I wrote an alternate ending to this piece, because it just wouldn't leave me alone.
Erik doesn't really expect Charles to just leave him there; sure enough, the other man has summoned back the same nurse and requested his release in the same matter-of-fact manner that he once told Erik to move a satellite dish. The conversation between Charles and the nurse is on the borderline of heated: The nurse doesn't want Erik to be checked out of the hospital in his current condition, and Charles is politely adamant that it will happen. Erik half-expects for Charles to mind-trick the woman into docility, but he supposes that isn't Charles' way.
Finally, after Charles agrees to take responsibility for Erik's pill management and assures the nurse that he has the resources to ensure that Erik will be safe while he heals up, she acquiesces to his terms. Charles murmurs soft words of encouragement to Erik as he summons Hank to assist them with getting both Erik and Charles loaded into the Blackbird. The blue-furred young man eyes Erik a tad dubiously, but bites his tongue.
Grateful but sleepy, Erik feels himself start to nod off on the ride back to Westchester. When Charles sees him struggling to remain awake, he pats him on the shoulder. "Rest, Erik. You need it. Nothing will hurt you here." Later, he won't admit to sending Erik a mental suggestion to obey him - because again, that's not how Charles Xavier does things - but Erik is snoring softly by the time they touch down at the mansion.
When he comes to, it is morning, though the heavy drapes in the room he occupies are drawn to keep out the sun. The surroundings are just warm enough, and they smell like Charles. Erik is taken aback by how familiar and inviting the scent is. He must be giving off mental signs of life, because suddenly the door opens, and there is Charles, crossing the threshold in his chair, all smiles.
"I'm glad you're awake." He extends a hand and presses the palm to Erik's forehead. He beams. "And your fever broke. Would you like some breakfast?"
Erik stares at him. There are many things he could say, and several he would like to; he settles on, "I was told there would be soup."
Charles' laughter is soft, surprised, but genuine. "Soup it is." His eyes gleam mischievously. "I had Hank remove some of the pillows. Is it to your liking?"
Erik makes a show of pretending to try out the bed he's already been occupying for most of the night. "Actually, I think it might have been better your way." The words hang between them, and Charles looks down at his lap. When he glances up again, his eyes seem larger somehow.
"Raven knows you're here," he says. "She also knows that she's welcome to come and see you. We agreed that you were safe." His next words are even more carefully chosen: "Of course, you are welcome to leave at any time."
Erik nods. "Thank you." He lets Charles cradle one of his hands; eventually, he inclines his head slightly. "Is it difficult getting used to that?" he asks, gesturing at Charles' wheelchair.
Charles considers this. "It makes you better appreciate the fluidity of the human body and all of its functions," he offers. "I suppose I miss my morning walks, though."
Erik's expression is cautiously hopeful. "Let me take you for a walk. When I'm not on bed rest."
Charles smiles. "I would like that. In the meantime," he adds, "You are, in fact, ordered to stay put. Doctor's orders."
"Professor's orders," Erik counters, but he doesn't budge. He does, however, sigh quietly when Charles leans in, kissing his forehead and his nose, carefully bypassing the bandage on his cheek, and then reaching his mouth. Their lips press together, and Charles laughs breathlessly when Erik's thoughts veer towards disgust over how medicinal he probably tastes.
"You're fine." He kisses Erik once more, and then pulls back and straightens in his chair. "Soup, and then some chess, I think." He pauses. "I'm glad you're here, Erik."
"Me too." When Charles leaves the room again, he glances at the dull gleam of his helmet sitting atop the dresser, horribly out-of-place, and he decides he will have Charles stow it in a closet when he returns; because, Erik knows, he will.