04. One Final Try
"What brings you back here, Erik? I would like to skip the usual formalities and cut to the chase this time. It's… highly unexpected," Charles offered softly on that day, his lips ghosting over the rim of his tea – Earl Grey, one of his favorites – before taking a tentative sip, mindful of the temperature.
Erik sighed heavily, and unbeknownst to him (but known to Charles, naturally), all of the children – their children – were outside the wooden double-doors that lead into the foyer, listening in. Raven was pressed tightly to the door, Hank was standing with an intrigued look on his face as he stood nearby, and Sean and Alex were giving one another glances as they, too, lingered right in front of the stained, carved oak.
"I'm here to make amends, my friend," Erik began thickly, as if it was like swallowing pine tree sap as he spoke. "I honestly meant you no harm, that day. And the more weeks and months passed, I realized how alone I was without you around, even if I had Shaw's minions now as my own, and even if I had Raven by my side. And I also realized… that I wouldn't be able to find mutants as well, even with Emma's telepathic assistance, simply because I did not have Cerebro, nor you to operate it."
Charles smiled faintly. "I'm glad you've come to your senses, then. Part of me can tell that you refuse to let go of your pessimistic views, but I will respect them and not bring tem up if you return the favor with my own views. Together, Erik, I feel like a brighter future may be ahead, starting with our little family here."
"Family?" Erik repeated, frowning slightly. "Is that what you've all become?"
Charles nodded. He licked his lips briefly – Erik subtly taking note of the movement – and replied, "We've been essentially living together since our training began a little over a year ago, Erik. And living closely with other people bonds you to them like family. That's how Raven is my sister, after all. I grew up with her. And, if all goes well, these kids will grow up together as well, as be bonded in brotherhood."
"Brotherhood," Erik retorted, huffing a curt exhale akin to a snort of irony. "I had been planning on calling my allegiance of mutants precisely that." He sipped thoughtfully at his tea and crossed his legs at the knee, leaning back in his chair. "But I've given up, for the time being. Things don't feel right, not in timing, nor in morality, which is strange, because normally I'm not one to care about morals. I blame your influence for that, Charles. Seemed I couldn't get you out of my head even when you weren't poking and prodding around in it."
Charles pretended not to catch the double-meaning of that final bit, and instead focused on asking, "So what now, Erik? You and Raven will both move in and become part of our family? You'll give us one final try to see if you fit in? Because if you left again… It might not bode well."
"Yes, one final try is what I'm aiming for, Charles. And as far as I can say, I don't plan on leaving again any time soon."
"Oh," Charles answered with a grin he couldn't help from spreading across his lips in relief and joy over the response, "In that case, welcome back!" And he chuckles a little, and he was glad to see a smile reaching Erik's tightly drawn lips.