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

[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.