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

[diecastking]

Erik watches everyone industrially clear their plates. Food is never wasted in this house - Erik knows hunger too well to allow that.

Only when the main meal is over does Erik nod to Alex to fetch the crowning glory of the meal. The boy's talent in the kitchen is exceptional.

[guideshapelead]

Scott is up on his seat by the time the adults have all cleared their plates, clapping and stamping for his dessert. Charles, for once, lets him cause his ruckus - he does not want the night ended with an argument and a crying son.

"You wait your turn, kiddo," Alex grins at his little brother as he finally brings pudding to the table; a large dish of fruit crumble and a jug of hot custard.

[diecastking]

Erik has never had a sweet tooth - bad memories - but he loves to watch his family indulge.

Alex offers him a small token helping and Erik smiles gratefully. His heart aches with how much he will miss this - being known.

[guideshapelead]

Charles' helping is, as normal, at least twice the size of Erik's, but for once the Professor has no stomach for it. He manages a few spoonfuls before pushing it away, claiming an overindulgence on the previous course.

[diecastking]

Erik frowns at Charles pushing his bowl away.

//Are you well?//

[guideshapelead]

//Fine// Charles promises.

//But you cannot expect me to have my normal appetite, not tonight//

[diecastking]

Erik also pushes aside his bowl and takes his lover's hand.

//We must tell them//

[guideshapelead]

//I cannot, Erik...// Charles resists. //They will be heartbroken//

"Hey," Raven calls out down the table, seeing the clasped hands and guessing, incorrectly, what must be going on between her brother and his partner.

"Out loud voices at the table."

[diecastking]

Erik relinquishes Charles' hand.

"I am afraid I must go away for a while."

His words are met with shocked silence and all eyes turned towards him.

[guideshapelead]

"A while?" Alex is the first to speak, voice somewhere between sad and angry, arms crossed stubbornly over his chest.

"What's that supposed to mean?"

[diecastking]

"The United States Government has asked me to complete a task in exchange for all our continued freedom."

The words taste like ashes, a reminder of the devil's deal he has signed.

"I don't know how long it will take. No more than a year."

[guideshapelead]

"A year?!" Raven is on her feet, looking stunned, aghast.

"You can't just walk out for a year!"

In his chair, Scott starts to wail.

[diecastking]

Erik reaches for his son instinctively, though he knows someone else should comfort him, prepare him for Erik's long absence.

He struggles to talk over the sobbing and the tiny fists beating at his chest.

"It was the only way to keep us safe," he says to Raven. He has to believe that.

[guideshapelead]

Charles doesn't know what to say, the heartache around the table the same as his own. He wants Erik to leave no more than anybody else does.

"It has to be this way," he forces himself to be the voice of reason, the leader he's expected to be. "We have to keep this school a sanctuary."

[diecastking]

"You knew about this?" Raven says accusingly. Sean puts his head in his hands and Alex silently fumes.

Erik tries in vain to soothe Scott, but the little boy is inconsolable.

[guideshapelead]

"Only tonight," Charles isn't sure why he's getting the evil eye as well.

"I have already tried my best to change Erik's mind, but I cannot. And I see the sense in his actions, as hard as they are to accept."

[diecastking]

Erik's mouth twists. He had hoped to, at least, go with Charles' confidence but he knows his lover would rather he stayed. Perhaps it would be better to die as a family, defending each other.

"I know you will manage the school in my absence," is all he can say.

[guideshapelead]

"Of course he will," Sean spits. "It's his school, not yours."

Charles sighs. Sean has always been loyal to him, and he appreciates it, but the last thing he wants now is a division in loyalties.

"Enough, everyone," he tries to call for order. "The decision has been made. There's nothing more to discuss."

[diecastking]

"Well, nobody discussed it with us," Alex mutters darkly.

Scott's cries have subsided to muffled sobs, but he doesn't beg Erik to stay. That is somehow worse than if he did.

[guideshapelead]

"I think dinner is over," Charles sighs, wishing things weren't ending so sadly but not knowing how to make things better.

"Come on, Scott, bed time."

[diecastking]

"No," Scott says into Erik's shoulder, and Erik carries him out into the hallway.

"He can't do this," Raven says, her voice carrying from the kitchen. "How are we going to defend ourselves when the shit hits the fan?"

[guideshapelead]

Charles follows Erik and Scott out from the kitchen, trying to block his ears to his sister and his mind to the surge of emotion coming from his special family.

//Do you want to put Scott to bed alone, tonight?// he offers.

[diecastking]

//Together// Erik cannot hide the depth of feeling in his thoughts, how troubled his heart is tonight. //He needs to know we're both not abandoning him//

[guideshapelead]

//Together// Charles agrees, and silently follows as Erik carries their son to his bedroom.

Together or not, this is Erik's time to say goodbye to their little boy. Charles is content to hang back in the shadows until he's needed.

[diecastking]

Erik tries to lay Scott on his bed, but the little boy clings on.

Instead, Erik lies down next to him, stroking the little boy's hair.

"You know how you can hear Daddy wherever you go?" Erik says quietly.

"Mm."

Erik reaches for Scott's wrist and metal slides out from his sleeves, curving around his little boy's arm to form a bangle.

"I will always protect you," Erik says, hoping it's true. "I am always here even when I'm far away."