A/N: So I've been introducing X-Men to my girlfriend and we watched through all the movies. Since "First Class" we just can't stop shipping Cherik and she was so disappointed at the end of Apocalypse because there was no kiss. Here's the ending I wrote for her instead.

Home

"The world has already begun rebuilding it's arsenals." Charles could barely hide the sadness that made him feel. After everything that had happened the world decided to go back to the way it was.

"It's human nature, Charles."

Cynical as always, he thought. He was almost inclined to agree, but only almost. Looking out at the future of his X-Men, feeling the bright minds of the children he swore to protect at his school above him, he knew that there wasn't just darkness ahead of them. There couldn't be.

"I still have hope."

Erik laughed at that, almost like he pitied Charles' naïve thoughts. Charles looked at his friend remembering the hope he had once seen in him. That spark beyond the loss and pain that just would not die. The spark he had fallen in love with years and years ago. It was still there buried under a fresh wound he knew Erik would not recover from so quickly, but it was there, nevertheless.

"Yes, hope." Erik turned to him, those sad grey eyes searching him for an explanation even though his tone was bordering on mockery.

"Well, I was right about Raven," Charles pointed out, and Erik looked back to where Raven was standing with the others, giving Charles a moment to study his profile, "I was even right about you."

At that Erik's gaze snapped back to him and Charles couldn't help smiling. Something in Erik had changed for the better, he could feel it without having to look for what exactly it was.

"What about the rest of the world," Erik argued, taking a step towards him, facing him full on now, "doesn't it ever wake you up in the middle of the night?" he paused, and Charles searched his face, trying to figure out what the question was going to be, "The feeling that one day they'll come for you… and your children?"

There was a sadness to that question, Charles knew Erik was speaking from experience. The memory of Erik's loss came fresh to Charles' mind, bringing tears to his eyes and making his voice go quiet. "It does indeed."

"What do you do, when you wake up to that?"

"I feel a great swell of pity for the poor soul that comes to my school looking for trouble."

The corner of Erik's mouth quirked up slightly at that response. They shared a long look that made Charles miss having Erik around him like this.

"Are you sure I can't convince you to stay?"

Now Erik did smile. "You're psychic Charles, you can convince me to do anything." His hand brushed over Charles' shoulder as he walked past, lingering there for a moment.

Does that mean I get a kiss? Charles asked mentally, so no one would hear. All he felt in return was an amused laugh that he couldn't resist smiling to. Charles wished he wouldn't leave but he also knew that Erik had made up his mind.

"Goodbye old friend."

"Good luck, Professor." Erik couldn't hide the small smile from his face as he walked out for what he thought would be the last time.

. . .

He didn't knock. He never knocked, but Charles knew he was standing there, watching him. He kept his gaze focused on the book in his hand, but his mind was far from the letters written on the pages. The temptation to look into his friend's mind was strong, but he had sworn long ago that he wouldn't invade anyone's mind unless he had to. Trust was a fragile thing, after all.

"I thought you might change your mind," he finally said, giving the best impression of nonchalance even though his heart was pounding with anticipation.

"You know I can't resist you."

Charles looked up in time to see Erik crossing the room towards him. The book fell to the ground as rough hands gently cupped his face, pulling him closer. Charles didn't have time to think, he knew without having to read Erik's mind, he was going to kiss him.

He felt Erik's lips against his. The familiar touch of his thumb on his cheek. They had both been through so much since the last time this happened. It felt like they were different men now, but it still felt as right as it ever had. How could Charles have ever let this incredible man walk away?

He supposed the answer was clear; he had to let Erik leave so he could finally find his way back home. Luckily for Charles, he had decided that home was with him.