Burke's eyes were like shards of hard steel, seeming to glow in the dimness of the cellar as he glared out at Charles, his face set in a rictus of rage. Charles had initially thought that Burke would scream out invectives at the top of his lungs, but he maintained a silent demeanor when he regained consciousness. The straitjacket and the chains bound Burke in place; he pushed and tested at his restraints, but he knew it would do him no good to struggle against it. His bonds were tight and well secured. Charles had seen to that. Charles matched his silence with one of his own, sitting upon a low chair and staring at Burke with both disgust and hatred. They sized each other up for a long while and then Burke suddenly snorted; he began to chuckle softly.
"Clever. Very clever, that Lehnsherr. I should not have depended on my idiotic thug to do things right-"Burke murmured, a mirthless grin lifting the corners of his mouth. He was quietly enraged with Marko for allowing this to happen. Once he found a way to free himself from their clutches, the first thing he would do is to look for Marko and tear him apart from stem to stern. Charles maintained his silence as he kept on glowering at Burke.
"So...we are back to this, aren't we, flower?"Burke said in a throaty voice, eyeing Charles lewdly. Burke licked his lips suggestively and exhaled a charged breath.
"Did you miss it, little lamb? You want some? You just need to undo my pants and you can suck-"
Burke was not able to finish what he was saying. Charles sprang up from his chair, quick as a wink and slapped Burke so hard that the other's head snapped to the side and his lip began to bleed. Instead of exploding into a fit of anger, Burke suddenly began to titter maniacally, licking up the blood at the side of his lip with deliberate slowness. It was Charles who began to shout angrily.
"You bastard! If you weren't in Erik's body, I would have throttled you to death! You deserve no less for all the atrocities you have committed!"
Charles's entire body was quaking with the animosity he felt towards Burke, his face crumpled up with his anger. His hands were balled into fists as he struggled for self-control. He wanted to punch Burke out for all the terrible things he had done.
"I can't help it. It's in my nature-"Burke said softly, his expression full of his psychotic glee.
Charles shook his head weakly, his eyes glimmering with his intense feelings, voice trembling as he spoke."Have you always been like this? Was there not a moment in your life that you felt any goodwill towards your fellowmen?"
Burke considered Charles's questions. His mind going back to a time when he was young and innocent, when there had been a shred of humanity in him. He suddenly chuckled as he remembered that past life that did not even belong to him anymore.
"I may not look it, but I once belonged to a noble family, just like your dear ol' master. So don't lecture me about common decency. I know all about it and how much of a travesty it all is-"
He was not surprised to see Charles's looking so startled. Since he was in a tell-all mood, he continued.
"Why do you think I am like this? Unlike your master, I saw beyond the sham of refinement and morality that you both so foolishly uphold! You all make me sick with your false gentility, when deep down, all you want to do is to wallow in the filth and the depravity that you cloister within yourselves! Am I not right about you, Charles? Even you had craved that dark part within yourself. You surrendered to it, did you not? When you bedded with me-"Burke said in a husky voice, his gaze cutting into Charles like sharp daggers, challenging him.
"No!"Charles moaned, placing his hands over his ears, his face scrunched up in his agony. He shook his head in negation at Burke's words.
"Listen to me! Look at me! I speak the truth! I saw the ugliness in my nobility and I turned away from it. If there is one thing I have learned in this life, flower, it is the palpable truth that cruelty is innate in our blood; in our very being. We are but the sum of an existence birthed from violence and death. I have traveled all around the world and I have seen it!"
"No! I refuse to accept it! We are much more than what you say we are! Much more!"
Burke laughed insolently at Charles's childish response."Being wicked makes life more interesting and fun, Charles. You should give it a try. This feeling of power, of being above everyone else will give you a sense of satisfaction. It will release you-"
Charles had averted his eyes all this time, unable to stand looking at Burke, but he suddenly looked up and met Burke's stare with such conviction that it had taken Burke aback for a moment.
"No, you're wrong. Being cruel is too easy, but being a good and decent person is by far a greater challenge. Fighting what you say is in our nature is a constant struggle because there is so much against goodness, there are so many things that would break a man's will or rob one of any hope. And you wonder why I love Erik? I love him because he is everything that you are not!"
Burke uttered a nonsensical scream of rage at Charles's words. It incensed him that Charles still preferred the other over him. Charles moved away from him, wary of what he was about to say next. Burke struggled at his bonds, growling like an animal. He suddenly stopped and then he sneered out at Charles, his breathing ragged.
"You think you'll win against me? I'm tied up here now, but wait until I'm free. Lehnsherr's spirit is weak! I'll destroy it until there is none of him left in this body!"
Charles immediately reacted to Burke's words. He stomped towards Burke and punched the other in the face. Burke began to laugh, amused by Charles's anger. Charles's blow had split his lip open and blood poured from his lip, smearing his teeth and giving him a bloody smile.
"So much for decent and good. Felt good punching me, didn't it, Flower? You hit like a girl-"
"Shut your mouth!"Charles screamed at him, grasping Burke's throat hard, his nails digging into Burke's flesh. He narrowed his eyes down at Burke, tears streaming down his cheeks.
"What are you going to do if I don't, little lamb? Are you going to kiss me into submission?"Burke taunted further, laughing derisively.
Charles knew that it was useless talking to Burke like this. Nothing he would say would make Burke leave or relinquish his hold on Erik. He released Burke from his grasp, wiping at his face and sniffling, looking like a wounded child. Burke rolled his eyes at him.
"Just as I thought. You're weak, like your master! If you want to do something worth my time, undo my bonds and just fuck me! That's all you are worth to me anyhow!"
Charles couldn't stand being in Burke's proximity for one more minute. He wanted to flee from Burke, but he had promised Erik that he would stay and watch over this beastly man. He sagged back in his chair, sighing wearily. He only needed to wait for Father McCoy to arrive to give him aid in handling Burke. He was hoping that Father McCoy would discover the letter he had left on the table at the church house, informing the priest that Erik was able to free himself from his captor and that they returned to Erik's house to hinder Burke from committing any further crimes, using the same restraints that had prevented Burke's escape from before. He had left the front door open so that Father McCoy would be able to enter the house by himself.
Burke in turn, grew silent, watching Charles intently. He spat out to clear the blood from his mouth. He may have ridiculed Charles, but the truth of the matter is, the words Charles had said made him uneasy. His mind had touched a past life that he had long forgotten, yet it continued to draw him in.
Is this really all that I am? I have lived my entire life reveling in iniquity and I have never reflected on my deeds before, but why now? Why? How could a lowly manservant draw such feelings in me? I've bombed trains and cities full of women and children. I've tortured and killed men without remorse and I have taken my fill of everyone's misery but my own. And yet...I am left feeling worthless. Nothing I had ever done seemed worth a damn now. I was a God in a lawless country. I had power, but the tide has turned and I am left with nothing-
He recalled once again how Hex had killed him and he saw it in his mind's eye with such detailed clarity; It had hurt when Hex had used his strange powers on him and burned him from the inside out, reducing him to ash. He hated the memory of it. When his soul had been in hell, he had seen horror and violence beyond his comprehension that his own mind rejected the memory of it. There was only a faint blur of blood and guts and torn limbs. Of bleeding eyes and gaping maws. The song of screams, never-ending. He preferred dealing the pain, not being the one on the constant receiving end of it. Twenty years in hell. Twenty long years. If he could find the means to stay outside of that place, he would take it. Something back there curdled even a murdering psychopath like him. Perhaps luck was on his side. A mystical force had made it so he could return to the land of the living. That same force might still give him the opportunity to free himself from this place and rain chaos upon London's streets before sailing off for America. His plan remains the same. His intention was to take Charles with him, use him up and then slit his throat after claiming Erik Lehnsherr's body permanently. His lofty ideas pleased him and he began to whistle, occasionally stopping to give Charles a grotesque smile.
Father McCoy suddenly appeared, coming down the stairs of the cellar. It relieved him to find Burke trussed up, but he grew concerned when he saw Charles weeping quietly in his chair. Father McCoy went to him and touched his shoulder gently.
"Charles, did he hurt you?"
Charles wiped at his face with trembling hands and then he shook his head."No, father-"
The priest stared at Burke in wonder."How is it possible that Mr Lehnsherr came back to us?"
Erik had given Charles a full account of his escape while they were in the hansom cab and Father McCoy could only smile at Mr Lehnsherr's ingenuity as Charles recounted the same events told unto him by his beloved. The reason Mr Lehnsherr could not return to them was because of Burke's accomplice, who had confined Erik to an abandoned mental asylum during daytime. The priest only frowned when Charles had informed him that Erik may have killed the accomplice in a bid to escape, stabbing the man in the throat with a fountain pen. He made the sign of the cross and bowed his head low. Desperate circumstances had driven Mr Lehnsherr to do violence and later on, he may have a need to repent for his sins. Burke had stopped whistling and was listening in on their conversation, his eyes narrowed to slits, silently raging. That bastard Lehnsherr had pulled one over him and he could not get over it.
"We must send the constables over to see to this poor fellow! He may yet still be alive!"Father McCoy said as he paced about slowly.
"Father, I must stay here with Burke. Mr Lehnsherr asked me to do this for him-"
"Very well. Would you be able to manage him?"
Charles shivered slightly and glanced over at Burke. If he had to, he would bind Burke's mouth to prevent the other from spouting further filth."I believe I can-"
Father McCoy nodded at this and headed for the stairs, he stopped, mid-stride to say something more to Charles.
"Oh, I have good news for you as well, Charles! Mr Howlett has located Mr Azazel. He has somehow convinced the man to come with him from Romania and they are returning to London very soon. This is why Mr Howlett failed to send forth any correspondence of late. They have been on the move and are bound on a ship headed back here-"
Charles brightened at this news, the immense relief he felt raising a beatific smile upon his face. They are finally getting rid of Burke. Father McCoy said his farewell and hurried off to sort the matter of the accomplice, who had been left for dead in the asylum. Charles exhaled a breath and sat before Burke, holding the other's gaze in his. Even in a pique of rage, Burke still found Charles sexually enticing. His eyes. He wanted those eyes to look up at him with lust, he wanted to hear Charles's moans of ecstasy, to feel Charles's heat once more. He hungered for it and yet his pride would not reduce him to begging for Charles's affection. He did not know why he felt these contradicting feelings within him when it comes to Charles. He wanted to kiss him, but at the same time, he wanted to kill him. Earlier, he had even felt himself becoming erect when Charles had punched him. This was Charles's effect on him.
"I need to take a piss-"Burke suddenly announced and Charles's serious demeanor crumbled. He looked flustered, a faint blush rising to his cheeks that it made Burke chuckle and he knew why. The thought of unbuttoning Burke's pants immediately came to Charles's mind and he was disconcerted by it. It would mean touching Burke.
"What? You want me to piss in my pants? Leave me to wet myself and stink Lehnsherr up when he comes to?"Burke teased. Burke had gotten his jollies up just doing the same thing to the priest when the other had guarded him some time ago. The only different was Burke did not find the priest comely enough to arouse any perversion in him. Only Charles could do this to him. He felt himself grow hard at the thought that Charles would actually comply and touch him. Charles stood up from the chair, unsure of what to do, causing Burke to sigh impatiently.
"There's a metal cup on one of the shelves. Father McCoy uses that when I need to go-"
Charles gave him an agonized glance and then he turned away from Burke to look through the shelves. He found the cup that Burke had spoken of. It was not a cup, but was actually a bowl. Charles recognized it as one of their old sugar cube bowls. It has a handle and a hinged lid. They did not use it anymore because Charles preferred using the silver sugar cube holder which came with a scuttle when he served tea. Charles exhaled a trembling breath and then he picked up the bowl. He went back to Burke and doing his utmost not to look into Burke's face, he began to unbutton the front of Burke's trousers. Burke was enjoying the sight of his discomfort, and when Charles took his manhood out, holding it in his hand, Burke couldn't prevent the obscene moan that escaped his lips. His cock hardened at Charles's touch and his hips canted forward for more.
"Ah, that's it!"Burke murmured huskily.
Charles shut his eyes tight for a moment, grimacing, drawing away from Burke."You disgust me!"
Burke just laughed at his discomfort, a lewd smile pasted to his face. Charles let out an angry huff, glowering at Burke. He just wanted to get this done. He extricated Burke's manhood and then he opened the lid of the container, guiding the tip of Burke's cock into the bowl and quickly releasing the other's sex as if it had burned him.
"Have to do this slowly, Flower. I don't want to splash you-"Burke said with mock regret, his smile wide and satisfied as he pissed into the bowl. Charles stiffly held the bowl for Burke, his lips set in a tight and dour line and when Burke finished, he reached up to restore Burke's cock within the confines of his pants. Burke shook his head, swiveling his hips away.
"You have to wipe the tip clean. The priest did that for me too-"Burke said in a low voice, his eyes glittering and predatory.
Charles frowned at him."I don't need to do that!"
Burke shrugged within his restraints."Well, I suppose you don't care for Lehnsherr's hygiene-"
Fuming, Charles left momentarily to get Burke a wet washcloth from the kitchen and he wiped the other clean. When he had done the unsavory task, he made haste to put Burke's member back in his pants. He was leaning in too close to Burke that he did not notice he was within Burke's reach. Burke pitched himself forward against his chains and nuzzled Charles's neck, licking at his skin.
"Ugh!"Charles cried out in disgust, repelled by Burke's indecency. He pulled away, barely buttoning Burke's pants and then he ran back up the stairs to wash his hands and his neck, throwing away Burke's urine. After he had done these things, he stiffly sat back in his chair, his face crimson. Burke just tittered at him, thoroughly enjoying himself.
"Best piss I ever had, I'd say-"
"If you don't shut your mouth, I shall be forced to gag you!"Charles warned, trembling slightly in his indignation.
"Rather boring, don't you think so? We were having such an interesting conversation earlier-"
"I don't have anything to say to you!"Charles said sourly.
"If you don't want to talk, why don't we just fuck?"
"Oh for the love of God! Can't you bloody well shut your gob for one moment?"Charles cried out angrily, standing up from his chair in his utter exasperation with Burke.
"You miss it, don't you? I know you want what I do to you. You want to ride my cock all night long and-"
"That does it, you foul-mouthed brute!"Charles shouted and then he ran up the stairs to get one of his scarves from his bedroom and used it to gag Burke. Burke gave him a difficult time by shaking his head about and snarling like a rabid dog, making as if to bite Charles's arm, but Charles knew Burke would not be able to deal any real hurt upon him. Burke did bite him, but without much force. Charles accomplished the task of gagging him and then he sat back in his chair, relieved by the welcome silence from Burke. Burke was furious with him, but he could not avenge himself upon the other. He tried to undo the gag, but he was only able to utter muffled groans. He stared at Charles murderously, thinking of all the ways he could make Charles scream in pain once he is in command of Lehnsherr's body.
Charles decided to pass the time by reading a book, occasionally glancing up at Burke. He was not able to stay awake for long. He would fall into a brief doze, nodding off, only to start awake when his book fell from his hand, the slapping sound it made as it fell to the floor shocking him into wakefulness. Each time he woke up, the sight of Burke's frightening eyes burned right into him and he would turn away from the other. Eventually, he slumbered in the chair, exhausted from his vigil. He fell into a troubled sleep, touched by nightmares brought on by Burke's presence.
He suddenly woke up with a frightened cry rising from his throat, his heart thudding painfully in his chest when someone touched his shoulder. He thought for a moment that it was Burke, that the other had somehow freed himself from his bonds, but it was only Father McCoy.
"I'm sorry, Charles. Did I frighten you?"The priest asked.
Charles drew in a relieved breath and smiled at him uneasily."I fell asleep. My apologies as well, father-"
He looked up and saw that Burke had also fallen asleep from whence he was chained, his head slumped forward. Father McCoy pulled up a low stool and sat close to him while Charles stretched his limbs, wiping at his tired eyes.
"You should be glad to know, the man Mr Lehnsherr had stabbed is alive and well. The patrolmen at the site had taken him to an infirmary, but the police will be taking him back to Scotland Yard afterwards. There were witnesses who saw him in Burke's company and he has much to account for-"
It was a great comfort to him that Erik did not murder the man after all. Erik could still be absolved of sin. Charles took out his pocket watch and saw that it was already six in the morning. He went to Burke, reaching out to touch his face and as he did so, Burke began to transform back into Erik. The tattoos fading away into his skin until it was Erik's dear, sweet face before him. He almost wanted to kiss Erik, but Father McCoy was watching him and he knew he could not openly show his affections. He carefully undid the chains, guiding Erik's unconscious body down on to the floor and then he helped Erik out of the straitjacket. Erik did not awaken. Both Father McCoy and Charles carried Erik up into his bedroom and helped him into bed.
They left Charles's employer to recover in bed while they discussed Mr Howlett's status. They headed off into the kitchen, to continue their conversation in hushed tones.
"I believe you are aware of our plans to take Mr Lehnsherr to one of our church safe houses?"
"Yes, father. I am aware of it-"
"In the last missive I had sent Mr Howlett, I advised him that we will rendezvous in one of the nearest safe houses owned by the church. However, it will require us to do a bit of travel to get to that location-"
"How would we be able to make this journey, Father McCoy? I'm concerned that Mr Lehnsherr cannot travel in his condition-"
"We shall go by train at first. Mr Lehnsherr and I had already planned our route and he has given me the funding to hire a private coach to take us to the safe house. The plan we have devised was to contain Burke in a wooden crate, fit to hold him while chained and wearing the straitjacket-"
"I see. I fear that I have my doubts, father. Burke is a cunning devil-"
"We shall a keep a close watch on him. You and I will take turns if needed-"
Charles sighed, still somewhat doubtful. He suddenly looked up when he saw Erik approaching them, wearing a house coat and looking pale and drained from his ordeal. Charles was about to rush towards him, but he comported himself. Father McCoy was here. He had to keep his feelings for Erik under control. Father McCoy stood up from his chair and went to help Erik into another chair. Charles hastened to prepare him some tea to fortify him and Erik gratefully took the cup from Charles's hands.
"Thank God you freed yourself, Mr Lehnsherr. It is good to see you are well-"
Erik shook his head weakly."I shan't ever be well until we are rid of Burke, Father McCoy. The monstrous things he had done using my body-"
Father McCoy made a sign of the cross and uttered a silent prayer for the poor souls Burke had murdered.
"Mr Lehnsherr, we have much to be thankful for at least. You are restored to us, therefore this will prevent Burke from doing further harm-"
Erik could not hide the immense shame and guilt that he felt. He had kept his head bowed low, holding his cup of tea."Those young men, father. I feel a great pity for them and for their families. I am to blame-"
"No, Mr Lehnsherr. God sees into your soul and he knows you are a decent man. Do not lose hope. The Lord God will guide our actions and eventually, we will find salvation-"
Father McCoy urged them to join him in prayer and afterwards, they ate the breakfast Charles had prepared for them to eat. There was only porridge and beef tea at hand. When they had finished with their meal, the priest updated Erik on their plans and that they will wait for Mr Howlett's arrival at the safe house, whichever party reaches the place first. He has given Mr Howlett the directions to get to the safe house. After clearing up a few more details, Father McCoy left them to make other arrangements, promising to return in the afternoon. Now, there was only Erik and Charles again. Erik remained seated in the kitchen, clutching at his face. His guilt was no different from the shackles that had confined him to that abandoned asylum. He could not overcome it. Charles suddenly touched his shoulder, gently running his hand up to the back of Erik's head. Erik looked up from his grief and saw only understanding and acceptance in Charles's eyes. Charles hugged him from behind, kissing the back of his head.
"None of it was your fault, Erik. We are but victims of a circumstance we had no control of. Let your guilt go. It will do us no good-"
Erik reached up and held Charles's hand in his, his expression despondent."How could you stay on after all that has happened, Charles? What if we really don't ever get rid of Burke? Would you still want to be with someone like me?"
Charles chided him gently."You've asked me that question before and my answer is still the same, Erik. I'll never leave you, no matter what happens-"
Erik began to weep upon hearing Charles say those reassuring words, but Charles just continued to embrace him, whispering softly into his ear. Charles helped him up and led him upstairs. They headed into Erik's bedroom. Several months past, Charles had already commissioned a repairman to fix the window and although the room was in order, dust had settled in. Dust motes danced before their eyes when Charles threw the drapes open to allow some light in. Erik sank heavily back into his bed, sighing dejectedly. Charles went about the task of cleaning up his own bedroom and preparing a bath for Erik. He organized Erik's wardrobe and after he finished the task, he knocked upon Erik's door and entered.
"Erik, I've drawn you a bath. Get up from bed and have a go at it while the water is hot-"
"Must I take it? I have nowhere to go-"
"Yes, you must-"
Erik pulled up the covers and pressed his face to his pillow."After what I had endured, all these rituals seem so meaningless to me now-"
Charles sat next to him in bed and pulled the covers away slowly. Erik looked up to see Charles smiling at him kindly.
"As banal as these rituals are, Erik, it would do you some good to go through it. Trust me, a routine sets one's mind at ease. When you are doing something familiar and ritualistic, you tend to forget your worries and you settle into a kind of course, like a river and everything flows-"
Erik had to chuckle at that."Ah, my darling! Is that your personal philosophy?"
Charles shook his head minutely with a vague smile."No, I am simply telling you what goes through my mind when I do my duties as your butler. When we moved here from the country, I found myself out of sorts. City life is different from country living. In the country, we can take our time doing things, but in the city, everything moves at a faster pace and I feel at times that I would be swept away in its current. But then, I developed a routine for myself and it helped me get through my duties. That is why I am quite content, living here with you and being with you-"
Erik nodded slowly at this, thinking over what Charles had said."Do you miss living in the country, Charles?"
"I do, Erik. I used to have this fanciful thought. That when I have grown old and you no longer need me, I would use my savings to buy a country house and live a quiet life-"
It surprised Charles when Erik quickly sat up straight and reached out to embrace him fiercely."Why would you say that I would have no need of you? I want nothing more than to be with you, Charles. Even if we are two old men living together and even if it may seem strange, I care not for what the world will think of me. I want you to stay with me. Always-"
"Erik-"Charles said with feeling, returning Erik's embrace. They held each other for some time and then Erik finally got up from bed to take his bath. When Erik had finished with his bath, Charles had informed him that his clothes were ready and that he would take leave of him to purchase several provisions. Charles was not gone for very long and when he returned, he found Erik in his study, going through letters and notes long overdue.
"Charles! You've returned quite swiftly-"
"I had to. I must prepare our lunch. Father McCoy will be coming back in the afternoon and I have to get the household in order-"
Erik noticed that Charles appeared exhausted. It dawned upon him that Charles must have struggled to stay awake all night to guard Burke and all this time, he had worked all morning to do his duties. It troubled Erik to see dark circles forming beneath Charles's eyes. Erik suddenly stood up.
"Let me help you, Charles-"
Charles shook his head."Really, Erik. There is no need-"
"I insist!"
Charles eventually gave in and Erik helped him in the kitchen. In a short span of time, Charles had cleaned the kitchen and all was in order, like how his bedroom was now in order. Erik came to appreciate Charles's efficiency and fastidiousness when it comes to maintaining the house. Charles seemed more like his housewife than his butler when he thought about it. He was smiling at this thought as he worked the dough that Charles would use for the pie he was baking.
"I'm glad to see you finally smiling, Erik-"Charles said brightly, chopping up fresh apples upon a board.
Erik gave him a secretive grin."I just had this lovely thought-"
"Of what?"Charles asked, quirking an eyebrow at him.
"Of you-"Erik said ambiguously, prompting Charles to ask him what he meant by that. Erik would not tell him what it was, teasing him. Charles was curious and kept pestering Erik to elaborate further, but Erik adamantly kept to his silence. Charles threw a piece of apple at him by way of revenge and they both laughed over the matter. It was like they were little boys again and the horrors they had endured seemed far away. Charles's exhaustion eventually took its toll on him and he began to move about sluggishly.
"Charles, you have to rest. You're tired-"
"I had a bit of sleep last night-"
"But you haven't gotten a proper rest. Go upstairs and lie down. I will finish lunch for us. Just give me some instructions on what to do-"
"Alright, then-"
Charles noticed that his clothing became sullied due to the dirty work he had been carrying out all morning. He decided to bathe before going to bed. He drew up a quick bath and it somehow refreshed him. He went to lie down as Erik had asked him to and he slept soundly. He woke up with a start when he felt a warm press of a body next to his. He turned around and saw that it was Erik, who regarded him gently as he slept.
He sighed contentedly and reached up to run his fingers through Erik's hair, his eyes still heavy-lidded from his sleepiness."Have you been watching me for a while?"
"Yes-"
Charles giggled softly."I'm quite unseemly at the moment. Not much to look at-"
"Oh, but you are. You're beautiful!"Erik whispered huskily and began to run his hand provocatively around Charles's hip, kissing the back of his young butler's neck. Charles shivered against him and he felt Erik pressing up against his backside. He was already hard. Charles slowly reached down to touch Erik's manhood through his clothes and Erik groaned at the pleasure he felt, surging forward for more of Charles's touch. Charles turned around, his arms familiarly wrapping around Erik's neck and they kissed hungrily. Charles was only wearing his nightshirt and he could feel the press of Erik's sex against his own. He could feel the feverish heat rising from Erik's body, his own body responding to the other's heat. Their hips began to grind up against each other as they embraced and kissed. Erik was lapping up Charles's mouth, dragging his teeth with deliberate slowness over Charles's plush lower lip, nibbling at it, causing Charles to moan in arousal. It sent a thrill running though him and he restlessly ran his hands over Erik's body, keeping his eyes closed. He savored each touch, each kiss and then he felt Erik touching his sex, squeezing down on it hard.
"Erik!"Charles said in a sibilant voice.
His trembling thighs tightened around Erik's waist and then he felt Erik pushing the nightshirt upwards to expose him. He was naked beneath the shirt. He bit his lower lip, and edged backwards, his eyes heavy with arousal. He parted his legs, an open invitation for Erik to do what he wanted, tilting his head to the side, his expression lewdly expectant.
Erik's own control broke and he rashly pulled at Charles's nightshirt, throwing it carelessly away and he began to undo his own clothes. Charles sat up to help him and then it began. The frantic need to make love took control of them. Hands restlessly grasping for purchase, tongue and teeth teasing, finding the places that made the other moan in ecstasy, until the gasping moments came and that agonizing moment would come when they would stop to ease their love making with oil or spit or their own sexual juices. The frame of Charles's bed rattled violently as the motions began, Charles bracing himself upon his headboard, his moans taking on an animalian quality as Erik bucked into him, Erik's length going in and out of Charles's quivering depth, muscles tightening. Desperate and tight howls from Erik, his hips pounding into Charles faster and harder, their overtaxed senses taking full possession of them both. This indescribable feeling, friction and heat; the flesh growing sensitive as the punishing pace continued. The sensation builds and peaks, higher and higher until it reaches its limit and the ecstasy of release overcomes them.
Erik kept on pounding his hips into Charles while Charles was still in the throes of his own climax. His backside was still sensitive; he had thrown his head back in utter abandon, his face contorted in his pleasure. He had flung his other hand over his head, letting Erik continue while his other hand clutched at his own pulsating manhood, his juices smeared wetly upon his palm and his belly. Erik uttered a strangled, trembling cry as he orgasmed and Charles shivered as Erik's come gushed within him. He blindly reached for Erik's shoulder and they kissed sloppily, both of them gasping breathlessly, lost in the lust.
They remained lying in bed for some time, gently touching each other. Charles languidly ran his fingers upon Erik's arm as the other embraced him from behind, while Erik caressed the rounded part of Charles's shoulder, kissing it.
"Charles-"Erik began softly.
"Hmm?"
"Shall we make this a part of your daily ritual?"Erik said in a jesting manner and Charles burst out laughing at it. Being with Erik, making love to him like this, there was no other feeling like it. It made Charles feel good about himself, content and at peace. He turned around to hug Erik and they kissed again. They hastily washed themselves afterwards and wore a change of clothing before Father McCoy's arrival.
They could not hide the meaningful glances they exchanged even while Father McCoy sat before them as they ate their meal together. The priest had informed them that he had gotten train tickets for them and that he took a first class compartment in order for them to have some privacy.
"I've also had this fellow at the church obtain a crate for us to contain Burke, in case we encounter any trouble from him. Is there something you wish to tell me?"Father McCoy asked as he looked from Erik to Charles. They both appeared strangely calm, looking at each other with a weighty stare. Erik distractedly glanced over at Father McCoy.
"Nothing. Nothing at all-"Erik said, feigning innocence.
Father McCoy lifted his fork and pointed it towards Erik."You were troubled earlier, but you seem calm now-"
"I have Charles to thank for it. He has taught me the importance of rituals, and how it would ease my mind. In fact, we will be religiously following a new ritual from now on-"Erik said vaguely and Charles nearly snorted out with laughter. He stifled himself by hiding behind his cup of tea, drinking slowly.
Father McCoy brightened at this, thinking Erik had meant religious rituals in the literal sense and launched into a lengthy discussion with Erik about it, with Charles occasionally nodding and agreeing, doing his utmost to hide his amusement.
Erik decided to change the topic, his expression grave."When shall we be leaving for the safe house, father?"
"Ah, we will be leaving tomorrow morning. We need an early start. I've spoken to some of my connections and we shall be given special attention when we make our trip-"
"Very well then, I must make some preparations for our journey-"Charles announced and got up from the table to clear the dishes. Father McCoy had to leave again to attend to his church duties, but had promised to return as soon as possible to help Charles with Burke. They have to be vigilant this time. Burke must never be allowed to escape.
There was a light drizzle of rain when they left the house. Their cab had arrived late, throwing them off schedule. The cab driver cited the 'bad weather' as his excuse for being late. When they arrived at the train station, there was misunderstanding over which train they would be boarding, but Father McCoy sorted it out. They had no choice but to go through with the plan, accepting these setbacks due to the urgency of their situation. The priest had hoped that Mr Howlett would be at the safe house by now. Both Father McCoy and Charles had slept fitfully, taking turns guarding Burke last night. All three of them were ill and exhausted. Erik was feeling under the weather as well because Burke would not stop his incessant yammering within his mind and it was all he could do to keep the other at bay. Burke beleaguered him with such ugly thoughts and violent feelings. Erik wondered if Burke did these things to him because he was afraid; fearful of his impending extinction. He hoped the bastard truly felt that way. The train ride was tolerable and they had no untoward episode until they arrived at the small town where they were to meet their coachman. The man was drunk and had driven their coach at such a slow pace that Father McCoy had to take the reins from the sodded fool. They were racing against time, intending to arrive at the safe house before dusk, without having to use the crate containing the chains and the straitjacket meant to subdue Burke. Charles could see Erik suffering from Burke's internal onslaught and he gently reached for Erik's hands.
"We are almost there. Take courage, Erik!"
Erik pulled away from him, clutching at his head in pain."That bastard Burke is just relentless, Charles. I'm trying, but he's doing something to me-"
"Fight him Erik! Please!"Charles cried out urgently, hugging Erik from within the coach. He hugged Erik without fear, for Father McCoy was outside, driving the carriage and would not see them embracing. Erik trembled and moaned against Charles. He felt himself dwindling somehow; bit by bit, Burke was breaking away his psyche and it terrified him that Burke was getting stronger. He was defenseless against such a monster, not knowing how to fend Burke off.
Charles had been anxious during the entire journey, but when Father McCoy announced that they are almost at the safe house, hope fluttered within his chest. Mr Howlett was actually waiting for them and he had Mr Azazel with him. The safe house was an old farm-house used to shelter women and men who had been victims of abuse. It was also used to house expatriates in need of sanctuary. They all exchanged greetings and entered the safe house to answer each other's queries.
It surprised the detective to find Mr Lehnsherr in their company. He had come to believe Mr Lehnsherr was abducted by Burke, but the man was before him now, safe and sound. Father McCoy explained that Mr Lehnsherr was indeed 'abducted' and held against his will, but he had escaped from his captor.
Mr Howlett pointed to Azazel."This fool kept spouting on about possession and some such rot I care not for. What does he mean by it? If Mr Lehnsherr has freed himself, I don't see why we need him at all-"
The priest sighed heavily."We have not given you the full account of Mr Lehnsherr's condition. I believe the moment warrants it now-"
Father McCoy took it upon himself to explain Mr Lehnsherr's predicament and how Azazel's power could remove Burke from Erik's body. At first, Mr Howlett was incredulous that the priest would believe in such nonsense, but the priest claimed that he saw the transformation with his own eyes and he knew the priest would never lie about such things. Mr Lehnsherr was sitting quietly at the table before them, sweating profusely and looking quite ill. He had remained silent, letting them all talk on. Charles worriedly watched Erik. He could not stand seeing his beloved suffer any longer. Charles slapped his hands upon the table to get their attention and they all looked to him.
"Please listen to me! We can discuss the details of this awful business later, but please-"
Charles turned to look at Mr Azazel. The man's countenance was that of Lucifer himself, looking on at their banter with amused interest."Please, Sir. You have the power to expel Burke from Mr Lehnsherr's body. I urge you to do so now. Mr Lehnsherr can't-"
Before Charles could finish what he was saying, Erik staggered up from his chair, his head bowed low, his face obscured by his turned up collar and his scarf. He suddenly lifted his head and to Charles's horror, it was Burke's tattooed face that glowered at them with his demented rage. It was not dusk yet, but he had managed to overtake Erik's body. Everything that happened next happened fast. Burke was next to Mr Howlett and he saw that the other had a knife in his belt. Burke grabbed the knife quickly, he was quite adept at it, and then he leaned in towards Azazel from across the table and used it to slit the other's throat before he could say anything. Charles screamed out, his eyes wide and terrified. Mr Howlett and Father McCoy attempted to subdue Burke, but he was stronger and faster than any of them. Burke punched Mr Howlett square in the face and then he kicked the priest in the gut. Father McCoy doubled over in pain while Mr Howlett fell backwards into a chair, demolishing it with his weight and he fell to the floor, unconscious. Burke then turned to look towards Charles, but Charles was already running out the door. Charles ran outside because he knew Burke would come after him, which would perhaps draw the murdering bastard away from the others and prevent their massacre. Charles was right. He hid behind one of the large oak barrels outside the safe house and then he heard Burke shouting his name.
"Charles? Oh Charles!"Burke screamed in a taunting, gleeful voice."I'm coming for you!"
Charles peered over the edge of the oak barrel, his heart hammering within his chest and his eyes bulging in his utter terror. He saw that Burke was carrying Mr Howlett's gun, stomping about and looking for him. Did Burke succeed in taking full control of Erik's body? If this was the case, it could only mean that Burke was capable of hurting him now.
"Charles? Where are you, boy?"Burke howled out.
He had to flee from this place. He had to get away from Burke. Charles got up from where he had crouched down and he began to head for the side of the house, intending to make a run for it into the woods. Charles had kept his head low and was sprinting quietly when something heavy slammed up against him, throwing him off-balance into the grass. He cried out and when he looked up, he saw Burke straddling him, laughing dementedly and leering down at him.
"You ain't going anywhere, boy!"
Burke grabbed at his collar and hauled him up roughly. Charles began to cry, all hope gone from him, feeling helpless against Burke's abuse.
"Come on, up you get. Come on, flower-"
Limbs trembling, Charles managed to get up and he looked up at Burke, eyes wide and terrified.
"That's it, good man-"
Even though he feared for his life, Charles did not want to give up and without a fight. He was close enough to strike the gun away from Burke's hands and then he punched the other across the face. Burke had kept his face turned away, his face stinging from Charles's slap, but he was grinning like a loon. He slowly turned to face Charles and he could see that the other was frightened, yet still trying to act defiant. Charles was lifting his chin up and meeting Burke's gaze. Burke wanted to see if his power over Lehnsherr's body was now absolute. He raised his hand and he struck Charles. He began to titter delightedly as Charles squirmed and moaned upon the ground. Burke was now able to hurt him. Burke grabbed his collar and began to drag him towards the empty barn near the safe house.
"You're coming with me, little lamb!"
Charles's throat felt so dry that he could only utter breathless screams as Burke hauled him unceremoniously, tugging painfully at his hair. He knew what Burke intended to do to him. Burke intends to rape him again before killing him. Burke pushed him forward and then he shoved Charles's backside, causing Charles to stumble into a dry mound of scattered hay. Burke bent over him and began to hail punches upon his face. Charles hand never been punched before. The pain and the jarring sensation nearly made him lose consciousness. He tasted blood inside his mouth and his ears were ringing dully. Burke stopped punching him and stood up straight, gasping with his exertions. He began to remove Erik's black coat and then he unbuttoned his vest and his shirt half-way. He turned to face Charles smiling obscenely. He straddled Charles and Charles struggled beneath him, crying out his refusal. He'd rather die than have Burke violate him again. Burke gave him a back-handed slap to silence him and then he grabbed Charles's cheeks so that the other would look at him directly.
"I told you. You won't win against me. There's just a small piece of Lehnsherr inside me, but he won't be in here for long. He'll be gone soon-"
"No! Erik!"Charles screamed and then Burke drew out the knife he had tucked in the belt at his back and used the knife's edge to caress Charles's cheek gently. Charles grew still, his insides running cold, awaiting the inevitable mutilation that Burke would deal upon him.
"Little flower-"Burke whispered intimately, but instead of cutting Charles's eyes out, he slowly leaned in and kissed Charles's lips softly and then he pulled away, his expression strangely gentle.
"Come with me. Your master will be dead soon, but this is still his body. It doesn't matter if you want him. If you're fucking me, it will be just like you were fucking him. Can't that be enough? Let me take you with me to America. Stay with me and I won't kill you-"Burke murmured throatily, his eyes glittering with his perverted lust.
"Never!"Charles cried out his adamant refusal and then Burke grasped his chin rashly.
"You'll come with me whether you like it or not!"Burke roared into his face and he began to tear at Charles's shirt, the knife still in his other hand. He was going to rape Charles in the barn, rough him up a bit and take him away from the safe house by force. In his haste to undress Charles, he accidentally wounded the side of Charles's neck. The knife was sharp and it had cut a thin, straight line upon Charles's skin. The sight of the wound stopped Burke for a moment and he stared at the bleeding cut strangely. Both of them were gasping breathlessly as they gazed at each other.
Outside, a strange phenomenon was taking place. The skies had grown darker, but it was not night-time yet. The sun was still up in the sky, but the moon was up in the sky as well, the two celestial bodies on the verge of overlapping. The moon obscured the sun until it had blotted all the light out. Due to the cover of clouds and the desperate situation they had dealt with, Charles's group had failed to notice the impending occurrence of a Solar Eclipse. When the moon had blocked out the sun, Burke began to tremble uncontrollably, the knife falling from his hands. He looked up at Charles with fear in his eyes and then to Charles's shock, Burke began to roll about the hay spasmodically. What happened next was a horror beyond his imagination that it would have driven him mad had his will been weak. Burke's body quickly became insubstantial, like that of a ghost and then Burke thrashed and howled like a wounded animal. He clawed at something upon his tattooed chest, as if something was struggling to break through it and then a jagged line formed in the middle of it and a head sprouted out from the gaping wound. It was Erik!
Charles placed a trembling hand to his mouth, watching with morbid fascination as the two men stretched and pulled away from each other, an abominable birthing of limbs and rending of bodies until they were mercifully parted and two men stood before Charles, gasping raggedly, their naked bodies shining wetly in what dim light entered the barn. Burke made the first move. He charged at Erik with a scream of rage and Erik dashed forward as well, clashing with Burke. The two men wrestled and fought against each other, trying to overpower the other, snarling, their fists colliding against yielding flesh and bone. Charles could only look on at this horrific sight in stunned silence.
Burke began to taunt Erik as they fought. He spoke in a growling rasp."After I'm through with you, I'll have my way with your servant! I'll lay his pretty face to rot in some trench somewhere, stuck as a white pig!"
He did not realize it was a mistake to say such things about Charles. Erik bellowed, his anger serving as his fuel and he punched Burke so hard that the other reeled and fell to the ground, unconscious. Erik did not stop there. He went to Burke and he began to punch the other repeatedly. Burke gained consciousness long enough to see Erik in a blurry haze. For some odd reason, Erik began to look like Hex before his eyes, a man filled with righteous rage, fists blazing and relentless. Burke was being pummeled within an inch of his life and he could not find the strength to fight back anymore.
"You won't touch him ever again!"Erik screamed at him, punching Burke with all his might. Burke was fading again, his body taking on the appearance of smoke and slowly, he began to fade and then he was gone, with Erik only punching an empty space in the air. Erik was breathing harshly, his bleeding fist was still up and then he slowly brought it down. He looked up and then he met Charles's gaze. The Solar Eclipse had ended within minutes.
"Charles?"Erik said softly, his eyes beseeching.
Charles did not make a move at first. He stood there, staring at Erik as if he was some wild, uncontrollable creature and then Charles shook himself. He picked up the coat that Burke had discarded earlier and he went to Erik and wrapped the coat around his shoulders. They regarded each other for a while, the depth of Erik's actions still had Charles in awe. Erik was able to fight Burke's evil spirit and he triumphed. Charles could not prevent himself from weeping out loud and he collapsed against Erik's chest, relieved.
"Erik! I thought I had lost you!"Charles sobbed quietly, his face pressed to Erik's chest, his shoulders hitching up. He could not seem to stop crying. He was embracing Erik, holding him tightly and Erik hugged him back. Both of them rejoicing. Erik had inexorably ended the nightmare Burke had brought into their lives. They did not notice that Father McCoy was close by, watching the entire event with keen interest. Next to him was Mr Howlett. Both men had recovered and the detective was able to retrieve his gun. Charles and Erik did not know that the priest and the detective had followed them into the barn. They were able to catch a glimpse of Erik and Burke's horrific separation and the ensuing battle. Mr Howlett had almost shot Burke, but the priest stopped him.
"Let Mr Lehnsherr fight his own demon-"He said quietly and it was to his relief that Erik did eventually defeat Burke's demonic spirit.
Charles grew conscious of their presence and pulled away from Erik, shyly clutching at the torn folds of his shirt."Father McCoy! Mr Howlett! I am glad you are both well-"
Father McCoy went to him and clasped both of Charles's hands in his."Mr Azazel is alive and well too. He was able to pull back in time before Burke mortally wounded him-"
"Thank God!"Charles said, exhaling a shaky and relieved breath. He looked about for Erik and then he saw Erik slowly walking away from them; something outside had drawn his interest. Charles's brow furrowed and he followed Erik outside. Dusk had passed quickly and the moon that had moments ago blotted out the sun was now high up in the sky, its pale bone color throwing a milky light over them. Erik had wrapped his arms about his chest and stood in the grassy clearing staring up at the moon in wonder. He had not seen the moon with his own eyes for the longest time. A tear slowly trailed down his left eye as he basked in the cool light of the moonlight. He closed his eyes for a moment, breathing in the night air and then he turned to look at Charles with over-bright eyes.
"I'm free, Charles. He's gone. He's really gone!"
Charles smiled at him lovingly and then they remained standing there under the moon-lit clearing, gazing up at the night sky.