drive took a nose dive."
"Erik!" Charles gasped, throwing his hands over the ears of his current obsession. "Don't let the cats hear you."
"I'm just trying to make you happy, Charles."
"And you always do, no matter what," murmured Charles, kissing Erik softly on the cheek. A smile flickered across Erik's lips, and Charles, taking that as a green light, plopped the cat into Erik's arms. "I like this one."
"No! Take it away, Charles. Charles – take it – Charles!"
Charles raised his hands and took a step away, a mischievous grin sliding across his face.
"Charles, I honestly have no idea what to do with this – thing."
The young cat cocked her head and looked up at Erik. Her coat was jet black save for the white streak tracing around her left ear and down her nose. She tentatively pressed her cold nose against Erik's scarred hand, and he flinched.
"Charles, it's trying to eat me."
Charles squinted at the cat, trying not to laugh. "Actually, I think she likes you."
"Oh? Well, the feeling is not mutual, cat."
In response, the kitten stuck her pink tongue out.
"Look, now it's mocking me."
She purred softly and licked his thumb twice.
"Charles! It's eating me! What do I do?" Erik twitched his hand, but the cat didn't move. "There's no metal in this cat. What am I supposed to do?"
"You're supposed to pet her, Erik."
Erik grabbed the kitten by the scruff of her neck and nervously carried her to Charles. "You're better at the…touchy things. Take it!"
Charles stretched out his hands, but instead of taking the kitten, wrapped his arms around Erik. He laid his chin on Erik's shoulder and whispered, "She likes you. I might even have some competition. Look."
Erik's tense shoulders slowly relaxed into Charles' warm chest as Charles laid his hand on top of Erik's and helped Erik run his hand over the kitten's head and down her back.
"There. Not so bad, see?"
Erik gazed down at the small bundle of fur. "I guess."
"What do you say? Now personally, I love her."
Erik wasn't looking at the cat anymore. He had turned his face and was staring at Charles. "I love you."
Twenty minutes later, the bell at the door of the adoption center tinkled as Erik and Charles left hand in hand, with a brand new member of their family held tenderly in Erik's hands.