XMFC/Take me out

[diecastking]

After his fight with Charles, Erik is careful to keep James at arms length. While he enjoys the man's company, Charles seems to have some sort of problem with it. For the sake of his lover's comfort, Erik is willing to sacrifice one friendship.

But one night after dinner, James approaches him with a map, excitedly pointing out a Civil War fort in an area of particular geological significance. He proposes a joint field trip. Erik is caught up in James' enthusiasm and readily agrees.

James tells him about a second-hand minibus he's seen in town and Erik agrees they should look at it. Without a second thought, Erik fetches the motorbike and James climbs on the back, the two of them chattering about their field trip.

Comments

[guideshapelead]

For his part, Charles has been trying his best not to let his jealousy become irrational. James is just a friend, to the both of them, and if Erik wants to spend time with him then that's no different from him wanting to spend time with Alex, or Sean.

Only Charles can't quite make himself believe that. It's something in the way James is, the way he behaves around Erik. Charles doesn't need to be a telepath to see the attraction there, though Erik seems oblivious.

The final straw is when Charles watches them ride off together on Erik's bike. That bike had been a gift from him, and he'd never intended Erik to share it so readily. It hurts him in a way he can't describe.

[diecastking]

They take a few hours looking at second-hand buses and beautiful old bikes, before it gets dark. Erik and James ride back with a bottle of wine and broad grins.

[guideshapelead]

And that's just another nail through Charles' heart, watching from his study window as they return late, minds full of joy. With the security lights triggered, he can clearly see the wine, and the smiles on their faces.

Turning away, he crosses the room to lock his study door. It won't stop Erik if he truly wants to get in, but he hopes he'll respect his privacy.

[diecastking]

Erik and James spend another hour planning their field trip in the staff room, sharing the bottle of wine and drawing up a rough proposal to give to Charles in the morning.

James gives him a rough one-armed hug before departing for bed. Erik shakes his head - the man really can't handle his alcohol.

As Erik heads to bed himself, he's surprised to see the light filtering out from around Charles' study door. He moves to open it - and finds it locked. Erik frowns.

//Charles?//

[guideshapelead]

Charles considers ignoring Erik for a moment, and then decides that's petty. That would take them back down the same path as before.

//I'm busy// he lies instead.

[diecastking]

Erik continues to frown. Charles never locks his study door, even when deeply buried in work.

Erik knows he could simply unlock the door, but that would only irritate Charles.

//You should come to bed// he tells him instead //It's late//

[guideshapelead]

//I'll be there in a minute// Charles replies, knowing that he can't hide away in his office all night. And he refuses to give up his bedroom over this.

He thinks he's capable of keeping his feelings hidden.

[diecastking]

Satisfied for now that Charles is going to join him, Erik returns to their bedroom and strips down for bed.

He is pleasantly buzzed from the wine and looking forward to an embrace with his lover.

[guideshapelead]

Charles shows up twenty minutes later, silently preparing himself for bed. If Erik asks, he's saying he has a headache. He's not beyond using the oldest excuse in the book.

[diecastking]

However, Erik can clearly see that something is wrong.

"Are you all right?" he asks, frowning. "You look tired."

[guideshapelead]

"I am," Charles answers simply.

"I've been working all evening."

[diecastking]

Erik is sympathetic and feels momentarily guilty about going out. But he's sure Charles will we delighted by their plans.

"James and I have something to show you tomorrow," he says brightly.

[guideshapelead]

"Oh?" Charles forces himself to sound interested as he transfers into bed, getting himself under the covers and closing his eyes.

[diecastking]

Erik cuddles up to Charles' side.

"We're planning a field trip. To the Hudson River."

[guideshapelead]

Charles doesn't pull away or resist Erik's advances, but neither does he respond in any way, lying still and tense in his arms.

"Why there?"

[diecastking]

"There's a Civil War fort next to some interesting rock formations - it's perfect for history, chemistry and geography."

Erik frowns at the tension in Charles' shoulders. "You've been working too hard. You're very tense, liebe."

[guideshapelead]

Typical. History and chemistry. Charles struggles not to rise to that latest taunt, fighting not to get angry. That never ends well, and there's no point. They'll just go to bed bitter.

"I'm just tired. I'll be fine in the morning."

[diecastking]

Nodding, Erik rolls away to settle on his side of the bed, reaching for Charles' hand beneath the covers.

//Goodnight, liebe//

[guideshapelead]

"Goodnight, Erik," Charles responds, out loud rather than telepathically. Closing his eyes, he falls silent, though not to sleep. He doesn't think that will come for a while.