They sat in the tub, bathing after they had made love. As they bathed, they gazed at each other, entranced, as if there was no sight worth seeing but one another. Charles drew closer to his beloved, the water sloshing about at his sudden movement as he positioned his legs on either side of Erik's waist. Not a word was spoken between them. The words did not seem necessary at all. The only sounds were the minute splashing of water in the bath tub and their soft breathing and contented sighs, echoing off the tiled walls. Erik lifted the washcloth and gently ran it upon the back of Charles's neck, thence to Charles's shoulder while the other looked up at him with tender eyes. Erik couldn't stop touching Charles's skin; he slowly ran a hand over Charles's pale chest and then, dropping the washcloth into the milky bath water they are submerged in, Erik pulled Charles into his embrace and held him in his arms possessively. Charles returned the embrace and wrapped his arms about Erik's neck. Erik's expression dissolved into a quiet agony, wishing with all his heart that they would be free of Burke one day to live on with their lives. Erik didn't care about what happened between Charles and Burke. What mattered was this moment and most of all, what mattered was that Charles loved him and not Burke. Erik could not prevent his tears from coursing down his cheeks as he fiercely hugged Charles to himself. Charles in turn, understood the intense feelings running through Erik and held the other lovingly, his eyes closed and his expression calm and content. He was relieved that Erik still loved him deeply, even after everything they had been through.
Later on, they emerged from their bath and dressed themselves in Erik's room. Erik had his back turned to Charles, slipping on a dress shirt and buttoning his vest, not knowing that Charles was still staring at him with affection. Charles admired the back of Erik's neck, the soft light brown waves of the other's hair grazing over his collar. Charles came to appreciate Erik's broad shoulders and narrow waist as well, somewhat envious of his masculinity and his noble bearing. Charles walked over to Erik and hugged him from behind, pressing his face to his master's clothed back.
"I love you, Erik. I will love no one else but you,"Charles said in a trembling voice, overcome by the intensity of his love for the other. Erik calmly reached down and touched the trembling hands that held him tightly, his heart soaring and feeling light for the first time in a long time. They have repeatedly expressed their love for each other, in quiet words and heated touches, but Erik still could not believe that this wondrous dream was happening.
"And I love you, my dear one-"Erik said gently. They remained like this for some time and then they prepared themselves for Mr Howlett's arrival. Erik went into his study to attend to his letters and notes while Charles went about his chores, a slight thrill still running through him as he recalled how Erik made love to him; he was biting at his lower lip and his expression became one of obscene yearning as he worked. Had Erik seen his face at that moment, he would have tackled the other to the floor and ravaged him and Charles would have welcomed it happily. Sex with Erik made Charles feel so...alive. There was no guilt or shame because the love was mutual and somehow, it was also defiant and dangerous. In their current society, their love would have been deemed abominable and sinful, but both of them are willing to delve into this relationship, regardless of all the trials they would have to face. There was also Burke to contend with, but Charles believed whole-heartedly that they would get past all of this. These thoughts ran through Charles's mind as he prepared tea in the kitchen. He looked up at the long case clock and frowned slightly. Mr Howlett, it appears, was running late. The agreed upon time was in the afternoon, before three o' clock. If Mr Howlett does not arrive in time, Charles and Erik would have no choice but to turn him away, for Burke must not be allowed to run amok. He decided to go over to Erik to discuss a plan with him if such an event would be forthcoming. Charles knocked softly upon Erik's door before entering. Erik looked up, expecting Charles to announce Mr Howlett in, but the look of worry upon Charles's face told him otherwise.
"Mr Howlett has not come a-calling as of yet, Erik. We may need to reschedule the meeting-"
"Indeed. We cannot allow Burke to leave this house-"
"I shall watch out for him from the front lawn then-"Charles made as if to leave, but Erik called him back into the room.
"Charles, wait. Please come and sit with me a moment-"
The other gave him a curious look and sat in one of the chairs that stood before Erik's desk.
"I was not able to tell you this earlier, but Burke was trying to communicate with me. Somehow, I can hear his voice in my head and I could see, what he could see. He showed me...he showed me what happened between you two-"Erik said hesitantly, as if his throat was too dry and the words refused to come.
Charles's face crumpled up angrily at this. No wonder Erik was driven into a fit of jealous rage. That horrid brute!
Erik continued, his eyes averted."I do not know how he was able to accomplish this, but I fear that he might gain the capability of overwhelming my senses and he might harm you-"
"I am not afraid of him, Erik!"Charles cried out with feeling, his eyes narrowing up at Erik."Please do not tell me that I must leave your side for my safety because if you impose that upon me, forgive me, but I will not oblige you-"
Erik looked up at him with anguished eyes."My dear one, I cannot bear it if he hurts you!"
Charles reached for Erik's hands, which Erik had placed on the table to brace himself and Charles clasped them in his own, gazing up at Erik lovingly."He has informed me that he will not harm me. Perverse as he may be, he is incapable of doing such a thing-"
"How do you know for sure?"
Charles's eyes glimmered up at him with such a staunch conviction that it startled Erik."Because you would never have allowed it. Your will is stronger than his will, Erik. I know when the time comes, you will overcome this fiend. You see, even as he took me against my will, your love prevented him from dealing me any physical injury-"
Erik blinked repeatedly at this revelation, unable to believe it at first. Burke was a beast of base desires and violence. When Burke had spoken inside his head, he felt such malevolence emanating from the other. Burke's presence was filled with nothing but his lowering madness and rage. Surely, there is no such power that could prevent Burke from harming his Charles. And yet, there is incontestable proof of this. Whenever he gained consciousness, with no memory of Burke's horrible actions, Charles had faced him with neither a cut or a bruise upon his being. Could he dare to believe that he has the power to subdue the fiend himself?
They were quiet for a moment, allowing their own ruminations to sink in and then Charles broke the silence with an announcement that tea was in order.
"Would you like me to serve the tea with some nut cakes? I made a small batch of cakes if you are famished-"Charles said simply and then he tilted his head to the side, a small tender smile forming upon his lips, lowering his lashes demurely, with a hint of his lucid blue eyes shimmering beneath. Erik did not know why he was so taken by it, but thoughts of tea or cakes were the furthest things from his mind. That need; that wrenching need had taken possession of him and he suddenly pounced on Charles. He swept the items upon his desk with one arm and he rashly grabbed Charles's waist with a preternatural strength that was so unlike him and then he deposited Charles upon the middle of his table. Charles was too stunned to make any protestations at first.
"W-What are you doing, Erik? Mr Howlett will-"Charles began, but Erik silenced him with a desperate kiss upon the lips. It was as if Erik was so sexually starved for Charles that he cannot control this strange urge that possessed him. Charles tried to fight him off, pushing away at his shoulders, but Erik was far too strong. Erik was already unbuttoning Charles's coat and his vest with trembling fingers; kissing him wantonly, moaning into the kisses, his tongue restlessly teasing and insistent within Charles's own trembling, red mouth. He licked and nibbled at Charles's lips, turning his head about. A hot blush rose to Charles's cheeks and his skin tingled and burned because of Erik's indecent touches. Erik's hand was tracing down his exposed chest, his belly and then Erik's hand grasped roughly at his stiffening manhood. Charles moaned and shivered, bracing himself upon the table, his expression dissolving into lewd anticipation.
"Erik!"Charles moaned, breaking the kiss, gasping breathlessly. They had just finished making love that entire morning and past twelve noon, yet Erik was desperate to have sex with him again. He braced his hands upon Erik's chest, unsure if they should go ahead and commence with such a reckless act. Mr Howlett might come around any time soon. Erik was nuzzling and kissing Charles's neck and his cheeks, licking at his skin obscenely, breathing in his scent; he was so drawn to Charles as if the other had an aphrodisiac emanating from his pores. Erik's burning lips trailed kisses upon Charles's shoulders, blindly reaching down to part Charles's trousers and then he positioned himself on top of the other, straddling him. Charles trembled giddily, his eyes heavy-lidded. He could not deny what his own body wanted. He was getting so aroused. He rashly reached for Erik's shoulders and drew him close in a frantic kiss, wrapping his legs about the other's waist, their hips grinding up against each other. Charles could feel Erik's heat and his hardness. If Mr Howlett would knock upon the front door, he would not give a damn. This was all that mattered; this desperate and crazed heat both he and Erik felt for each other. They carelessly shoved and tore away at their own clothes until they were both naked and Charles grasped the back of his own knees and parted his legs wide. He remained lying on the table, sweating, skin burning with his arousal that it grew flush and rosy in the afternoon light. Charles had turned his head to the side, a naughty half-smile upon his countenance as he looked up at Erik with his heated gaze. He was inviting Erik to ravage his body.
Erik couldn't stand it any longer. With shaking hands, he pulled at a drawer and drew out a canister of salve, hurriedly opened it and smeared the salve upon his own aching sex. Breathing in a guttural manner, Erik braced one hand upon the table and then using his other hand, he guided his cock into Charles's hole. He slid with excruciating slowness into Charles, eyes shut tight, groaning in pleasure as Charles's tight depth held him fast. His lover's backside tensed; it was still so tight and hot and it was all he could do to prevent himself from coming. Charles's expression crumpled up as if he was in pain; the delicious hurt of being taken by Erik like this overwhelmed him. His breathing quickened, releasing one leg from his own grasp, propping it at the edge of the table and then he placed that one hand upon Erik's chest, his head thrown back at the pleasure he felt. They undulated against each other slowly and then their hips rocked forward to meet in that rhythmic, pounding motion. Charles's mouth hung ajar, eyes shut tight as he savored Erik's intrusion into his quivering hole. He was still somehow sensitive from all the touching and the love-making they had done earlier. Where they could have found the strength to still desire the act of sexual congress was beyond Charles.
"It feels so...it feels so good, ohhh!"Charles howled out as he released his other leg, pressing both legs tightly at Erik's sides, his toes curling. They restlessly touched each other, exploring...discovering what pleasuring they could still draw from each other. Charles felt Erik pinch one of his nipples and he screamed at the sensation it brought him. Then, Erik grasped at Charles's straining manhood, gripping and tugging at it that it caused the other to utter stuttering, desperate moans, his face beautifully tragic. A strange thrill ran through Charles's body as they delved for it, peaking, the sensation building and they were at each other like animals. Erik wanted to look away from the sight of Charles looking like this, but he was so transfixed by the other's lust. Was this the reason Burke was so taken by Charles? Was it because of the honest arousal that he responded with or his utter abandon as he gave in to the carnality of this act? Charles had no idea how sexually desirable he looked. His pale and rosy body feverish, his manhood straining and pulsing in Erik's palm; that sultry expression on his face. Charles's eyes gazed up at him intensely, biting down on his red lips and moaning lustily. The peaking and building sensation had finally reached its breaking point and Charles's head snapped back as a blinding, white-hot orgasm possessed him and Erik followed suit, uttering a choked gasp and shoving his face into Charles's sweaty neck.
Erik felt Charles's hot come spurting at his belly, some of it spilling down his palm. Both of them are gasping as if they had run, hearts clipping fast that it pounded right up into their eardrums. Erik licked at Charles's skin, tasting the sweat and heat of him. Charles sighed happily at his touch. Even after they had recovered, Erik was still inside Charles's behind, the slightest movement causing Charles to start up. He was that sensitive. When Erik eventually drew away from him, Charles felt the hot trickle of Erik's come seeping from his backside. He did not know why the sensation made him feel so satisfied. He then assumed that Erik was through with him, but Erik surprised him when he bent down upon Charles's belly, shining wetly with the other's ejaculate and then he kissed Charles there, licking at the come seductively. He looked up at Charles with a dark glare, an insolent smile forming upon his lips when Charles shivered at the kiss.
"I can be obscene too, Charles, if you want me to. I can be the lover that you desire me to be-"Erik said in a throaty voice.
Charles slowly reached out and touched Erik's cheek."You don't need to compare yourself with Burke, Erik. The love we have for each other is real and much more meaningful than what Burke could ever give me. When you make love to me...I feel alive. I feel a warm contentment that you return the affection I feel for you; that you respond to me with the same lust I feel for you and that is all I need-"
Erik's eyes trembled with feeling, after he heard Charles saying those words. He tenderly gathered Charles into his arms and ran his hand down Charles's naked back, holding him like he did not ever want to let go. They kissed softly this time as Charles remained seated on the table. After that, they began to pick up their clothing, making themselves presentable. Charles smiled shyly up at him and Erik returned the smile. But then, Erik winced, pressing a hand to his face. Charles's eyes widened in alarm.
"It's him. Burke! He's trying to overpower me-"Erik said in a strained voice and then he looked out towards the window. Dusk had already fallen and Burke was making violent attempts to invade Erik's senses earlier than his usual intrusions. He was in a rage because Erik had touched Charles. Charles belonged to him alone. Charles was his prize, his conquest and to have someone else fucking what belonged to him just about tore away at his psyche. Without another word, Charles grabbed Erik's hand and led him towards the kitchen, taking a gas lamp with him and headed towards the hatch where the cellar was located.
"Quick, we must restrain you before he emerges!"Charles cried out in a harried voice. He helped Erik into the straitjacket first and then he looped the chains through the hooks that Erik had installed upon the post and tied the other securely in place. Erik looked up at him in agony, helpless against the transformation that was about to engulf his entire being. Charles felt his heart breaking for Erik once more. Erik struggled to keep his eyes open, only focusing on Charles's face and then he passed out. What came next was his transmogrification into Burke. One moment, it was Erik's face that snapped up to look at him and then the expression slowly dissolved to that of Burke's arrogant features. The tattoos began to write itself, as if an invisible artist was at work, scribbling the lines, whorls and curlicues of the intricate tattoo upon Burke's body. It always started from the chin, spreading down the neck and the cheeks. Even though Charles could not see the rest of it, he knew the tattoos continued to unfurl itself along the rest of Burke's body. The last transformation occurred in the other's eyes. Burke's pale eyes shone out, silvery and cold after Burke's hair sprouted out, changing Erik's light brown hair to dark brown. Burke smiled at Charles in that frightfully demented manner, a trademark along with his tattoos.
Burke was about to utter some lewd greeting, but Charles did not want to hear him say anything. Charles had brought up a piece of wood and clubbed Burke over the head with it. Charles desperately hoped that it would make Burke unconscious and it did. Charles was gasping frantically, afraid that he had hurt Erik. He hung the gas lamp from overhead to illuminate the room. He reached out and touched Burke's head, running his hand through the other's hair. There was no blood. Charles exhaled a sigh of relief and just when he thought his troubles were over, he heard a loud knocking, which came from the front door. Charles's head snapped up towards the stairs of the cellar door. He ran a hand through his hair, licking at his lips nervously. Burke was unconscious for now. The stranger who knocked upon their door would eventually go away. Charles waited tensely. The knocking would stop for a moment and then it would start again. Whoever it was that was knocking, knew that someone was in the house and that the person or persons therein were not responding. Charles had no choice. He absently dropped the piece of wood to the floor and then he gagged Burke as quick as he could, even though the other was blacked out. He ran up the steps of the cellar. He restored the hatch on to the cellar's passageway and then he covered it with a rug. He checked himself quickly in the mirror and then, making every effort to calm himself, he headed towards the door.
He opened the door, just a crack, and peered up at their unwelcome visitor. The man was tall and well-muscled, wearing a long, leather coat that reached to his ankles and he was wearing a wide-brimmed hat that covered his eyes. The man did not wear a typical gentleman's suit. He had on a light gray, high-collared shirt and a gray vest, over gray pants that are smeared with mud. His high brown boots were covered in mud as well. He looked like a huntsman. The man's longish hair straggled over his broad shoulders and from beneath the brim of the hat, the man gazed at him dourly with dark brown eyes. Father McCoy had given him a rough description of Mr Howlett and Charles knew without a doubt that this was the man that they had been expecting.
"Yes?"Charles asked abruptly, too befuddled by the man's presence to utter nothing but this short query.
"I was scheduled to meet with Mr Erik Lehnsherr. Please inform him that a Mr James Howlett is here to see him-"The man said in a surprisingly cultured voice, clutching his gloves in his right hand. Charles ventured to open the door wider to address the man with an excuse he had come upon before facing him.
"I beg your pardon, Sir. You were supposed to meet with my master this afternoon, but when you did not arrive at the appointed time, he had to go elsewhere on an important business matter. We did not think that you would be coming around so late in the hour. I was actually sleeping because he has informed me that he might not be coming back to-night, hence, my delay in answering the door-"Charles lied.
The man eyed him strangely. He noticed the tension in Charles's face and shoulders, even though Charles tried to appear calm yet slightly put-off. He peered over Charles's head, trying to see into the house.
"I have spoken to Father McCoy and he has informed me that the matter I was to discuss with Mr Lehnsherr also concerns you. I take it that you are Charles Xavier, his manservant?"
"Indeed, I am his butler-"
"Then perhaps, I could discuss the details of the case with you instead. From what I have garnered from Father McCoy, it was a grievous matter involving a missing person-"
"My apologies, Sir. I was not made privy to it-"
"That is odd. Father McCoy stated in no uncertain terms that you were involved-"Mr Howlett said, quirking a skeptical eyebrow at him. Charles was losing heart; his nervousness was becoming more pronounced. He was concerned that Burke might suddenly gain consciousness and start screaming from the cellar. Charles knew that Father McCoy and Erik had come to an agreement that they would not divulge Erik's nightly transformations to Mr Howlett, on the grounds that the other would overlook the supernatural and focus on the murders. The sole purpose of why Mr Howlett was involved was to aid in the search for Mr Azazel, nothing more. He only wished that the detective would go away and leave him be for the nonce.
"It would be presumptuous of me to entertain your queries without the presence of my employer. The hour is late and I beseech you, Sir, to see my master at an agreeable time. He has left me a message to inform you, should you make an appearance, to come in the morning-"Charles said stiffly, but then Mr Howlett pushed through door and entered the premises even though Charles did not allow him to do so. Charles's tension rose exponentially and he struggled mightily to maintain a calm demeanor.
"With all due respect, Sir! I did not allow you entry! Please, leave!"Charles cried out indignantly.
Mr Howlett sauntered about the receiving hall. He found it curious that Charles Xavier's employer did not even leave him a letter of instruction to reschedule. He stared at Charles Xavier blandly, dismissing him, and then he sat down upon one of the wing chairs in the receiving hall, unwrapping the gray wool scarf he had about his neck.
"Young man, I had just come off a case that took the wind out of me and I need a moment to rest my weary bones. I would appreciate a spot of tea if you could venture to offer me some-"
Charles glared at him indignantly, unable to believe that this man would be so audacious as to order him about. Charles tried to utter his negation, but the man stood up suddenly and started to walk about, looking into the rooms. Charles tried to bar his way.
"Sir, please! I shall give you some tea, but I have my orders and I must not let anyone go about the house without the presence of my employer!"Charles cried out, his gaze imploring and desperate. Charles's nervousness was highly suspicious. It was obvious that Charles was in a hurry to send him off. Mr Howlett already saw something that raised an alarm in his mind. Mr Lehnsherr's study was in such disarray, as if there had been a struggle in there and the contents of the desk had been swept on to the floor. Charles realized he had seen the mess and tried to steer him away. Mr Howlett allowed himself to be guided back to the wing chair and then Charles gave him a curt nod and advised him to wait for the tea. Charles hurried to prepare the tea, glancing in on Mr Howlett on occasion, and when he was done, he handed the other cup. He had brewed it in a rush that it was weak and pale in color. Nevertheless, Mr Howlett drank it off while Charles glared at him silently. Charles was in a state of agitation that Mr Howlett had no intention of leaving and might even insist on staying, but the man finished his tea and stood up, staring at Charles with a knowing grin. Charles then herded him towards the door and Mr Howlett tipped his hat towards him.
"I thank you for your hospitality. Please do inform your employer I shall be on time for our meeting tomorrow morning. Until then-"Mr Howlett said with a trace of sarcasm in his voice.
"Good evening, Sir!"Charles said with a practiced politeness that did not reach his eyes and then he watched from the door as Mr Howlett went down the open lawn, out into the streets and then Mr Howlett was gone from his sight. Charles heaved a sigh of relief and locked the door. He was finally able to compose himself and then he went down the dimly-lit cellar to check on Burke. Charles jumped back slightly as Burke glared out at him with his silvery eyes from within the shadows. He was already conscious, but he did not make so much as a peep. He did not even remove his gag. He just followed Charles's movements with his frightful gaze. Burke must have heard his conversation with Mr Howlett. Charles noticed that there was a small line of blood flowing from Burke's forehead. So the clouting he had given Burke earlier did cause a minor injury. Out of his concern for Erik's body, not for Burke's suffering, Charles went to Burke and he drew out a handkerchief to wipe the blood away from Burke's wound, gently clasping Burke's chin in his hand. Burke's eyes softened at his tender touch.
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to hit you like that. I just didn't want you to make any noise and it was timely that I silenced you in this manner because a man had come looking for Erik and I had to send him away-"
Burke of course, could not respond, but he spoke to Charles using only his eyes. His eyes were raking over Charles's clothed body, desiring to rape him once more. He had been denied the right to touch his conquest and at the back of his mind, if he could only tear Erik to pieces, he would have done so had they not shared the same body. He did not want Erik touching Charles again. Charles was his!
Charles could see the intent in Burke's eyes and he turned away from it, frightened and uneasy. He went to the gas lamp and brought down the wick to dim the light further. He began to climb up the steps and then he glanced back at Burke.
"I shall return for you-"Charles said simply and hurried upstairs. He closed the door to the cellar and prepared himself some supper, occasionally glancing at the cellar door, as if it would explode open at any moment and out will come Burke to take him against his will. Charles let out a trembling breath and strove to ignore the cellar door and Burke. He finished his supper, attended to his toilet and retired to bed, intending to wake up in three hours to peer in on Burke. Father McCoy had assured him that even if left unsupervised, Burke would not have the capability to free himself from the restraints. The straitjacket and the chains had done their job this time. Still, he slept fitfully and he had a terrifying dream of Burke disemboweling him. He was forced to awaken when he sensed something amiss. He always trusted his senses, for it alerted him whenever something terrible was happening. He hurriedly got up from the bed, putting on his robe and then he hurried down the stairs. To his shock, there was a light in the kitchen. He had recalled that he had closed the gas lights before retiring to bed. He moved stealthily, his blood running cold at the thought that Burke might come flying out of the darkness any minute to molest him yet again.
Charles's mouth and throat had become cottony-dry, his face as pale as waxwork; coldness had seeped into his bones as his fear took possession of him. He decided to arm himself and so he went to a nearby drawer and took out a letter opener. Although it pained him to do this, he will have to harm Erik's body to defend himself against Burke. Surely, this would deter Burke from attempting to rape him, if he showed Burke that seducing him or even raping him will not be an easy task this time. He carefully walked towards the cellar and then his heart fell to his stomach when he saw that the trapdoor to the cellar had been flung open. His entire body growing numb, he peered into the cellar and saw that the light he had dimmed down had been extinguished. He had set one foot on to the top step of the cellar when he heard Burke's voice.
"Yes, unbind me, Sir! They have kept me against my will! Please, hurry before they come!"Burke said with such uncharacteristic urgency. Someone had entered the house and this person was unwittingly releasing that monster Burke from his bonds. In desperation, Charles picked up the table candle, lit it and then he hurried down the steps, his heart was in his throat and the blood was thudding within his ears in his terror. He had an idea who it was that had entered the house and his suspicions were confirmed when he saw Mr Howlett, tearing the straitjacket away from Burke's body.
"Nooo!"Charles wailed out in warning, but it was too late. Burke was unbound and God help them, he did not know what horrors he would have to face now that Burke was free to move about. Mr Howlett turned to face Charles, about to utter some indignant and misplaced reprimand when Burke lifted the same piece of wood Charles had used on him earlier and clubbed the back of Mr Howlett's head with it. Mr Howlett groaned and sagged to the floor. Charles uttered a small, frightened cry. He was not sure if Mr Howlett was unconscious at this point or if the fatal blow had killed him. His eyes were riveted to Mr Howlett's prone body and then his head snapped up to see that Burke was striding towards him, his leering grin wide and full of his dark intent.
"Hello there, little lamb. I've missed you!"Burke said in a guttural voice. Charles could only stand there, immobile, his knees shaking, fearful over what Burke was about to do. Charles was minutely shaking his head, as if he was refusing to accept that this nightmare was happening again, but before Burke could reach for him, Mr Howlett got to his feet and attacked Burke, roaring. He tackled Burke from behind and then they began to hail punches at each other. Charles could only watch helplessly as the two men fought. Mr Howlett did not see Burke's face earlier because the cellar was dark, but when he had a good view of the man he had released, he realized he was in error. This was the same man that the authorities had been looking for and somehow, he was kept at bay in this cellar. Now, he had unwittingly freed him. Burke suddenly punched him in the throat and that took the wind out of him. He was choking and gagging, grasping at his own throat. Burke found the piece of wood again and before Mr Howlett could defend himself, Burke smashed the wood on top of his head. Mr Howlett began to see spots of light before his vision, the edges going dim and then the tattooed horror repeatedly clobbered him over the head with the wood. Mr Howlett could hear Charles screaming, begging for Burke to stop, but the bastard was relentless. Mr Howlett uttered one final groan and he collapsed to the floor.
Burke was about to deal the killing blow, but Charles stopped him by hugging his midsection and he was sobbing."Burke please! Don't kill him!"
Charles tried to reach for Burke's hand drawing it close so that he could kiss it."Come away with me. Let us leave him here and come away. I know what you want!"
Burke suddenly reached down, pushing Charles's hands away. Instead of a leering grin, his expression had grown solemn."No, flower. Not this time-"
"W-What do you mean?"Charles said in a small voice, his eyes trembling and full of tears. Burke gently reached up and caressed Charles's cheek and then he drew Charles close so he could give him a hungry kiss. Charles did not fight him off. The letter opener had already fallen to the floor. He reached for Burke's collar instead to draw him close. Burke rashly cut off the kiss and then he pushed Charles away from himself, clutching the back of Charles's neck possessively, staring down at Charles intently. Charles had reached for Burke's forearm, holding it in his hands, crying in a soft and imploring manner. Burke pressed his mouth to Charles's ear and what he said next stabbed an icy shard into Charles's heart.
"Time for me to go. I'll come back for you, Charles. I'll come back and when I do, your master will be finally out of the way-"
Charles's eyes were wide and shocked as he tried to stop Burke from leaving the house, but Burke overpowered him. Burke pushed him on to the floor, turned away from him and ran up the steps as fast as he could. He flung the front door open, breathing in the night air and grinning to himself. He raced across the front lawn, laughing in that grating, maniacal way of his and then fog engulfed him and he was gone.
At first, Charles could not get up from the floor where Burke had pushed him. His legs had refused to move. He was far too distraught by what Burke had said to him. Burke had ran off with Erik's body, with the intent of taking full possession of it and getting rid of Erik. Charles could not get over the awfulness of it. He finally found the strength to rise up and he tried to give chase to Burke, but to his horror, the fog had grown thick out on the streets, as if the fog had conspired to aid in Burke's escape. There would be no way for Charles to find him in this soup. Charles looked about despairingly, his chest hurting at the thought that Erik would be gone from him forever. He staggered about the lawn senselessly, not knowing what to do, calling Erik's name softly at first and then he screamed Erik's name out loud one final time and collapsed to his knees, sobbing, his fists pressed to his face now that all hope was lost.