That was the first time Erik showed up.
It was by no means the last.
About a week later, Charles was woken up at 3:30, the frantic skritchskritch on the window having grown too loud to ignore.
Erik was wet, and listing slightly to one side, and held a large, reddish kitten by its scruff.
Charles rolled his eyes, before noticing the patches of fur that were missing from his side.
Erik, my friend, he pursed his lips, tail twitching. What happened?
Erik glanced at him sardonically. The kitten in his mouth twitched and scratched, trying to get loose.
Finally, he dropped it in a wet whuff of fur.
The kitten attempted to dart away, but Erik held it in place easily with a paw to the neck.
Got kicked Erik said gruffly. One of Shaw's men.
The red kitten continued to struggle. Really? Well, now we know they're evil.
What? Charles asked.
Kicking the cat. Oldest trope in the book. Makes sure the readers know that these are some serious bad guys, here.
Erik hissed. He glanced at Charles.
Sorry, friend, Erik said, But I think you're on your own here.
He let him up, and began to turn.
The kitten pounced on Charles, needle-sharp teeth gnashing at his throat.
I AM A NINJA! he growled. Then he paused. Say, do you have any bananas?
Erik chuckled softly as he walked away, tail held high.
By the way, Charles- you're looking good.
Um, thank you? Charles called back. Kinda busy, here
With a great kick, he forced the kitten off his throat and into the opposite wall.
He was quite proud that he resisted asking 'Will I see you again?'
Erik seemed to have heard him, anyway. Smug bastard.
Oh, don't worry, he said, I'll be around.