4) Jealous

Plot: Erik is jealous of Moira and Logan. XMFC/DOFP

"So... who is Moira to you?"

Charles looked up from the chessboard and quirked an eyebrow at his opponent. "I beg your pardon?"

"The human woman," Erik clarified impatiently. "Brown hair. Thin. Pretty." Although Erik would admit he had seen more attractive people, particularly the professor in front of him. "Who is she to you?"

The telepath flushed and cleared his throat. "Erik, I beg your pardon but..."

"You already said that," Erik pointed out amusedly.

"Erik, she's just a friend... someone I met before you. She needed our help. She's doing all she can to learn all about mutations." Charles found himself smiling a little. "It's admirable, really."

Suddenly, the telepath heard the chess pieces rattle faintly. And when he looked up inquisitively at the metal bender, he could have sworn he saw Erik's jaw tighten and his eyes momentarily burn with... rage.

Charles would not read his friend's mind. Still, Erik was starting to scare him. What had he said? What was wrong?

"But, well, she's not my girlfriend, if that's what you're implying. Why - Why do you ask? Erik?"

Erik blinked and looked at Charles stoically, as if nothing happened. "Your turn."

"Erik, is something wrong?"

Damn humans, manipulating everyone. Damn human girl. That smile... I should cause that, not her.

"Not at all."

xxx

Logan shifted a little in his seat. Charles looked a little pissed after seeing Erik, but Erik was crimson, scary even. Heck, he was making the Wolverine uncomfortable he was that angry!

Logan had no idea what made the metal bender such a hothead. Sure, Charles punched him, but Logan thought even Magneto was not that less of a man. It was just one punch!

Then, Logan realized Erik was not mad at Charles. He was mad at him.

His glaring eyes would have burnt Logan a thousand times over if he were Scott. Still, Logan was clueless. He did not believe he could have done anything to make him that angry. Unless he was that sensitive and remembered that comment he made ten years ago...

"Erik, don't be childish. If you have something to say, just say it and quit making Logan squirm."

Erik turned to the source of the icy voice, none other than Charles. "Logan? That's who this is? Who is this guy?"

"A friend," Charles answered curtly. He was not in the mood to speak to Erik. "A friend from the - "

"Just a friend? Or did you get over Moira that easily?"

"Kill me now," Logan muttered to himself as Charles gawked and glared at Erik.

"No, Erik. He is not. Will you stop jumping to bloody conclusions? It's just like you to do this sort of thing!"

Erik was unfazed. "And it's just like you to get involved with the wrong people."

"Oh, who are you? My keeper? Do you think I belong to you or something, you insufferable man? Hmm?"

This stunned Erik. Logan was a bit taken aback.

Is he... blushing? This is the same Magneto, right?

"Charles -"

"You have no right to act so overprotective," Charles hissed. "Not after all these years of nothing, no contact, nothing."

"I - I couldn't..." Erik stopped and looked away. Logan relaxed a little during the awkward silence. At least Erik was not glaring at him.

Then, Erik spoke up again. "How did you lose them?" He asked Charles.

"The treatment from my spine affects my DNA."