35. By Our Side.
"What am I doing here, Charles?" Erik murmurs on Independence Day while Alex and Sean set off fireworks on the grounds, Hank making sure they have safety first. Raven grins and watches the sparks light and spread across the night sky, and she smiles and leans against Azazel.
Emma, on Charles' other side, turns and cocks her head at the metalbender. "What, you mean besides playing husband?"
Erik shoots her a warning look, but Charles lays his hand on Erik's arm to calm him. Glancing back and forth between them for a second, he looks to Erik in the low lighting and says, "I think what she meant to say was: what do you mean, aside from being here to help me guide and teach other mutants? We already have three on our list to go visit this month, and I could use your help with each one."
"That's not what I meant, even if that's true," Erik murmurs. He looks out at the horizon, to the satellite dish he helped move. He sighs. "I meant… Why am I playing house with all of you when I could be out there, preparing for –"
"If you say 'the war coming with the humans,' I will fire a gun at you point-blank, and we'll see if you can deflect it like you said," Charles threatens with a dark tone, and Erik gives a returning scowl.
"Quit being naïve, Charles!" Erik snaps back, and Emma moves to stand between them, mostly facing Erik.
"Now, now, boys; no need to get pissy on July 4th. Watch the fireworks and think of something else, or I'll force you both to think of something else," the White Queen says as if she were speaking to children. "For goodness' sake, don't you two love each other? Can't you put aside your opinions of the world long enough to remember that? I swear, you have the worst possible timing," she adds with a pout, turning away from them. "Now if you'll excuse me, I have yet to mess with Alex tonight. Ta."
Charles exhales. "She's right, Erik. I know we may never agree about humans and mutants as far as relationships go, but I think we can agree on this much: our family's relationship. We want you by our side, Erik. So please, don't even think about leaving again; I can tell that's where you were headed when you brought up the topic of belonging."
Erik sighs, running his hand through his hair. "You're right, Charles. I'm sorry."
Charles smiles and grabs Erik's hand. "No need to be sorry, Erik. Just… stand by us, all right?"
The other man nods. "I will, I swear it." If only to protect them all, like he said they could on that fateful day on the beach, and like he failed to do more than once in his life: protect.