AN: So I realized I totally forget to mention we didn't kill of Darwin for this story... I'm sorry! XD I figured you would of guessed that but just in case you were wondering, we wanted to keep him alive. It seems kind of unfair for him to just be killed off like that...
Anyways yeah... enjoy the chapter? I don't have anything to ramble about this time I don't think. I'm tired from the end of my vacation anyways so I'm probably forgetting something. Oh well...
Enjoy!
Within seconds everyone found themselves back in their Westchester home. Charles steadied himself before checking that everyone had been teleported safely back. He couldn't help but notice the children's unease with how he told Azazel their exact location. Charles waved it off though, it wasn't anything to fuss over. He could see in their minds and found that their reasons for staying with Shaw would not bring them to harm.
Both of the men didn't seem to care for their former leader or his plans and now that he was dead, they wouldn't be a threat. Although Azazel did seem to enjoy fighting he had no intentions of harming another mutant. Janos' feelings seemed more personal so Charles left his thoughts alone since Riptide seemed to distrust him just because of his ability. It made him wonder exactly what Emma had done, but there wasn't any true hate in her memory, just betrayal.
He shook his head, leading them all inside, welcoming them in. Everyone seemed to gather in the living room with some odd silence to it.
Angel was… not happy to be to be back, to say the least. She wasn't dumb, she knew that the others probably weren't going to welcome her back with open arms after she had turned her back on them and left. She couldn't understand why they hadn't left with her. The government agents had mocked them, treated them like they weren't human, like a they were freak shows. Why did they want to stay loyal to them? She was more than a little angry at Erik for knocking up Charles, then choosing to stay with him, and consequently forcing her to go back with him. She wasn't pleased with Charles either, if he had just kept his mouth shut and hadn't practically guilted Erik into dropping the missiles. She didn't make any attempt to hide her displeasure, in fact she purposely projected it to him. She shot Erik a glare whenever he was looking her direction so that he knew that she wasn't happy as well.
Raven had been planning on going with Erik, but she was more than content to stay with her adopted brother a bit longer, especially now that he was expecting. Some things about Charles still irked her, but she wanted to stick around.
Armando was just happy that no one but Shaw had gotten hurt, and that World War III hadn't broken out.
Now that the initial shock had wore off, Erik was actually quite happy that he was back, that he got to spend more time with Charles, with the kids. Really, in a way, he and Charles were already raising a family. This was just… a new addition to said family.
Alex and Sean were the ones who bounced back the fastest, even though they seemed to keep an eye on Shaw's former team(and Erik) the boys were their normal rambunctious and chatty selves. After the silence wore off they excused themselves and ran off. Charles sighed as he heard several crashes upstairs, which more than likely some very old antiques. They needed to run off their adrenaline somehow though. As everyone slowly dispersed he took the chance to turn to the new members of the house. Charles pointed out rooms Riptide, Azazel and Angel. Doing his best to ignore the negative thoughts that were directed at him from the youngest.
The telepath was ready to call it quits by dragging Erik upstairs for a nap and try to forget everything that just happened until Moira stopped him. So much for waiting to deal with all his new problems until tomorrow.
"Charles." she said quietly blocking the doorway and leaning against the frame.
He smiled wearily, "Hello dear, if you don't mind, I'm sure whatever is on your mind could wait till everyone is settled down."
She shook her head and lead him into the kitchen by his arm, "No Charles."
"Alright, I guess not then?," he sighed, sitting down with her.
Moira tapped her nails on the wooden table uneasily, which made Charles feel that way himself. He was too tired and everyone's emotions were effecting his own.
"We have to turn them in," she snapped. "After all the damage they've done we can't let them roam around."
Charles frowned, concerned, "Moira dear, please, Angel is just a child, and Riptide and Azazel will do us no harm."
"How are you sure about that?" she pressed.
He leaned against his hand trying to find the right words, "I just...know. I'm am a telepath, if you forgot and I can tell if people are lying or not. No one wants to hurts us and no one needs to be turned into to the government, dear."
"What am I supposed to tell my bosses then Charles?" she shouted at him.
He looked away, "The truth? They'll arrive at the beach and find Sebastian's Shaw's body - shouldn't that be enough for them?
"What about Erik?"
Charles froze, "What?"
"He almost blew up an entire fleet of ships- My boss will want answers Charles! If we don't turn Shaw's team in then we most defiantly need to turn in Erik. They know that someone tried to kill those men and everyone will want to know who. Shaw isn't enough Charles." she said angrily.
"No," he replied immediately. "We're not turning anyone in, Moira, and if you can't understand this then I will have to ask you to leave."
She narrowed her eyes, "I will tell them where this house is - and then everyone will be under government questioning."
She's just panicking I could just...
"Moira I know you're scared after today," he said softly. "But, please, the children have nothing to do with this."
She shook her head, "Charles, I'm sorry but-"
"But what? You have always trusted me this far why do you want to turn us all over now? Moira you don't understand. Just rest for the day and think about it tomorrow."
"No Charles!" she yelled at him suddenly. "Even if I don't turn in someone myself then somebody will. And I can tell you they will hold everyone in this house responsible rather than just one!"
"Wait, dear, let me speak okay?" he said and lifted his hand.
"What are y-" she was cut off as the room went silent. "I need to go."
Charles closed his eyes and sighed as she suddenly stood up, "Goodbye Mrs. MacTaggert."
It took Azazel less than a minute to appear after he was called and Charles told him where to take Moira. After the other mutant safely returned he found himself wandering off and slumping against a wall.
Charles knew it was always in the back of his mind, how once this was all over he might have to erase her memory but it still bugged him. He never wanted to do it and really, Charles hated using his powers like this in general. Shaw's death remained fresh in his mind, and Charles wondered if this was just the day to break all his morals and boundaries. He hasn't influenced people this much since Cain. Charles swallowed and pushed himself off the wall.
He located Erik quickly as he could, and hide his face the man's chest. Charles hoped he wasn't interrupting anything important, but then again he didn't care much a the moment either.
Erik looked up when he heard footsteps coming toward him, and smiled slightly when he saw it was Charles, not quite sure what to expect. He tensed for moment when Charles suddenly put his head on his chest, but quickly relaxed and wrapped his arms around him. It was very apparent that Charles was upset, and Erik was about to ask him what was wrong when it occurred to him that maybe Charles was having mood swings. Or did those not happen until later on? Erik didn't know, and he decided that it would be best to just rub Charles' back in what he hoped was a comforting gesture. If Charles wanted to talk to him he would.
He laughed against his chest, "No I'm not... having mood swings, Erik." Charles wiped at his eyes and sniffed, "It's nothing important. Just... I don't think Moira will be coming back."
He pulled away and gave a small smile, "I'll inform the of it kids later, I think everyone needs to settle down first."
It took him a moment before he gave a ragged sigh only to rebury himself, "Oh Erik... she wanted to turn you in, that or she was going to give out our location."
"I thought...I mean I should of been able to talk her down. I knew she was just afraid of what her bosses might do and... I just... I could of fixed things." he mumbled against him. "I don't understand why she wouldn't listen to me..."
Erik bit his lip and refrained from saying something along the lines of 'I told you humans can't be trusted' and then kicked himself for even thinking that.
"I'm sorry that you had to do that… I know that it's hard on you." Erik said, and he meant it. He sighed and kissed the top of Charles' head. "Oh boy, the next few days are going to be fun, aren't they? I don't have to be a mind reader to tell that Angel's pissed at me." He muttered into Charles' hair.
"Really? What on Earth gave you that idea?" Angel shouted from the next room over.
Erik closed his eyes and groaned quietly. "I think we should move to a bedroom, Charles, we have an audience."
"Mmm alright," he agreed still leaning against him and moving his arms to be around Erik's neck. "I think you should do all the moving."
Alex and Sean crashed against a nearby wall and hurried the other way. Although, Alex did stop long enough to whistle at Erik and Charles, and then pushed his friend behind so he could run ahead.
Erik cracked at a smile at the boy's antics, and it turned into a full blown grin' at the whistle.
"As you wish." He told Charles, and swept Charles up bridal style and over-dramatically paraded him upstairs. Armando saw them and smiled, flashing Erik a brief thumbs up. They finally reached the bedroom, and Erik kicked the door open, sat Charles gently down on the bed and then walked back and shut the door. He walked back to the bed and sat down next to Charles, pulling him to his side.
Charles curled up beside him, reaching for Erik's hand and intertwined their fingers, "I'm glad you stayed."
"I really am," he mumbled.
They laid there for a while and Charles found himself losing track of time. It was late, and the others should be going to bed instead of destroying his house, but he couldn't find the energy to tell them so. Charles was fine with just being next to Erik and pushing the day behind him. The fact he helped kill Shaw, that he forced Moira to leave so she wouldn't betray them and that he was so close to losing Erik. Charles shut his eyes tight before breathing out and pulling Erik closer. He listened to the other man's thoughts which were mostly preoccupied with the thoughts of their baby and Charles. It relaxed him a bit.
I never expected it to work out this way really, he sent Erik. But...we're going to parents months from now, aren't we?
Charles smiled faintly at the thought. He could hear Alex scream for Hank or more of a 'Hey Bozo!' all away across the house.
Well...we were parents kind of, but this time it's starting from scratch instead of teenagers.
"Did you ever consider this happening?" he said out loud, really asking himself more than Erik.
"Did I ever consider that I would knock up my boyfriend? No, Charles, not really." Erik chuckled. "I think would have a mutation that allows me to see the future. Raising a family… No it's not anything I ever would have thought about before. My life revolved entirely around finding Shaw. Having a lover was out of the question entirely before I met you. Having a child even more so. But you're right, having a baby is going to be different from handling teens. I'm… a little afraid that I won't be able to handle that. The kids are already grown up, all we have to do is help them with their powers and make sure they don't wind up killing each other. They know how to raid the fridge for junk food when they're hungry, they know how to bathe, they know how to entertain themselves, they know how to dress themselves. You have to take care of all that for a baby." Erik sighed.
"I'm sure you'll handle it just fine," Charles assured him. "Besides you're not alone... I have to learn how to take care of a baby too. That skill doesn't come with a degree in genetics. It's something we both need to learn how to do."
After a pause, Erik added in his head, I'm glad that I stayed, too. I'm glad that you told me. If I hadn't pointed the missiles at them, you wouldn't have, would you?
Charles bit his lip and seemed to find the ceiling a lot more interesting than Erik right now as he refused to look at him.
No probably not, he answered. I was preparing to handle this all by myself...but that doesn't matter now. I don't have to worry about that anymore.
Charles closed his eyes and sighed, looking back at Erik, It would be unfair to you...to make you stay. I still think this is influencing your opinion on whether to stay or not.
He paused, I'm not the only one who thinks that either. You know that you really don't have to stay, right...?
"I do have to stay, Charles, and nothing is going to convince me to leave now. It's my child as well, it's my responsibly. I can't leave you alone to do this on your own. Unfair to me? Having to do this alone would be unfair to you. It would be unfair to the child. I've got to be there for them." Erik closed his eyes, remembering his mother. "I grew up without my parents, in a living hell. I've got to give our kid the childhood I didn't get to have. The family I never really got to have. Not for long, anyways." Erik laughed bitterly.
Charles silently watched him talk and when Erik finished he pulled the other close as they could possibility be- without crushing each other. He sat there for a bit, touching foreheads with Erik, contemplating all his thoughts from the long day and its events. Their legs were jumbled together and his head was laying on Erik's one arm. He held tightly onto Erik's hand that was between them. As his sight drifted from their hands and lower, Charles found himself looking at his stomach for a moment, wondering how long it would be till there was actual proof of a child -no their child- being inside him. He swallowed a little nervously and gently touched his lips against Erik's.
"Thank you," he murmured against them and pulled away after a moment.
Afterwards he tried to let him himself relax for the first time today. It made Charles realize how tired he really was.
Goodnight, love.
Goodnight.
The next morning, Erik decided that waking up with Charles next to him had to be the best feeling in the world. He could hardly believe that he had woken up about 24 hours ago with the intentions to leave this behind forever. He snuggled closer and just enjoyed listening to the sound of Charles' breathing, looking at his peaceful face. He watched his stomach rise and fall steadily, the stomach that was carrying their child. Nothing could ruin this moment, not even the distant sound of the kids in the kitchen, arguing over a piece of food, from the sounds of it. Erik could care less. Charles was absolutely beautiful, and Erik had the desire to simply forget everything and lay with him like this for the rest of his life. He brought his hand up to Charles' face, caressing it lazily.
For the first time in… Erik didn't even want to think how long, he felt completely happy and content. No underlying sadness or anger, just happy. And while things weren't perfect, and they were eventually going to have to get out of bed and face the world, it didn't matter to Erik. Whatever drama might happen, he was going to be able to stay by Charles' side for the rest of his life.
"Mmm...morin' Erik," Charles gave a lazy grin and leaned into his hand. "I hope you weren't waiting too long for me."
He gave a small yawn and rubbed at his eyes.
"Well I need to take a shower," Charles gave Erik a quick peck on the cheek. "You're welcome to join me. Erik very briefly considered passing Charles' offer up and going down to the kitchen and making something for the kids, but the with the thought of Charles naked in the shower, with him, he quickly decided that Sean and Alex could tear each other apart limb from limb for all he cared. He followed Charles into the bathroom.
Downstairs the children, or mostly Alex and Sean, were screeching at each other and pushing around the kitchen.
"Raven can't you like make food?" Sean whined and shoved Alex off his shoulders.
"Yeah Raven, don't like... girls have natural cooking talent or something?" The other continued and rewrapped his arm around Sean.
Azazel was against the wall looking completely amused by the situation, and had no intention of helping either. Riptide leaned on him slightly- not paying the kids any attention. He seemed much more focused on the TV, which was playing out in the living room.
"Urgh, what's talking the Prof so long~" whimpered Banshee.
Alex snorted and finally sat down in a chair, "Erik- most likely, like yah know- in bed."
"Ew! Ew just ew!" He whined covering his ears and turning away.
"Well you asked!"
Sean shouted, "It was a rhetorical question!"
"Do you even know what the word means?"
"I know you have a stupid face!"
"What the hell kind of come back is that?" Alex started laughing.
He huffed and Sean crossed his arms, "I don't know- stupid face!"
Raven twitched at the comment about her having cooking talent because she's a woman, but refrained from saying anything. With men that usually only resulted in another 'make me a sandwich, woman' comment. As much as she didn't want to, she was about ready to start breakfast just to get the boys to stop with the bickering. Doing that would only encourage them to use her as their own personal chef, however.
Armando and Hank were sitting quietly at the table, enjoying the show. Angel was standing with Raven, eyes drifting alternatively to the boys' argument in the kitchen and the television in the living room.
Once they managed to snap a chair, Riptide gave up; shoved them down to sit and began to make something for breakfast. Azazel bit back a smirk and walked out into the living room since the excitement was over. Sean and Alex made faces at each from the opposite ends of the table they had been forced to sit in.
"Hey bozo- Are you gonna ever like make another mind machine or whatever? You know...cerberi or something." Alex asked suddenly. "Not that I care, because Sean wants to know."
The ginger looked confused, "I want to know what, from who, and when?"
"Shut up," Havok snapped quickly.
Which he did when Riptide threw some food at the Sean's face. He seemed busy between making something that looked like pancakes along with toast, to shut up anyone who was 'so hungry' that they need food that instant.
"I am going to be rebuilding cerebro soon. There still more mutants out there, and we need to locate them. Though I'm not sure how much we're going to be going to be using it in the near future, what with Charles' condition. Probably not at all." Hank piped up from behind a news paper that he was reading. It slipped between his new hands and he scowled.
"Oh, alright then." Alex replied and aimed a fork at Sean.
That was before Azazel returned into the room and snatched it out of his hands.
It became rather clear that Charles and Erik weren't going to be coming down anytime soon. Everyone in the kitchen was doing their best to ignore the sound of the shower being turned on and then certain other sounds coming from upstairs. Armando walked over to the stereo and turned on the radio, turning the volume high enough to drown out the noise. Everyone was grateful for this.
Raven decided that since Riptide had started breakfast she might as well help him, and she sprayed a frying pan with cooking oil and got the carton of eggs out of the refrigerator.
"So who wants eggs?"
There was a chorus of yes's.
AN: Hope you liked it! Please review! :) Also, if you're upset about Moira leaving the story so soon I'll let you on a little secret - she comes back later into the story, but i needed her to go for part of the plot.