Do mind the warnings. Sexual content is ahead.

Also, thank you for the reading))

Sunset was scarlet, mostly bright-red today. He was sitting under the big tree and watching the colors fade into pale line on the distant horizon. He used to despise idle pastimes… He used to do many things.

Alex couldn't believe it was all over. For several months he has lived, has survived and has fought for dear life – and in the end, how ironic, he was granted for his troubles with the sense of overwhelming devastation. He wasn't himself anymore. Only an empty shell of the person he used to be…

Quit brooding, it doesn't suit you.

Emma came up and held a hand.

Alex took the offered palm and pulled her into his arms.

Today I've decided to be kind and amendable. Feel free to seize the moment.

He heard suggestive intonation in her mental voice and smiled in the kiss. As a rule, being with Emma meant feeling completely defenseless. He soon learned that she despised all kinds of restrictions – physical and mental. Alex didn't hide his utter admiration and she accepted his sincerity, listened to his clumsy compliments and seemed enjoying it as much as he did. Deep down he allowed himself to harbor a little hope that this courtship shall last and someday… She knew about it, of course she did, but she said nothing. It suited either of two right now.

Let's go back inside.

Alex let her lead the way. Three weeks have passed since their return. Logan didn't take no for an answer, so they stayed in his house. They had to get used to living with new abilities. Except Moira. She joked that was her immense luck.

Strangely, Emma volunteered to help him herself. Alex couldn't find proper words to express his gratitude. He suspected that he'd have killed everybody in the vicinity without her help. Only one person offered to help him before Emma. They didn't speak much about Charles – nevertheless, everybody mourned the loss. Even Emma – he was sure. Denial didn't help a lot but it somehow dulled the ever present pain. Moira locked Charles' room which still contained some of his belongings.

We must come back to England – thought visited Alex every morning and every evening he promised himself that he'll deal with departure matters tomorrow morning.

Moira and Sean were waiting for them on the porch.

Emma immediately frowned and Alex heard what has awakened her concern. Bad news. The rumors were filling the city – French flagman was attacked. Anxiety was whispering from every corner. There was a fire in the port last night.

'If you want to get out of here do it now,' grimly advised Moira.

Hank caught his eye and nodded in agreement.

Well then. Time has come.

Next day, in the afternoon, Alex, Emma and Sean went to the city together to make reservations for the trip. It was really a bother – captain didn't waver a bit even after Sean tried to bribe him, not very subtly. Emma has joined them, smirked in a condescending manner and dealt with everything in no time.

So, they are leaving Africa in three days.

Boys, this seems urgent.

Emma's presence – tense and sharp – touched his mind and made Alex turn back.

This street is blocked. A scuffle is a funny thing, but not when bluecoats are involved.

A picture of the massacre flashed before his eyes.

We need to find another way.

Emma shut her eyes in concentration – Alex motioned Sean to shut up.

Too many people and all of them are on the verge of panic…

'Is it just one street? Then, we still can…'

No, we can't.

Emma clapped Sean on the back:

'Hurry up, horseboy. Take next turn to the left and then try to slip over there!'

No such luck.

Damn, they'd almost got caught up in the crossfire. What's going on? Alex felt as if the war has started all of the sudden and someone forgot to notify him. And again – he pinched the bridge of his nose – why start uprising in the colony. Jesus, he doesn't get this politics crap.

Emma nudged him by pinching his cheek.

'Ouch! That hurt!'

'Your useless attempts to think this over hurt me too! Get out of the carriage this instant! Horses are almost mad! That Logan, I knew that he intentionally made us take these two ponies…'

An explosion rang in Alex ears and for a moment he was blinded by dust.

They left the carriage behind and were leaning against the wall. Sean was coughing wildly. Alex smelled dirt, powder and something he became familiar with not so long ago.

Yes, they've killed a few.

'Something tells me, that they will notice us…' whispered Sean, frantically clasping his hands.

Shouting, screaming and gun shots were approaching nearer and nearer.

Cheer up, honey! It's time to introduce ourselves in the proper way.

'Emma,' Alex felt stupid reasoning with her, 'we can't attack using our powers, especially I…'

'What's up?' she suddenly was very angry. 'Are you going to wait until they shoot at you? Since then do you have a death wish?'

'I can try…' interrupted her Sean.

Emma's eyes turned into ice.

'What if I can stun them, I'm not sure, I've never tried…'

'Go wild, ginger! I'll watch and applaud.'

Her figure shimmered and she was once again standing before them in full diamond glory.

'Listen, Emma! I'm not worried for myself!' he seized her forearms – marveling at his outburst of courage.

Wall exploded behind him – hot blast pushed Alex forward and somehow he landed on his back. There was blackness around him – Alex was blind and deaf and strangely calm – he could stay like this forever. Suddenly, the pressure on his chest grew and he heard a voice:

Still alive… Brainless idiot.

Slowly he blinked his eyes open and met Emma's intent gaze mere inches from his face.

Where's nowhere to run now.

Charles stared at the painfully familiar ceiling in wonder.

Indeed, it looked like ceiling in Erik's house – he has previously learned all intricate wooden patterns by heart on his first day there.

Surroundings slowly came into focus – Charles turned his head to the right – afraid and hopeful at the same time. The owner of the said house was currently sleeping in the most uncomfortable position imaginable – body slumped on the floor, elbows on the bed, face down on the worn blanket. Apparently, Erik was using Charles' hand instead of pillow. Even looking at him stirred up sympathy.

New senses woke up as soon as he opened his eyes.

His mind was dragged to Erik's this instant – the greedy need to feel, to perceive, to behold. Charles shuddered – shaken and excited by the whirlpool of emotions, feelings, dreams, memories – everything which made up the current flow of Erik's mind overwhelmed his own. How dared he, in the fit of arrogance, – Charles scolded himself. Presumptuous fool! It was akin to drinking the whole ocean in one gulp. Charles retreated so fast that his head was spinning from exertion. Charles saw a flash of his own image in Erik's head – better not succumb to impulses. He has to breathe. Nice, deep breaths will help. And furthermore, he must be more careful.

Erik snapped as if Charles' mind set off the alarm.

He looked up and – holy goodness – Charles noticed how grey his complexion was – how much sleep did he manage to get?

'Charles, what's wrong? Are you hurt? What happened?'

Well, that's a fine question, because the last thing he remembers – rough stone under his back, the voice, and blood and his futile attempts to hold on.

Charles carefully lifted his unoccupied hand – he expected to see ugly scars or what remains after cutting up a hand to draw blood – sunray gently lit clean, smooth skin. This is the right hand – understood Charles and slowly flexed his fingers – and – oh lord, they obeyed. His hand was whole and unmarred again. Excellent – brightened up Charles. If only he could understand how it happened.

Erik was wearily watching him entire time.

Now and then, his thoughts slipped over the hastily thrown barrier like warm ocean waves and Charles could not help but overhear the echo of care, heartwarming tenderness and worry. He didn't answer Erik – he realized – caught up in his speculations. Charles sighed aloud. He's not being polite again. He was not sure that his voice won't betray him, so – he mentally readied himself – he has to answer like this.

I'm alright. However, I don't remember how I turned out in your house. Thought, I was too far away.

Erik winced and immediately tried to hide the grimace.

Am I too loud? I'm very sorry, my friend. It still feels bad…

'Charles, where does it hurt? What can I do?' rasped Erik. He was hovering over Charles and clearly didn't know what to do with his hands. Erik, for some reason, didn't dare touch him.

I'm fine, Erik. Please, calm your mind.

Erik's frantic consciousness resonated with enormous energy – Charles wanted to bask in it, to dive in the very depth and experience everything. He was hardly holding himself in check.

Sorry to alarm you. I meant – my control is bad, but I learn…

He forced his lips into obedience and smiled.

From Erik's point of view it was pathetic pretense.

Charles agreed. But the truth was – the memory of their last conversation has just come back in a rush. Oh dear, now he knows what was wrong. He knew what he planned to say to Erik.

Erik, please, listen to me. No matter how long I search, I can't find the proper words to express my gratitude to you.

Even now he sounds like the epitome of portentousness. Charles sped up. There was noticeable stinging in his eyes.

I'm really sorry that I offended you then… after everything you've done for me…

Erik's outburst was more livid than he anticipated.

Charles stifled a hiccup and readied himself. Better deal with it now than later.

'Oh, no! You won't do that again!' he grabbed Charles' shoulders – he was just preparing to sit – and shook. 'No to apologizing! Shut up! Just shut up!'

Erik abruptly seized his face in both palms and moved closer. Charles felt hot, harsh lips on his. He sighed in surprise. Never wasting any possibility, Erik usurped his mouth with well recognizable fury.

Subtle mental barrier broke into pieces.

Charles was falling into infinite vortex.

Charles was gone; he dissolved in Erik's mind and let Erik come into his own. Erik stilled for a moment – having felt a foreign presence. Then he kissed him even harder than before, captured him in the tight embrace and put a hand on the back of Charles' neck, ran fingers through his hair.

And Charles was drowning – he was drowning in Erik's love. It surrounded him like a warm, soft cloud and for a short moment he was frightened – and what if Charles can't love Erik back with the same devotion. Of course you can – said someone. He was not sure who.

Loving Erik comes so natural and easy.

Erik was the first to pull away.

Reluctantly, that is.

'If visual demonstration was not enough, I shall repeat it aloud. Charles Xavier, I love you.'

Charles Francis Xavier, my friend.

Surprised Erik was so funny that Charles laughed with joy.

'We've not been properly introduced, mister Lehnsherr. Yet you want to move so fast…'

Charles… Don't tease me.

Wow, you can speak to me like that. This is fascinating how fast you've learned…

Erik was a quick study.

So wonderful that one can talk without moving his lips.

They have been kissing languidly – it took both of them long to finally learn each other anew. Learn through slow kisses, through gentle exploratory touches and quiet inhales and exhales. There was no suggestive intent in Erik's touches – he was trying to make sure that Charles was alive, was here and Charles, in his turn, was delighted to lay his hands on those tense muscles and smooth away all worries. They were both tired and if sparks of excitement sometimes made one of them shudder in anticipation – lips and tongues continued to move in delightful synch.

Poor Erik is so exhausted. Charles has to find out something important while he still has capacity to stay awake.

Charles softly pulled away. He saw himself through Erik's eyes and his face heat up – damn blush will haunt him to his death bed. Ruffled hair scattered on the pillow – it has grown too long; eyes dark and huge; and lips – already swollen and redder than usual. Erik wanted him like this, thought him attractive and gorgeous. After so many weeks in the jungles… Charles can't be…

'Charles, what's wrong?'

Erik pulled back and frowned, agitated.

'Everything's fine. More than fine, actually, but, Erik… I still don't remember. After everything that happened to me…'

Erik firmly clasped Charles' closest hand and interlaced their fingers.

'How did I get back here?'

'You brought us in a flash – one second and - viola,' Erik informed. 'I thought you'd just look it up in my head.'

He put two fingers to his temple.

'How do we call this, by the way?'

'Telepathy, according to the Society for Psychical Research. So embarrassing, Erik. I must confess I thought they were sciolists…'

Erik threw back his head and laughed.

'Looks like we have to let go of many believes.'

He held out his hand and the familiar metal briefcase hovered over the table, slowly floating in circles.

Charles blinked and produced a delighted noise – not a squeak, thank you very much.

'Fascinating, Erik! Oh dear, it flies!'

'I can move metal. Whatever this is, it doesn't work with other things. There is almost no metal in the jungles – I could have noticed it much later.'

Both of them were lost in their own thoughts for a brief moment.

In the end it was Charles who broke the silence.

'Erik, what do we do, then?'

Erik clearly understood what was meant by that gawky question. He sat, intently looking Charles in the eye:

'We leave our lives, what else,' he put the case down on the table. 'There's something I'd like to do, but I realized that I can't start it without a singly ally.'

Charles sat up on the bed, masking the sinking feeling in his gut.

'You have no idea how much I need you. Charles, I want you by me side. Always. You and I, only imagine, how we can change the world. Especially now!'

While Erik waited for his answer, the silence in the air was comprised of transparent agitation. Charles has reordered his thoughts, noting that Erik's presence made the process easier and more efficient.

There's so much good in the world. It's worth fighting for. Just… Enough with blood. He's already… One must look for another ways – they're on the threshold of a new century, after all. Things are destined to change.

Charles felt the corners of his mouth lifting up.

This time it seemed right.

Erik interpreted his expression correctly and they shared a private, hesitant smile. One of many – Charles dared to hope.

'We shall do this…' Erik was betrayed by questioning intonation.

Charles decided to cheer him up. Serious matters like this have to be taken more lightly. Otherwise, it seems too dramatic.

He grinned so wide that his cheeks ached from the strain:

'Let's find out together!'

The decision to stay in the house to rest and recuperate in so many ways was completely mutual.

Civilized world will wait.

He's found Charles, Charles was alive and well, he didn't push Erik away and everything was great. These weeks' memories he will treasure in the deepest corner of his heart – time full of joy, love, serenity and… bickering from time to time – because Charles was Charles, after all.

Raven came in the evening of the day Charles has regained consciousness. She was thinner than before and Erik sighed in defeat – somehow he has become a breadwinner in this weird relationship. Charles was so happy to see Raven that he ran to her as if hoping that she would fall into his arms. This is panther, for god's sake. Charles glowered.

Heard that.

Erik failed to stifle a weary sigh – life with Charles was very promising, indeed.

Charles decided to catch up with his research, saying that his guilty conscience shall torture him at night if he returns empty-handed. Erik didn't appreciate the bad pun – especially coming from Charles, who was rarely able to get a good night's sleep, no matter how much he tried to put a brave façade for Erik. Well, at least that thing, the voice, has healed his body – enough to be grateful for.

Erik went hunting every day and was officially in charge of preparing food.

Raven, the sly creature, practically moved in. Erik was idly cataloguing different ways to ward her off in the future. After all, jungles are her home. What will she do when he and Charles will board the ship to England?

Erik was worried that Charles will be troubled by the fate of his companions. Erik asked him directly – anxious about the situation which had nearly cost him the man he loved. From now on, he will always stay by his side. But with Charles, philosophically mused Erik, you never know what future keeps in store. This time, for instance, Charles only smiled and reassured Erik that his friends were fine. Telepathy is a formidable power – concluded Erik and never breached the subject again.

Days went by.

First few days there was a lot of kissing – both of them hungry for contact. Erik never thought himself one into tenderness, but Charles made him change his mind. However, soon Erik could no longer resist the temptation and started, subtly at first, running his hands under Charles' shirt, feeling his body and caressing smooth skin. Erik almost didn't wear clothes himself but Charles stubbornly refused to follow his example.

Once he caught Charles shirtless just on the same spot he first saw him with Raven.

He quietly came up and pulled him closer. Charles shuddered at unexpected contact and looked up at Erik with wild, desperate eyes. Erik lowered him on the flower-grass bed and started with kisses all over his face, gently biting eager lips and stroking nipples. Then, Erik moved to Charles' neck – liking and sucking, worrying skin between his teeth prompting Charles to shiver and moan. Satisfied, Erik played with hardened nipples with his fingers and tongue – he took his time cataloguing reactions: soft gasps, sudden inhales and quiet moans. Finally, Charles was arching wonderfully beneath him – already hard – biting wet dark-red lips in anticipation.

Without warning he swapped places with Charles and held him close, dragging up for a kiss. They were pressed chest to chest and Charles groaned at unexpected friction irritating his sensitive nipples.

Again, Erik didn't want to rush him.

He waited.

Charles was loudly breathing in and out – the blue of his eyes obscured by black pupils – all aglow with delight. Their breath mingled and no one dared to make the first move. Erik would wait. It was worth it.

In a minute Charles gave up and reached out for the kiss.

The taste of his soft, full lips was driving Erik mad. He stroked Charles' back and prompted him to move. Charles quickly caught up with an idea and played along, lost in arousing friction.

Erik caressed his back – never breaking from the kiss – slowly following the line of the spine until he wrung his hands under the belt. Charles reacted like he always did when surprised – he gasped. Erik slid his hands lower and grabbed, lightly at first. Charles whimpered – that's right – sign to go on. Erik firmly squeezed his buttocks and started to knead flesh in his hands, forcing Charles to moan louder. He needs more, decided Erik and experimentally spread firm flesh with thumbs. How he wished to get rid of those goddamn trousers – but Erik loved good challenge. He'll get him off like this. Curious, Erik rubbed his thumbs along the crevice – his hands were literally tied – no room to do as he wanted. Erik managed to probe his index finger farther – found what he sought and gently circled the pucker – Charles stiffened and exhaled – more. Well, as if he can say no to Charles. Erik concentrated and thought about all things he wanted to do to him, how much he wanted to be buried deep inside him – he would be so good, so tight for Erik, he would look so beautiful impaled on Erik's cock, thrashing and whimpering beneath him, begging Erik to take him again and again, hot and desperate and eager to be taken apart… With this Erik pressed his fingertip in.

Charles cried out, his body tensed like a bow, and then he slumped on Erik's chest – breathing uneven and ragged. Erik hugged him – he noticed that Charles likes to be held. His own arousal reminded him that he needs his hand for something urgent, but Erik stoically held Charles until he came from his high.

Erik… My love, Erik, you are… Erik…

Charles repeated his name like dozens of times but Erik didn't mind. Instead, he felt surge of pride and – to hell with it – he just liked how Charles pronounced his name, even if he did it inside his head.

Erik, may I… umm… reciprocate?

Charles had to take his time to come up with phrase like that. Gods, thought Erik, help me…

Timidly, Charles reached for his cock and grabbed. He hid his face in the juncture of Erik's shoulder and Erik felt wet, hot breaths on his neck. It should be quite uncomfortable for Charles – judging by the angle – but Erik didn't want to overwhelm him so far.

In the evening, on the memorable day of their first kiss, they were having dinner outside on the grass – even Raven lazily stretched nearby. Charles cleared his throat and waited until Erik looked up from fruits he was peeling for them. Charles, blushing and stammering, and then completely changed over to mindspeech told him that he has to warn Erik, because he's never done it with men, Erik knows what he means, basically he knows what to do, but not with men, and, to be honest, he hadn't done it much, not very often and so… Erik had to shut him up by tackling him to the ground and kissing every inch of lovely face, devouring his sweet mouth and silently promising Charles that he'll make it good, the best, actually.

Charles in bed was a demanding, sensual creature. He was also very generous and willingly surrendered his body and his brilliant mind for Erik, to do everything he's ever wanted. Erik's prior task was to grand him as much pleasure as he was able to take.

They shared the bed at night. From the start it went like this – Erik embraced Charles – tucked under the blanket he confiscated in the same cannibal settlement – stolen from some poor traveller – because Charles claimed he was cold. Later, Erik start using his mouth and his hands to help Charles reach his peak and then he quietly fell asleep, babbling some nonsense while Erik cleaned him off and tucked back under soft blanket.

Every item of Charles' very limited wardrobe went down with a fight.

At last, he had Charles completely naked in his bed. Erik waited for his nod and once he got it, Erik decided that time has come to prepare Charles for main event. He's fantasized about this for a while and his amazing, smart Charles, having read Erik's silent plea, rolled on his stomach. After a little nudge from Erik he spread his legs and arched his back. Erik prepared him carefully. Don't rush – he had to remind himself. Stretch him good. Let him get used to your fingers. Let him come like this and only after a while… He squeezed his eyes tight. Must keep himself in check. Don't rush – don't hurt Charles.

After he came with the help of Charles working his cock with more confidence than before – they fell together in bed, basking in afterglow, and Charles asked him aloud in a hoarse, sleepy voice:

'Erik, is something wrong? I thought, I understood what you wanted me to do, right? Because if I… I want to know…'

Erik saw where this was leading.

'Nonsense. You're doing it right! You're are wonderful,' Erik held his chin up.

And I don't want to hurt you.

But you…

Hush, go to sleep. We're taking it slow.

Today he deposited Charles on his chest – Erik wanted to see his face. Moonlight has made Charles paleness more pronounced – his lips were parted, eyelashes trembled and rebellious hair fell on his forehead and flushed cheekbones. Charles constantly complained and tried to cut it with Erik's knife, but managed to make it worse – separate strands proudly stood out in all directions. Erik liked his hair and told Charles that. Maybe that's why he finally stopped his useless attempts to trim it.

They have moved to four fingers tonight. Erik rolled Charles on his back and got ready.

He moved slowly, so slowly into that wet, waiting heat that he didn't dare to breath. Charles was shaking and sobbing under him, around him.

Erik… Too much. So big, Erik, please…

Erik stilled and let Charles get used to new sensation and stretching. It was fantastic, but, he gritted his teeth, if he doesn't move now, he would explode.

Go on…Move…

Charles was already losing it – his words burned order right into Erik's mind and he furiously snapped his hips. Erik had to bit his lip – pain cleared his mind and he was moving more cautiously, gradually increasing the rhythm.

What an unbelievable power – thought Erik, rubbing circles into Charles sweaty back and kissing puffy lips. They lay under the blanket together and Charles was leaking blissful satisfaction all over Erik and, probably, all over the whole forest. They were only starting to learn how to control their powers and Charles was already exceptionally good. The wonder, named Charles Xavier, currently stroking his half hard cock, was the best thing he could hope to find on six continents.

One more time, Charles? Aren't you sore?

You shouldn't sound so smug, my friend. Especially, when you are already so interested.

Charles twisted his clever hand and Erik groaned.

I want you. This last time in here… I want to remember this.

Erik knew what he meant. He felt it too – sadness and reluctance to leave this house, desire to prolong their happiness as much as possible. Right now, in this moment he's making love to Charles and nothing else matters.

Tomorrow they are hitting the road early in the morning.

As expected, it was difficult to explain Raven that she can't follow them. Charles was shaking his head – telepathy didn't work on animals.

Fortunately, on the eighth day of the trip Raven didn't appear.

Erik stated that first of all they had to go to the city – he would snatch money stored in the secret place. They will need new clothes, temporary apartment and tickets – the rest can wait.

Charles paled more and more when they were coming closer to the city boundary.

Anxiety, anticipation mixed with fear and too many minds at once, but I'll be fine, really.

Erik gave him a skeptical look.

This is a splendid opportunity to strengthen the barriers in my mind. Please, don't worry. This is like an exercise in filtering and concentration.

Of course, I'll worry. This is you we are speaking about.

Charles indignantly huffed in response and ignored him for two hours.

Erik was lucky – he found the suitable clothes in the same shop he visited earlier. Charles was not. He reluctantly put on a rather nice suit of military cut. It was navy and fitted him perfectly and it was the only item they were able to find at the moment.

Charles was standing by the window of their opulent hotel suit now and clawing at the tightly fit collar.

Perks of civilization and wealthy loaded.

Erik admired the view from his armchair, tasting excellent coffee.

Gorgeous.

Brilliant.

Marvellous.

His.

'Everybody was staring at us, at me,' he glanced at Erik. 'They thought I was another foreign officer – military arrives every day. No wonder people are confused. I really need to change into something else…'

'The war is near – what do you think,' Erik put the tiny cup aside. 'And I don't like it either, but even with our powers we can't turn the wheel back. Though, you, when I think about it – you can try.'

Charles rolled his eyes and stared outside. The storm was coming. A very powerful one.

'How are you?' quietly asked Erik.

'Better,' he smiled, fond, and wanted to add something, when suddenly gasped and doubled.

Erik dashed to him and helped Charles to straighten up.

Erik, it's begun. But more importantly, boys are there. We need to hurry.

Smoke obscured vision but Charles was confidently leading the way. They ran to the central square and Erik felt a lot of metal around. He inhaled dust, powder and blood. People were shouting like mad, someone was wailing before them, but he couldn't see a thing.

Strong gush of wind cleared the air just on time. Shots rang out. Erik's response was instinct – he stepped in front of Charles and raised his hand. Bullets fell to the ground at their feet and Erik exhaled.

Stop. Why so quiet?

Time froze. Soldiers stopped moving and stilled – petrified. Entire street was frozen up as far as reached the eye.

Charles was holding two fingers to his temple – a mocking gesture served him the anchor – he explained.

He sheepishly smiled and offered:

Apparently, I've just learned how to block all noise in the city.

'Professor!?'

Ginger boy was yelling hysterically and running in their direction, smearing tears with dirty hands. He stood before Charles and asked:

'Is that you, professor? I, I never…' he hiccupped.

Charles, after a moment of hesitation, stepped closer and hugged him.

'Glad to know you are well, Sean!'

Emma came from the same direction, helping the stumbling fair-haired man, not much older than Sean. Alex – he guessed. He met him in the jungles along with doctor McCoy.

Alex squared his shoulders and took the offered hand. Charles smiled and probably spoke to him wordlessly, because Erik heard nothing.

Herr Eisenhardt, what a pleasant surprise!

This is fate, I suppose.

Oh, do you also possess the power to read minds?

Fortunately, I don't, but I do know what a telepath is.

Excuse me?

Charles calls it telepathy. The power you have.

Emma, how are you?

Charles included himself in their silent dialogue.

Curiouser and curiouser – marveled Erik.

They went to estate all together.

When Erik stepped out of the carriage, he smelled a very familiar scent.

'Raven is hiding in those bushes,' grimly reported he – and watched as Charles' eyebrows went up.

'Well, she is a real master of disguise if she managed to follow us unnoticed.'

'Now, they are in the kitchen, I think. I may call them…' Sean tried to be helpful.

'I know, Sean. Thank you!'

Charles clasped his shoulder and stared ahead, seeing something beyond Erik's capacity.

Let's go, my friend. I warned them. By the way, I have an idea and I suppose we have to discuss it in private.

There are other activities both of us can enjoy doing in private.

Erik was satisfied by the blush painting Charles' cheeks pink. He enjoyed it immensely. While Charles was gesticulating, telling his companions about his wonderful rescue, describing some weird things to Sean and Moira and saying how he missed everybody, he was still wearing the blush. Blush which made him Erik's.

Erik glowered at the brown-haired woman who rushed to embrace Charles and made him flinch and instantly shudder. That was not her fault, but nevertheless…

Charles looked at Erik with plaintive eyes.

I'm sorry, Erik. This is nothing.

What did I tell you about apologizing? It never ends good, so quit right now. And, Charles, do you think me stupid? I know about nightmares.

Charles blanched.

Erik didn't want to do it, didn't want to make him feel guilty or helpless. He tried to put as much warmth and care in his response as possible.

Charles, this is fine, but you don't need to deal with this alone.

'Ahem, man, we are just happy to sit there and watch you staring at each other, but what about the rest of the story?' grumbled the owner of the house.

Charles tried to clear his throat and thus mask the embarrassment.

'Logan, shut up!' said the woman from before and stood up. 'They are probably tired. Charles, here's the key to your room and mister Lehnsherr can come with me. I will show…'

'Umm, thank you, dear, but there's no need,' managed Charles and also stood up.

Erik enjoyed different levels of confusion and bewilderment on their faces which blew up as soon as he pulled Charles close. He felt a twinge of anxiety from Charles and in response pressed him tighter.

After all, heavy doors of the bedroom closed behind them and Charles went limp in his arms. Erik leaned on the door and gently maneuvered Charles, letting him cling to Erik's jacket. They stood there in complete silence.

In a little while, Charles shifted and raised eyes, once again filled with enthusiasm.

So, this idea I told you about. What if I try to establish a mental link between us? In future, it'll prove useful. If you want, that is…

Erik read the latent meaning – if you still want me.

It made Erik wild – to listen to such nonsense.

He demonstrated Charles the full extent of his desire right at the door.

Falling asleep with Charles curled up next to him in the large spacious bed, he realized one thing – wherever he was, he was at home.

He was with Charles.