AN: And finally this part is a little better. The first half was written around the same time as the other previous parts. However, the second half was written recently. Also, the angst has begun! Oh I think I forgot to warn you all that there are going to be mistakes in spelling and grammar because I'm not feeling much pressure to take this story seriously. It's only for fun and also the sake of getting something published online after way to long.
Part 3/6
Charles had known Erik three years when he watched him walk away past security at the airport. The fear only grew as the other man was lost in the crowd of bustling tourists and annoyed New Yorkers who were trying to escape the crowd.
"Tell him," Raven had hissed in his ear before he had walked out the door that morning to pick up Erik. Charles had only given her an unimpressed look but decided to humor her.
"Tell Erik what?" he asked innocently. Raven groaned and rolled her eyes.
"You are impossible."
"You are delusional. There is nothing between him and I and even if there was he is leaving for Germany. Erik isn't going to stay."
There was a sad little smile that twisted at the girl's lips.
"I think he would if you asked him too."
Charles just shook his head and walked out the door.
The drive to the airport was filled with silence that was far too uncomfortable. All Charles could think about was what Raven had said to him earlier. He shook off the thought of Erik staying in New York if he asked.
"Do you know how long you'll be in Germany for?" Charles asked as the two walked into the busy airport. Erik shrugged.
"Two years if I'm luck but knowing Emma I'll be stuck in Berlin for two years and Dusseldorf for one. Starting up a company takes time and lots of talking."
"Oh," Charles breathed and tried to mask the disappointment in his voice. "Right, okay."
Erik said nothing more as they walked past the automatic doors as the headed towards the baggage check station.
"I'm going to miss you," Charles admitted as both he and Erik stood in the security line. His eyes were fixed on anywhere but the man standing beside him. There was a sad little laugh.
"I'm sure you'll be fine, you've got Raven after all," Erik shrugged. This got him a frown but he didn't react. Instead he added "Germany isn't exactly very close and three years isn't a short trip. I'm sure you'll just forget about me."
"Oh please, do you really think I'd forget about you? Plus, you have my e-mail, you can always e-mail me," Charles pouted.
Erik nodded.
"I guess you're right."
They stood silently as though both wanted to say something but couldn't find the courage to speak. This silence lasted until a boarding call was announced for a flight that wasn't Erik's.
"I guess I better be off before it's my flight they are announcing," the German joked although it seemed forced and a little sad. Charles just gave a little nod. He wanted so bad for Erik to miss his flight or for it to be canceled or delayed or just something so he could keep him close for just one more night. That was a selfish thought. Erik was so happy that is company was taking off internationally and Charles should be happy too. Of course in ways he was but the greedy little voice in his head wanted nothing more to crush those opportunities so Erik would stay. If only he could just stay.
Erik cleared his throat. He placed a hand on Charles' shoulder.
"When I get back in three years a expect you to be waiting to pick me up." Those words were enough to make Charles relax a little. A small smile pulled at the corners of his lips.
"And what if I'm not here waiting for you?" He joked. Erik's expression turned into mock offense.
"I will be truly heartbroken, Charles Xavier. Truly I will be," Erik replied. Before Charles could reply he found himself being pulled into a tight hug. And oh god, he never wanted to let Erik go. If he could stay in that moment he would.
Both men pulled away but only enough so that they could look at one another. Charles swore that in that second Erik was about to lean in and kiss him. At the last second, the other pulled away completely.
"See you, Charles."
"Have a safe trip. Okay? Call or e-mail or whatever when you arrive in Germany."
That was the last thing Charles said to Erik in person for the next three years. After one last quick glance over his shoulder, Erik disappeared into the crowd just like he had the day the two first met.
