A/N: This will be the last chapter until I return on the 19th. This is basically the length of two chapters in one so, consider it an extra thank you for being patient with me. I resisted the urge to end this on a cliff hanger, cause I'm nice like that. There will be some major twists in the chapters to follow, so make sure you keep an eye out for the next chapter. Thank you for all the wonderful responses. Your votes were tallied and 2 won by a landslide… you will see what you won later in this chapter. Enjoy!

Contains Erik x Charles = Have a nice day

The Characters belong to Marvel but the story is mine.

Angel surprised everyone. She had gone from her death bed to discharged from the hospital only five days after waking up. She went on to recover completely in a little under a month, with the exception of her broken arm that was still in a cast.

When she came home, she was finally able to disclose what had happened in the restroom:

Angel, had found a young girl crying. She thought that she was a mutant, and was terrified her parents were going to sell her out. Angel had tried to comfort and reassure her by showing the girl her wings. It was then that the child's mother had come in and shoved her head first into the sink. Angel vaguely remembered others helping the mother, but she couldn't remember any details.

Bobby and Angel were inseparable once she came home and everyone found them adorable. Even Erik, who didn't seem to mind the kid running with Angel. He had backed down considerably from the protective Erik he had been in the hospital. He never outright explained why, outside from a whispered comment to Charles along the lines of someone was watching out for her.

Things fell into an old pattern around the school. The teachers and students fulfilled their rolls beautifully. With the exception of Azazel who was asked to sub for Raven because she wasn't feeling to well. He lasted ten minutes before he teleported to parts unknown, only to return and threaten the life of anyone who asked him to teach ever again.

The month of March and April seemed to rush by in a blur. Soon, it was April 28th, only two days before the wedding of Raven and Hank.

Erik could be found in the early morning hours, curled up in Charles' bed. They were usually the last two people to go to sleep and the first two people up. Because of that Erik hadn't slept in his room in several months.

Charles was sound asleep on his side. His head on Erik's shoulder with his arm draped across Erik's abdomen. Erik was awake, just watching the other sleep. He never would have thought himself the type to curl up with the same person every night. He couldn't put into words what it meant to wake up in the arms of someone he loved.

Yes, loved. He'd given up on the internal battle on wits. He loved Charles. Though he had never managed to say it aloud. He loved him in the sense that the other knew his history, and wanted to be a part of his future. Charles had withstood his rages, and quieted after nightmares.

The last time Erik tried to fight what he felt for Charles, he had been lost in a particularly vivid nightmare. When Charles had tried to wake him, Erik swung out of instinct and ended up hitting him hard enough to make his lip bleed, Before he was ever awake enough to realize where he was.

Erik had apologized profusely and started to leave, deeply bothered that he had hurt Charles. Charles however, wouldn't let him. Erik had informed him that he had too much emotional baggage to be good for the other. To which Charles calmly responded, "We all have baggage, I'm looking for baggage that goes with mine." He took Erik by the hand and led him back to the bed, bleeding lip and all.

Erik, still didn't know what he had done to deserve him.

As Charles slept in his arms, Erik couldn't have been a happier man.

The next morning at breakfast the teachers were all talking a mile a minute, the excitement of the pending wedding was clearly effecting them all.

"Hank, have you picked a best man yet?" Alex asked sitting down beside him.

"You know, it should totally be me." Sean sat down on the other side of have and flashed a grin toward Alex who tossed a biscuit at him in reply.

"If you two keep it up, I'm going to flip a coin." Hank said with a smile.

Down towards the other end of the table Raven and Angel were talking.

"..I don't see what it matters, Raven. It's your wedding." Angel was saying.

"I don't want to give up on my ideals, just for an idea." Raven smiled behind her glass of orange juice.

"What are you two talking about?" Charles interjected.

"It's nothing." Raven dismissed.

"Liar." Angel retorted then spoke to Charles. "She wants a wedding dress, but thinks its going to compromise her ideals."

"Well, Raven - If you want one, you need to hurry. Your getting married in two days." Charles said smiling as she almost squealed at the realization that her wedding was just a few days away.

"But, you don't think it would be hypocritical?" Raven asked Charles.

"Do you want the dress?" Erik interrupted, simple and blunt as ever.

Raven smiled.

"Then get the dress." Erik said simply.

Raven looked down the table to where Hank had been sequestered by the boys both demanding the be the best man.

"Don't look at me." Hank told her. "You're beautiful, regardless."

Angel grinned. "Look how well trained he is!" She playfully swatted Bobby's arm "Why don't you stay stuff like that."

Bobby had his drink in his hand when she swatted his arm. So naturally, the milk went all over his lap. "Because you tell me not to be corny" He laughed as he mopped himself off.

The rest of the table fell into laughter and easy conversation. It was a nice change. Under the table, Erik felt something nudge his thigh. He didn't have to look to his left to know it was Charles' hand. His let hand slip under the table to take Charles' hand in a silent reply.

They were becoming bolder with the public physical elements of their relationship - but had not been open with the rest of the staff. Charles had made it clear, he didn't mind them knowing. Though, after so much of Erik's history was made public - he understood the need for Erik to have a few secrets.

The students had walked on egg shells around Erik for the first few days after he returned. Until, Erik called them on it during a training session. They had stopped it and for the most part things had gone back to normal. The most clear change was Alex, who had walked up to during class and simply said, "Sorry for a being a dick." then walked away.

That was absolutely ok with Erik. He wasn't big on the heart to heart conversations either.

Erik's attention moved from the past to the conversation at hand around the table.

"…Well, go get ready. I'll meet you in the den and you girls can oogle dresses while I sit there and pay for them." Charles smirked.

Angel and Raven were quick to leave the table, and soon most the rest followed. Erik and Charles finished their breakfast in silence.

"Have fun." Erik spoke with a smile before standing and putting the plates and other dishes into the sink.

Charles smiled, "Loads."

Erik glanced at the door to make sure there were no loiters before kissing him softly. "See you when you get home."

Charles tended to melt under Erik's blue eyes, and that moment was no exception. While he had no problem with Erik's secrecy, moments like this gave him hope for a more open relationship.

The shouts of the girls and the honking horn informed Charles he was late and with another parting kiss he went to join them.

THE WEDDING DAY

Charles awoke to an empty bed on the morning of the wedding. There was a folded note beside him on Erik's pillow and in his handwriting it read:

Had to go get started on getting everything set up. Didn't want to wake you. See you soon. Love you.

Charles smiled and kissed the envelope before getting dressed in some causal clothes. He would change before the wedding into his tux, but for now he didn't want to risk getting it dirty. He had told Raven that he understood if she wanted someone other than him to walk her down the isle. She had slapped him in reply. So he would be, without a doubt, escorting her down the isle.

By the time Charles got outside, Erik already had the gazebos up and a long canvas top stretching from the house to where the wedding was to be held. The students had sat out chairs as makeshift pews and were currently spreading flowers and other decorations.

Truly, it was going to be a lovely service.

Charles left the decorating to the students and Erik, while he went inside to see Hank. He knocked on the door and Hank jerked it open at once. He was clearly a nervous wreck, of course - what man about to be married isn't?

"Want some company?" Charles asked trying to hide a smile in regard to Hank's nervous state.

"Love some." Hank said, and opened the door completely.

Charles came into the room and looked around, "Have you slept at all?"

"No, not really." Hank said raking his fingers thru the fur on his face and looking in the mirror, "I'm going to say the wrong thing, or faint or something… I know it."

"You will be fine, Hank. Sit down and have some tea with me. I want to talk to you." Charles said.

Hank suddenly looked nervous and sat down on the foot of his bed, facing Charles.

"Hank, you know what Raven means to me. I am really glad she found such an amazing man to spend her life with. I could threaten you and say if you break her heart - then I will break you, like all big brothers are supposed to. But I don't feel that I need to Hank. You are great man and a trusted friend - I know you will take care of her." Charles smiled.

Hank relaxed significantly and smiled at Charles' words.

"I haven't had a chance to talk to you about the baby, and the way you two are choosing to handle it. But, I just want you to know how much it means to me and how proud I am of the both of you. That's going to be lucky kid with two amazing parents." Charles extended his hand " Congratulations, my friend."

Hank shook his hand and smiled. "Thank you Charles. I'll take care of them - both of them. If Raven hadn't already claimed you, I wanted you to be my best man."

Charles smiled, "Thank you for that. I had better go and talk to your future wife. You only have about an hour to go now … Good luck."

Charles left the room and crossed the hall to where Raven had been sequestered for the night and day before the wedding. He knocked on the door and there was a panicked scampering behind the door, which was likely Raven getting out of sight before Angel opened the door.

"False alarm" Angel called over her shoulder to Raven, "It's just Charles."

"And hello to you too, Angel." Charles smirked before coming into the room. Raven was already in her dress, turning from side to side, fretting over how obvious it made her pregnancy.

"Hey, beautiful." Charles called to Raven and she smiled before waddling over to hug him.

"I look like a beached whale." Whined Raven, ah pregnancy hormones.

"You look lovely." Charles corrected.

Raven did look lovely, even if she didn't see it. She had picked a dress that had an off the shoulder design. It was tight across her bust but then flowed to the ground. It was the natural white but with some light blue piping that added to it beautifully.

Raven smiled looking in the mirror. "You think Hank will like it?"

Charles smiled "I think Hank would like you in an old ruck sack."

Raven would have blushed if she were able.

"Well, the dress is new." Angel spoke up drawing their attention. "You are burrowing my gloves, so here is something blue." She handed her a blue cloth. "slip it inside your dress so you have something to wipe the tears away if start crying up there."

Raven looked at the cloth and made a small sound before hugging Angel. Charles waited to be let in on the big secret. Raven handed it to him. On one side the name Claire was embroidered, and on the other was the name Kurt.

"Those are the names we have picked out depending on if the baby is a boy or a girl." Raven explained and Charles nodded in understanding. "A lovely gift." He spoke to both of them.

"I had rather hoped that this would be the old …" He handed her a white leather box. Raven opened it and gasped softly, before taking out a very old string of pearls.

"Charles…" She stared.

"They were my grandmothers, as I doubt I will ever have any children - seems fitting that they should go to you. I do love you Raven."

Raven carefully lowered her self to her knees to hug him properly. He kissed her cheek before carefully putting the pearls on her.

"It's almost that time … I'll see you out there." Charles gave her one more hug before leaving to get dressed himself.

YOU ARE INVITED

To witness the marriage between

Hank McCoy

And

Raven Darkholm

To be held at

The Xavier Institute

On

May 1st, 1963

At

10:00 am

Please RSVP at

(704)555-1823 to Angel

The Wedding

The seats were full of students and teachers, as well as friends who Raven had shared her secret with. Some of the parents of students had turned out to support the teachers. White silk ribbon lead the way to the front where Hank was already waiting. He shifted nervously, pulling on the sleeve of his tux watching the walk way. Both of his best men, Alex and Sean stood by grinning ear to ear.

Then the music started.

Everyone stood and Raven began the walk down the isle. Erik played an unnoticed hand and moved Charles' chair down the isle so that he was free to hold her hand and escort her properly. After what seemed like a mile Raven stood in front of Hank.

"Who gives the lady away?" The minister asked.

"Myself and her family." Charles answered.

The staff and students exchanged grinning glances. They were a family - no doubt.

Charles put Raven's hand in Hank's and gave it one final squeeze before rolling to the side where Alex and Sean stood.

The Minster waited for the crowd to sit down before beginning:

"Hank, do you pledge to love Raven and throughout your years together to be honest, faithful, and kind to her. Do you pledge to give to her the same happiness she gives to you, to react to her as only you can, and to respect her for who she is, not who you want her to be? "

"I do." Hank the emotion evident in his voice.

Then he turned to Raven, "Raven, do you pledge to love Hank and throughout your years together to be honest, faithful, and kind to her. Do you pledge to give to her the same happiness she gives to you, to react to her as only you can, and to respect her for who she is, not who you want her to be?

"I do." Answered Raven, tears spilling down her face already.

"If we may have the rings." The Minister prompted.

Angel handed Raven Hank's ring, while Alex handed Hank Ravens.

As they slipped the rings on each others finger they spoke together "With this ring, I thee wed."

"If anyone has any reasons why these two people should not be joined, speak now or forever hold your peace." The Minister let the silence stretch for a moment. Everyone held their breath and glanced around. After a few moments it was evident no one had any intentions of speaking out and the Minister turned back to the Bride and Groom.

"Then by the power invested in me, I now pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss your bride." The Minister was drowned out over the applause that followed his announcement. Hank and Raven were lost in the moment and the kiss which only caused the crowd to cheer louder.

Eventually they separated and the cheers died down.

"I now introduce to you, Mr. and Mrs. Hank McCoy." The Minster gestured to the pair and the crowd stood and applauded them down the isle and inside the house for the reception. Angel was escorted out by both best men as she was the maid of honor. Charles was the last of the wedding party to leave before the rest of the room filtered out behind them.

The library had been decorated with tables and food. Complete with a small string quartet which played their first dance. The crowd circled around them, awwing and clapping. Erik appeared beside Charles who smiled at him, but neither spoke. Both were unwilling to interrupt the moment of happiness that Hank and Raven so completely deserved.

Once the song was finished, another began and the crowd began to filter onto the floor and join into the dance. Angel and Bobby were the first two on the floor, complete with Angel's arm in a cast.

Once Raven and Hank had finished, they began to mingle and thank people for coming. Raven went to Charles. "Come dance with me?"

Charles shook his head no, but she wasn't taking no for an answer. She grabbed his chair and brought him into the middle of the floor. He was awkward about it at first but soon enough he was laughing swirling the chair from one side to the other into the beat of the faster song that now played.

Erik had sat down at one of the tables his eyes watching Raven and Charles dance with an unreadable expression. He wore the suit purchased for this occasion, but had his pocket watch attached to it. He slid it out of the pocket and opened it. Charles had never taken the note out, liking the reminder of it.

He read the first line of the note and let his eyes drift back to the dancing pair. He closed the watch, and returned it to his pocket. Erik glanced around the room one final time before crossing the floor to where Raven and Charles were dancing. On the way he slipped a piece of paper and a ten dollar bill to the Musicians.

"Hey Erik." Raven said with a grin.

"Mind if I cut in?" Erik asked.

"Certainly not." Charles said with a smile as he moved back to let Erik dance with Raven.

"Not." Erik started and Charles' wheelchair stopped moving. "What I meant." Erik stepped past Raven and in front of Charles and held his hand out.

Charles was taken a back, while Raven looked excited. The song changed and Charles recognized the song as I can't help, falling in love with you. The same song that he and Erik had danced to on his birthday. With a questioning look and slowly spreading smile, Charles took Erik's hand.

Erik lifted him, much as he had that night and drew him into his arms. Charles' wound his arms around Erik's neck and rested his head on his shoulder. He trusted Erik completely, he knew he would never let him fall. There were so many things Charles wanted to say in the moment. He felt Erik's arms tighten around him and heard Erik whisper aloud the only one that needed to be said.

"I love you." Erik spoke aloud the words he had swore to never say.

Charles arms tightened around him. He heard the people start to murmur as people began to notice the male couple and step back. "I love you too." He kissed the others jaw.

Erik had his eyes closed while he danced with Charles, trying to focus on the other. Not on the murmuring of a disapproving crowd. He felt Charles' lips on his jaw and smiled slightly. From somewhere in the murmuring of the crowd someone clapped. Both Erik and Charles looked to see Raven clapping.

Hank appeared at her side and joined in the applause.

Charles touched Erik's face and Erik turned his attention back to Charles. Charles didn't speak, he simply tightened his arms around Erik's neck and kissed him. Erik resisted for a moment before he heard a voice which was no doubt Angel's shout. "Hey, clap already!" Erik couldn't help but laugh before giving up the battle and returning the kiss.

Charles had seen him at his worst, and been on the receiving end of his anger. He had seen his scars and knew his history. Yet, Charles was still here. Erik knew so long as that remained true…he could take on the world. Erik took the dominate direction of the kiss this time drawing Charles into it.

The audience seemed to pick up from Angel's shout and slowly more were clapping. Some not as sure of it, but clearly they had their supporters.

"It's about damned time!" Sean said above the crowd clapping along with them.

"You knew?" Alex spoke up for the first time, still staring at the pair on the dance floor.

"Yes I knew now start clapping." Sean said dismissively.

"That doesn't bother you?" Alex asked.

Sean looked a little frustrated before with out any preamble grabbing Alex and kissing him. Alex fumbled back, he more than a little surprised.

"Does that bother you?" Sean shouted as the crowd had really kicked into gear and were clapped for the dancing duo.

Alex stared at him for a long moment before very carefully answering "No."

Sean grinned. "Good. Then start clapping."

Alex turned his attention to the pair on the floor and did as he was told.

(That was what you voted for. ^.^ )

Once the song ended and the applause died down Erik helped Charles back to his chair and they moved to a table letting the focus of the wedding turn back to the Bride and Groom.

Charles and Erik shared a glass of wine in silence before Charles took his hand.

"Not that I am complaining, but what brought that on?" Charles asked softly.

"I told you. No more secrets." Erik answered just as softly.

Charles smiled. "I love you."

Erik smiled and kissed his hand, "I love you."

And here is where I leave you for my trip. A nice happy - no cliff hanger - chapter.

Join me on Wednesday of next week…when all of that changes…

Love you all!

Please read and Review!

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