Authors Note:

Thank all of you who replied to my story via reviews!

Hope you like the newest chapter and please leave me a line!

Warnings: In later chapters m/m relationships.

Disclaimer: I don't own X-men or anything along those lines. Trust me, the movie would have been rated R if I did.


What Was Lost:

Chapter Two

The steady beeping sound was the first thing to catch his wandering attention and give him something to tether to in order to pull himself out of the dark abyss and back into the realm of consciousness. Momentarily blinded, Charles quickly closed his eyes again before the sound of the blinds being pulled closed could be heard, and the room got significantly darker.

"Charles?" The softly spoken whisper of his name was hard to place at first, his mind strangely hazy before it registered.

"Erik?" His voice croaked and he felt like someone had previously stuck cotton down his throat before getting rid of it prior to his awakening. He felt himself slowly being lifted with the bed into a more sitting position before something rested against his lips.

"Drink Charles, its just water." Grateful for the offered beverage, Charles took a few small sips before opening his eyes again. A hospital room met his questioning gaze, machinery was off to his right, and several tubes came together into the IV in his arm. To his left, sat Erik on the side of the bed. He was putting down the cup on the nightstand before he looked back at Charles. "How are you feeling?" Charles blinked a few times, trying to rid himself of the haze, but groaned as the grogginess remained.

"What do they have me on?" Erik paused.

"Morphine Charles, its morphine." Charles eyes went to search Erik's face, he wasn't surprised by the concern that he saw there, after all he had been shot, but what was the prognosis? How was he doing? Moving to gently brush against Erik's mind, Charles felt an immediate feeling of vertigo, and he instantly retreated back to his own mind. The drugs were too much, he couldn't focus while on them, he couldn't use his powers either. Slight panic arose in the man on the bed before he immediately turned his attention to the offense. The tube in his arm looked harmless enough, but right now he knew better. What was supposedly helping him right now was also keeping him harmless and unable to protect himself.

"Turn it off." Erik watched as Charles moved to try and pull out the IV from his arm and instantly, Erik's hand reached over and covered Charles, stopping any attempt to pull it out with a gentle but firm grip.

"Charles- Charles listen to me, you have to leave it in." There was a soft sound that exited between Charles lips that sounded like a quiet whine.

"I can't think straight like this Erik. I'll take the pain, just get it out." Erik shook his head, his other hand moving to rest on Charles's shoulder. It wasn't a big secret that Charles had never liked the thought of any kind of drug being released into his system, but the panic in the motions of the telepath on the bed made him move to reassure the other.

"Charles, you're fine. I'm right here and I'm not leaving. You're not defenseless, I'm here." He wasn't sure that he had gotten through to the other who seemed to still be trying to reach the tube before he tried another approach. "Calm your mind Charles." Slowly, Charles seemed to stop struggling with him, before a small smile started to blossom on his face quickly being followed by laughter. Erik couldn't help but match Charles's amusement, knowing that he had just used his friends favorite phrase against him.

After their amusement died down, Charles let his hand fall from his arm.

"What happened?" He asked finally, realizing that he was going to have to resort to asking for information like everyone else did. Erik sighed a little before sliding off the bed and taking a seat in the chair again. There was a weariness to his movements and Charles felt a slight trepidation build up in him. Was it that bad? Were the soldiers dead? No, they couldn't be. He remembered Erik saying he wouldn't kill them. Erik wouldn't go against his word would he? "You know, I'm a little surprised to see you here." Erik looked up at him.

"What do you mean?" Charles did a small shrug.

"I don't know, I just thought that I had lost you on that beach, and something was telling me that you weren't going to be here." Erik had a moment where nothing crossed his face, no emotion that Charles could read before the other let out a soft sigh.

"Not this time my friend." Erik muttered almost to low for Charles to hear, but he cleared his throat before Charles could question the slightly strange statement.

"The humans are fine. I'm sure that's the real information that you wanted. I didn't harm them." Charles gave him a small smile.

"Good. Thank you." Erik waved it off.

"Moira's bullet barely missed your spinal column. Lucky for you Charles, seems you've got a new lease on life." Another strange statement and Charles went to question it, before the door opened and a doctor walked in.

"Oh good, you're awake. How are you feeling today Mr. Xavier?" Erik stood up and moved out of the way of the doctor as he came forward to shine a light in Charles's eyes and check over some of the stats on his patient.

"I assume I'm doing well. Erik just told me that it missed my spinal column, so that's good news." The doctor nodded.

"Correct, if all goes well, and if you're a good patient, then we should have you back on your feet by the end of the year, without any need for assistance or aids." Charles cringed a little at the news. He was going to have to be dependent on the others until he was able to fend for himself again. He didn't like the thought, but there was nothing he could really do about it. Maybe he could talk to Hank and have him create some form of like, motorized wheelchair. If it was possible, that would be quite useful. "However, there was one thing that I wanted to ask you." Charles nodded. "Mr. Lensherr here believes that he is sufficient to watch you during this transition, however I believe that it would be best to have a nurse or trained professional actually with you at your house." Charles's eyes went behind the doctor to look at Erik who was just leaning against the wall in silence. Something about his posture was off slightly, something didn't fully ring 'Erik' to him and he wondered if his friend was already feeling the remorse for killing Shaw. He sorely wished that he had the control over his powers to brush against his friends mind and let him know that he was here to help him. Instead, he looked at the doctor.

"If Erik believes that he's capable, I see no need for another person to be on me constantly. I have several wards who live with me now as well. Trust me when I say that I will be well looked after. So no, I'm going to agree with Erik and say no nurse." The doctor frowned and pursed his lips a little before sighing.

"I disagree with your choice, but it is your choice to make."

"When may I leave?" Charles asked and Erik chuckled from where he was standing.

"Ready to be out of here already Charles? You just woke up." Charles gave him a smile.

"And its already been too long my friend." He turned his attention back to the doctor. "But how much longer before I can sign myself out of here?"

"I would recommend that we hold you for at least four more days, however you can sign yourself out whenever you'd like." Charles nodded.

"I will stay for a few more days if you believe that it is necessary." The doctor nodded, obviously relieved that his patient was at least willing to listen to him for that much. "However, whens the soonest that I can be taken off of the morphine drip?"

"Probably tomorrow we'll switch you to a lighter painkiller as long as the pain and swelling stays down." Charles frowned slightly, unhappy with the news that he would be going at least twenty four hours in this state before he just gave the doctor a smile and nodded.

"Of course. Very well." The doctor took a step back before writing something down on his clipboard and looking at Charles again.

"You should get some rest, I know you just woke up but you went through quite the ordeal. You'll want to keep your strength up. Mr. Lensherr can return later." Charles had started to feel the weariness brought on by too much movement after such an injury, but immediately he turned his attention to Erik.

"I'll stay." Was the statement spoken to his questioning gaze and the doctor shook his head.

"I can't allow that right now, he needs his rest and he will be fine here." Charles shook his head.

"Erik can stay."

"Its against policy."

"Then give me the papers to sign myself out. I'll rest at home." The doctor stared at Charles.

"We've already discussed that it would be unwise for you to leave."

"Then just allow Erik to stay. If he cannot, then I do not." The doctor sighed before nodding and motioning to the chair.

"Very well, I will make this exception." He stated, a slight annoyance rested under the tone and the man turned and left the room. Erik smirked a little.

"I don't think he likes us Charles." Charles shrugged.

"I don't like the thought of them being able to wheel me out of here and preform tests while I am unconscious. I would rather have someone here watching my back." Erik came over and lowered the bed slowly back down into the resting position.

"I'm here Charles. Nothings going to happen to you. Get your rest." Almost instantly, the blackness came up to meet him again.

-xXx-

The next few days went by like a blur. A mix of similar memories, most of which centered around his friend trying to keep him occupied while he was trapped in the small room. Erik had managed to acquire a chess set, to which both men played a few simple games, and Charles had to admit, either Erik had been hiding his true abilities, or he had magically overnight learned how to always have him on the defense from the first move. It was slightly refreshing since he had never played such a difficult game in his life, nor had he ever lost almost each and every single game. He had finally won the last one, to which Erik just seemed to stare at the board for a moment before laughing merrily, and mentioning how much Charles was one of a kind. It had been on the third day that they had finally gotten the news that Charles was stable enough to be moved from the hospital and to the comfort of his own home for the remainder of his time recovering. That's when Erik had disappeared for a few hours, around the time that he was allowed to get out of this restraining area. Tapping his fingers along the side of the beds bars that were intended to keep him from falling out of it, he couldn't help but feel the slightest form of irritation. Erik had left about two hours ago telling Charles that he was making 'preparations' and that he would return shortly. Charles couldn't help but feel the slightest bit antsy given the fact that he was more than ready to be gone. Dressing himself had proven difficult, if not slightly dangerous as he had attempted to argue with the nurses saying that he was more than capable of doing it himself, they obviously disagreed, and a couple choice words later, he was dressed, but not of his own volition. It had been after that harrowing experience that Erik finally strolled back into the hospital room with a huge grin on his face.

"What's got you in such a good mood?" Charles asked and Erik shrugged.

"Nothing really, simple little things. Come on; let's get you to the car." Charles nodded.

"Please, lets." Moving to swing his legs over the side, Charles was surprised when Erik stopped him with a simple movement of the hand.

"Don't overexert yourself Charles. You need to take it easy, and taking it easy also means taking it slow." Charles paused, before voicing a small chuckle.

"Since when did you become so wise?" He stated softly, a small smile on his lips and Erik shrugged.

"That…is a story for another time." He said making Charles cock his head to the side slightly.

"Erik, my friend, are you alright?" The concern in Charles tone pulled at Erik and he offered a small smile to the telepath.

"I am." Charles seemed un-persuaded.

"You just seem…" He paused, placing a hand on Erik's upper arm, causing Erik to make eye contact with him. "Different. Are you sure that there is nothing that you want to talk about? I'm here for you Erik." Erik just shook his head, offering Charles a hand and pulling the wheelchair that had been left there by the nursing staff closer to the bed before he gently helped Charles shift from the bed to the seat.

"Are you alright?" He asked and Charles nodded, despite the slight paling of the skin tone. Erik knew that it was probably still a little early for Charles to think that he was recovered enough to do much of what he was used to, but it had been futile to try and reason with Charles on this fact. Charles seemed to almost think that he would be moving quicker by the end of the week, and Erik didn't have the heart to tell him that he probably wouldn't be moving at any other rate than a snails pace for over a week, maybe even two or three.

"I promise Charles, everything will be fine. It's just going to take a while to adjust to these new developments." Erik could tell that Charles has misread his statement, a slight pouting atmosphere settling around the young man as he rested back into the wheelchair.

"This setback is only temporary, and just because I am not at a hundred percent mobility right now doesn't mean that we still can't train. We're going to have to be ready Erik; we're going to have to make sure that the children are ready." Erik nodded, before a small smile came to his face, something Charles noted and questioned about.

"Oh, it's nothing." Erik had expected Charles to leave it be. His Charles knew when it wasn't really something worth pursuing and yet he was reminded yet again that this was not his Charles anymore as the young man still attempted to make him speak his mind. A feat that the older, more battle worn version of him had all but given up on. This Charles still held enough respect for him to allow him his own mind, not pushing in and figuring it all out, even though he had to wonder. How much longer would he hide this from Charles? How much longer could he hide this from the world's most powerful mutant? After a few minutes of continuous prodding on Charles side as he was being wheeled down the hallways, Erik finally relented to let him in on what was so funny. "Just a question, you're what? Twenty four? Hardly old enough to consider yourself an old man Charles. Age will come soon enough. Don't rush the feeling."

"It's not that I fancy thinking of myself of an older age, just mentally I feel that sometimes I am."

"Well I'm here to tell you, you've still got plenty of time to be worrying about your hair falling out." He saw the mock indignant look on Charles face and he laughed. "Besides, what is it with you and your hair anyways? I wonder if one day you're just going to shave it all off." Charles shook his head vehemently, holding his hands over his hair as if to protect it.

"Never." He snapped playfully, leaning slightly away from Erik as he went to reach for it.

"I could always just cut it for you. Save you the trouble, its getting pretty shaggy."

"Never shaggy enough. I like it just how it is." Wheeling Charles outside the area, Erik slowly made his way around a corner and into an alley of sorts. Charles frowned, looking around. "Erik? I'll admit, I'm a little confused. I thought we were going to the car?" Erik waved him off.

"I've got something a lot faster than motorized transportation Charles." With that, he let out a shrill whistle for a moment, causing Charles to flinch before he was startled as there was a loud 'pfft' cracking noise and there stood the red demon like man from the beach. Pausing a moment to regain his neutrality, Charles spoke with a calm tone.

"Something that I'm missing Erik?" Erik shook his head.

"Not at all old friend. Azazel here has decided to join us; under one request that I have already dealt with, you'll see that soon enough. And our prodigal has returned as well."

"Angel?" Erik nodded.

"Shaw's men decided that our protection was a better survival strategy than just being left to their own means. So I offered them sanctuary in the mansion. I hope you don't mind." Charles shook his head, a smile coming to his features.

"Not at all, I'm glad to have you all." He leaned forward slightly, holding out his hand. "I'm sorry; we never got a proper introduction. My name is Charles Xavier." Azazel cast a quick glance at Erik behind him, and Erik nodded for him to go ahead and Azazel reached out and shook it.

"Azazel. Nice to meet you. Now, not to rush but my time here is growing short. Shall we go?" Erik nodded.

"Of course. Charles? Prepare yourself, this can be a little…sickening the first few times." Charles nodded, taking a deep breath as Azazel reached forward and placed a hand on both of them, Erik gathering a strong grip on the wheelchair, least they lose it in the transportation. Another loud 'pfft' and they were out on the terrace of the mansion. Charles took a quick deep gulp of air, and almost regretted it as his stomach felt like it was about to empty all of its contents onto the small stones. "It's okay, breathe Charles, just breathe." Erik's hand was on his shoulder, before moving to gently rub his back as he regained his composure.

"Wow. I will admit, I was sorely unprepared for that." Erik chuckled.

"That's fine. You should have seen me my first time. I was on the floor in the fetal position." Charles couldn't help the chuckle at the imagery, despite the fact that he was sure Erik was over-exaggerating; but then he heard Azazel chuckle nodding to the statement, and he wasn't so sure anymore.

"I must go." The red mutant stated and Erik nodded.

"Very well. We will see you later." Azazel nodded before another crack, and he was gone. Charles turned to say something to Erik when the front doors to the mansion swung open and several teenagers came running out.

"Professor!" "Charles!" Their voices mixed together as they came quickly to dog pile the man who had just returned. Charles braced himself for the impact of without a doubt Raven, he was unsure if the rest would be as boisterous as his adopted sister, but no impact came. Instead, Charles could see Erik holding out his hand from behind him and the various metal on the teenagers pushing them back slightly. Almost catching Raven mid-air.

"He's injured children. Be gentle with him." Was all Erik said before he lowered his hand and the others finished their trek, coming up to the young man in the wheelchair. Thank you my friend. Charles sent to Erik as he was swarmed by the rest of their group and he faintly heard Erik hum in acknowledgment.

"How are you feeling Professor?" Hank stepped forward and Charles couldn't help the smile at seeing the tall brunette boy again.

"Hank." Hank nodded, giving a small shrug.

"I managed to create a minor antidote to the Raven Serum. As long as my heart rate doesn't elevate, or as long as I don't do anything…stressful. I don't revert back into the Beast." Charles nodded.

"Very well, we can get started on that training right away. Hopefully its something we can teach you to control." Hank smiled.

"I'd like that very much. Thank you professor." Charles nodded, before holding his arms out for his sister.

"I'm not glass, just no jumping. How have you been Raven?" She instantly came over and put her arms around him, making sure to keep it soft and light.

"I've been worried about you. Erik told us that you'll have to be watched carefully for a while, and we're up to it. You don't have to worry about a thing." She stated as she pulled back and he nodded.

"I have no doubts that you guys will be superb." Sean and Alex expressed similar regards towards his health and he gave them all reassuring smiles. He felt the wheelchair start moving once he was finished, and he cast a quick glance at Erik who was starting to push him through the small group of people.

"Charles needs his rest now. Doctors orders, but he'll be more chatty next time around." Charles went to argue with his self proclaimed watchman, but he knew it would be futile. Exhaustion was starting to nag at him and he could feel the soreness of sitting up start to settle in his lower back. Diligently, the others either moved to the side or opened the door for them as they went past.

"Thank you Erik."

"For what?" Charles leaned against the chair slightly, eyes drooping a bit.

"For watching over them in my absence. For taking care of this place. Thank you my friend." Erik nodded, a small pang of regret for his first life's choice to leave Charles all alone before getting the other into his room. Charles room was always immaculate, and this moment wasn't any exception. The bed had still been made from the day that they had left for Cuba and Erik just wanted to shake his head at his friend's predictability. Moving over to the side of the bed, he pulled back the blankets, despite Charles protesting.

"Honestly Erik, I've got that." Moving to stand, Charles bit back a hiss and Erik was there, arm wrapping behind his shoulders and under his knees, making him feel like some sort of damsel in distress as Erik gently lifted him with ease and lay him down on the bed, pulling the covers over him.

"Rest easy Charles." He said and Charles slowly felt his eyes falling closed yet again.

"Good night Erik." Erik hummed again in acknowledgment before Charles heard his bedroom door closing and he allowed for sleep to take him. He was going to need his rest if he was going to be able to help at all tomorrow.


And there's the new chapter! Thank you so much for the reviews! It's helped keep me writing!

Hope you all liked some of the final setting the scene moments. Finally time for the fun stuff to begin! If it hasn't already :)

So please, read and review!