XMFC/We'll meet again

[diecastking]

In the end, they hardly needed persuading.

Erik strolled onto the base, broke into Stryker's office and greeted him as he returned from lunch. He explained that the school was under his protection and he was prepared to come to an agreement to avoid more of Stryker's men ending up in the infirmary - or worse.

There would be no more incursions. There would be no experiments. But Erik was prepared to eliminate the last of the Nazi threat from the planet in exchange for Stryker staying the Hell away from his family and the school.

The unspoken threat that Erik could reach Stryker and his son at any time of the day or night helped his cause, no doubt, but Stryker signed the deal without more than a phone call.

Erik would leave for Europe the next day. But, first, he had to say goodbye.

Comments

[guideshapelead]

Charles blushes crimson, looking away from Erik's gaze.

"Well, yes..." he says, flustered. "That... that is what I meant, of course."

[diecastking]

"You are beautiful when you blush," Erik says, trailing the back of his finger across Charles' cheek. "A English rose."

[guideshapelead]

"I am no rose," Charles grumbles and blushes even darker.

"You talk like I'm some sort of princess."

[diecastking]

"And I the Black King."

He kisses Charles' lips, wondering if they can skip dinner, tea, anything but bed.

[guideshapelead]

//I can hear what you're thinking// Charles reminds his lover with a laugh.

//I bow before your poor appetite//

[diecastking]

Erik both loves and hates being so transparent to his lover.

//You need your stamina// he teases.

[guideshapelead]

//We can always take a late dinner// Charles points out.

//if we need the energy//

[diecastking]

Erik's expression falls a little.

"I should eat with the children," he says finally. "It only seems...right."

[guideshapelead]

"You are a good man, Erik," Charles smiles and rests his hand over Erik's cheek.

"We will eat. Socially. Then retire to our bedroom."

[diecastking]

"I am many things, but never good," Erik says, trying to keep it lighthearted.

He moves towards the door, savouring every moment of this room, this man.

[guideshapelead]

"You're good for me," Charles argues, and leaves it at that.

"Come on," he quickly changes the subject. "Let me pretend to be of some help in the kitchen."

[diecastking]

The smell of Alex's cooking is wafting from the kitchen. Erik is reluctant to enter, knowing what he would have to tell them what would happen tomorrow.

"After you," he says, wanting to hide between his fiancé one more time.

[guideshapelead]

Charles doesn't argue, leading the way into the kitchen and offering up what he hopes is an easy and genuine smile.

"Smells as good as ever, Alex," he compliments the young man.

[diecastking]

Erik smiles broadly, determined to enjoy this time with his family, and scoops Scott up into his arms.

"What is on this evening's menu?"

[guideshapelead]

"There's soup and bread and then Scott wanted fish and chips," Alex declares, and Charles beams with pride. Already his son is developing the tastes of a true Englishman.

[diecastking]

Scott leans towards Erik's ear solemnly. "These chips aren't like potato chips - they're really fat fries."

Erik laughs. "You are right, mausi. They are Daddy chips."

[guideshapelead]

"And they are much better than your fries," Charles declares, glad that he is teaching Scott the proper words for foods. He refuses to accept the American way, even after living in the country for so long.

[diecastking]

"You will mess up that child," Raven says, snatching Scott from Erik's hands.

"They are fries, Baby Scott. Plain and simple."

[guideshapelead]

"No, they're not!" Charles looks to his son for support, not expecting any from elsewhere.

"Fries are thin, aren't they Scott?"

[diecastking]

Scott clearly wants to agree with his Daddy, but his big brother grins at him from the cooker.

"And chips are flat, aren't they Scott?"

[guideshapelead]

Scott looks between his Daddy, Papa and brother, unsure who's right or what to say.

"Maybe we should agree to disagree," Charles suggests, diplomatically.

[diecastking]

Agreeing to disagree has never been Erik's style, but there's a lot about his life he's had to compromise.

"These are Daddy chips," Erik says firmly, daring anyone to question him.

[guideshapelead]

Giggling. Scott reaches up for his Papa, wanting to be swooped up into his arms.

"Up, Papa," he demands, little arms flailing.

[diecastking]

Erik sweeps up Baby Scott and tips him upside down, enjoying the shrieks and giggles that accompany the movement.

"Is that right?"

[guideshapelead]

"No, Papa, no!" Scott shrieks, though he doesn't actually seem at all upset at being held dangling by the ankles.

"Wrong way!"