Chapter 9
Charles and Charlotte had been busy for the next few weeks. Charles was trying to work as much as he could with Charlotte, in their planned sessions to tear down as many shields as possible that were blockading her powers. It was exhausting for both of them and but the toll it took on Charles was immensely difficult. He had to physically feel the pain of every shield that went down, which amounted to all the pain that went through Charlotte while the shield initially went up. He wanted to work as fast as he could but even he could only take so much. Charlotte on the other hand was blossoming with her newfound strength; it was as if she had forgotten to live like her old self. There was an exponential rise in her healing powers for which she was exceptionally grateful. A weight had almost been taken off her that allowed her to breath again, but during this she wasn't able to see how much Charles was actually suffering and how carefully he hid his pain. The pain would eventually go away but the emotional scars would remain, and he knew Charlotte could not heal those just yet.
The one thing he could openly say now was how much he truly loved Charlotte, it had been his plan to find a ring very soon since they were trying for a baby. Marriage quite frankly didn't mean much to him but he just felt that it was a necessary step since they already wished to live their lives with each other, and couldn't think about parting ways; marriage felt natural.
That evening he decided to go out with the boys to their local bar in the city, Alex had some news that he wanted to share and they all felt that they needed a night out with just testosterone. Taking their usual seats and ordering their favourite scotch on the rocks, they dived into the night. The atmosphere was calm and collected but more importantly it was audible enough for them to hear each other without screaming their lungs.
Once their drinks arrived Alex looked to either side of him and raised his glass, "new beginnings." Hank and Charles both smiled and repeated after him, they were desperate need for a moment like this because everyone clearly felt they had big news to share. Alex was the one who suggested the night so he thought he should start first, " So since I'm the one who planned this evening it's only fair that I go first." He paused and Charles automatically became curious, but he waited till Alex spoke again.
"I'm planning to join the army."
Hank and Charles were clearly surprised with Alex's decision, though they weren't shocked. They both understood why he wanted to leave so, since Olivia's dead Alex had been quite disturbed but they both had to admit they weren't happy with his decision.
Hank spoke up first, "Are you doing this for her, or for yourself?"
Alex stayed quiet and then waited, "I don't know but I know I need to be there right now. It's just something I have to do."
Finally Charles spoke hoping the outcome would be different, "going to war won't bring you peace Alex, you'll come back more scared and damaged then you can imagine. The atrocities of war cannot be simply wiped from your memories."
Alex looked up to Charles and knew why he spoke so wisely about everything, it was in his inherent nature to be the ever so peacemaker of life.
"I just need answers Charles, I want to see for myself what she lost her life for." Alex took a sip of his scotch.
Charles also took a swing at his glass as well, "you'll only find blood and pain, but if it is what you truly desire then there is no one stoping you. We just wish you return safely back to us."
Hank swallowed a lump down his throat; he didn't want his best friend to leave and especially knowing how easy it can be for a mutant to be ousted in war circumstances.
Alex looked back at Hank, "I know you're not exactly happy about this buddy, but I just have to do this."
Hank just nodded in partial understanding, he wasn't by any means supportive about the decision but he was sympathetic.
There was a small silence once again but Charles chose to break it, "I hope Alex you do choose to stay for the wedding, I mean who else will walk Charlotte down the isle?" A smiled appeared on all their faces that represented genuine joy, "wait there is an actually wedding, I wouldn't have guessed since you've been playing house with Charlotte for quite some time." Alex finished with a smirk that Charles mirrored at his sarcastic comment.
Even Hank grinned, "the two of you look like you've been married for years, honestly do we need a wedding to confirm that?" Charles eyes widen at Hanks response, "alright, alright but seriously we still need a wedding even if it's just a formality according to you guys." He stressed the last part.
Charles again sipped his drink, "I'm going tomorrow to get a ring and hopefully I would have proposed by the evening and then all that's left is the wedding." Alex smiled, "you do realise that it's an automatic yes?"
Charles looked at both of them this time, "I know, and it's weird because we've already sort of discussed this, which kind of technically makes us engaged. But I did promise her a ring so I must deliver." Charles eyes almost twinkled every time he mentioned the idea to even himself about finally getting married and starting a family.
Hank then suddenly raised his half empty glass again, "congratulations Charles." Alex followed his action and Charles nodded to thank them.
Now it was Charles and Alex's turn to be cheeky, both knew of the fling that Hank was having with a mutant they had recently hired as a teacher but neither were sure how serious Hank truly was.
Charles telepathically decided to talk to Alex, "Ask him about Zora?" Alex pretended to clear his throat and then cheekily smiled, "So Hank care to tell us about what's going on with you?"
Hank just looked down and replied, "nothing much to be honest."
Hank avoided both Charles and Alex's gaze, he sensed judgment coming off both of them, "seriously nothing is going on."
Charles smirked and slapped the back of Hank's head, "Oh yeah Hank, so what all the racket coming from your lab? You seem to be working a little too hard don't you think?" Finishing with a smirk and Alex drowning his drink but only to burst with laughter.
Hank usually would have been flushing with embarrassment, but now he hardly cared if something like that was out in the open, "so what if I've been banging the shits out of someone."
Alex kept laughing while Charles was quite amused, " that's all it is?"
Hank took a sip of his drink and then ordered another one, "yes Charles, that's all it is," again avoiding their gaze.
Hank just wanted some casual sex with absolutely no strings attaches, and after all why not since he was young and free spirited.
Charles put his hand on his shoulder, "just keep the noise level to a minimum, I have to make up a ridiculous excuses every time Charlotte asks me about the racket of noise coming from your lab."
They all burst out laughing together and gulping their drinks.
Then suddenly Charles remembered something, "oh by the way Hank, not that this should be any new news but you will be my best man at the wedding."
It was a statement and not a question, and Hank was beyond honoured which made him truly speechless. Charles was like his elder brother so being a part of his most special day in the closest way possible meant so much more to him. He smiled and nodded his head eagerly.
That night the three of them somehow made their way back home, enjoying the last few days of peace before the school started for it's next session, and most importantly enjoying getting drunk as it rarely happened. Charles was clearly tipsy as he made his way to their room expecting Charlotte to be probably asleep since it was way past midnight. Trying to be discrete Charles opened the door but kept his gaze on the floor making sure to tread carefully. To his surprise or shock he heard Charlotte speak with the bedroom lights still on, "HOW LATE could you be! I thought you would be back by eleven! Have you seen the time? Its nearly two am Charles I got so worried!" Her eyes acting as daggers ready to stab Charles in the chest, while Charles quickly snapped his head brought his arms to comfort a very worried Charlotte.
Charlotte was clearly teary, "shush, I'm fine Chéri, just relax and breath." She lifted her head that was buried in his chest, "Charles I just don't know but I keep getting this feeling in my heart that something isn't right, like something is about to blow up on my faces when ever you leave me alone. I drive my self nuts these days I just don't know what's wrong with me."
Charles stroked her hair lightly, "it's called being an overprotective wife which you have actively take upon, lighten your self up a little bit." As soon as he finished the sentence Charlotte poked him hard in the stomach, "that's no solution to my worry you idiot. And how drunk exactly are you exactly ?" She curiously tried to sniff the scotch and then realised how strongly it scented off him.
Charles just rolled his eyes, "just enough to collapse on the bed, with you in my arms and to do all kinds of unthinkable things tonight." Finishing with a smirk and then outstretching his arm to pull her in by the waist, locking her in so she wouldn't escape.
Charlotte's face burned up, "you're quite drunk because I haven't heard those words out of your mouth on any normal day Mr Xavier."
Then Charles just hungrily started to kiss her all of a sudden, his hand carefully along her neck and the other massaging her waist. She unknowingly moaned while he was too intoxicated to care and instead act on his desires tonight.
Charles then huskily whispered, "is this reassuring enough, or as you put it 'a solution to your worry'."
Grabbing her by the shoulders her smothered kisses all over her while pulling her nightgown off her slender body. Very passionately did he pull her down to the bed so she wouldn't utter a word of disapproval, after all what disapproval was left when his actions were all too persuasive? Charles didn't care if he was drunk or not but for the first time he wanted to relish in something that he loved more than life itself. He wanted to be the only thing and the only name that consumed her; he wanted to be her present past and future all at once. Charlotte was no doubt surprised by his suddenness but in so many ways she felt so open with Charles. She had finally let go her fears that caged her sexually, now she was free to be his in whatever way he wanted because he was hers in everyway she wanted.
Every wave of pain that washed over her was now welcoming, a feeling of ecstasy that she craved. There was sheen of sweat that covered their bodies, but it always felt electrifying and a reason to go again. Had Charles truly seduced his way into her tonight; yes! Did she like being caged with him in their bed? Absolutely. Could she at times wish that they had found their way to each other before; yes she did. Which was the something that still managed to sadden her at times. It was painful to think that so many moments had been lost even though they were in front of each other all this time.
What Charlotte was grateful for was something she hadn't told Charles just yet as she had only just figured it out; she was late. She wanted him to come early so she could celebrate the evening with him, seeing him drunk may have caused her to delay her news but Charles was already prepared to celebrate. The two of them were clearly engaged in something far more passionate than they had ever experienced, but she had to admit she did like this side of him too. His gentleness was always pleasing but his fierce nature was just as much delighting. She knew tonight he was too drunk to read her mind even accidently, but tomorrow would come soon enough.
They were going to be parents and she was carrying their child, which brought warmth inside of her. Charles was going to be a father but tonight she wanted him to be her lover, her seducing passionate lover.
Sorry for a delay, I really hope to update sooner but I really encourage everyone to leave a review behind. Please leave as much feedback as you can as I appreciate all those wonderful reviewers who leave such beautiful thoughts behind.
