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]

"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."

[guideshapelead]

At Scott's bedside, Charles struggles to keep his own emotions in check. He doesn't want his son to feel or see his sadness. Someone has to be strong about all of this.

"How, Papa?" Scott demands. "How can you be here and not here at the same time?"

[diecastking]

"Just like Daddy in your head," Erik says, tapping the side of Scott's skull. "It's part of my special powers."

"When can I have special powers, Papa?"

[guideshapelead]

"When you're older," Charles answers on Erik's behalf. "Nobody knows when."

Truth be told, he didn't know whether Scott ever would get powers. But it had to be likely; it already ran in the family.

[diecastking]

Scott nods miserably and plays with the warm metal on his wrist.

"S'not very cuddly," he grumbles.

[guideshapelead]

"But your Papa made it for you," Charles reasons.

"Isn't that better than being cuddly?"

[diecastking]

"Your Daddy has cuddles for you. And Alex and Raven and Hank and Sean."

Scott wraps his arms around Erik again. "In the morning, you'll be gone?"

"Yes," Erik says quickly. He cannot face more goodbyes.

[guideshapelead]

"Can I write you letters?" Scott asks, hopefully. His Daddy and his brother have been teaching him how to write his name. He's sure a letter can't be that much harder.

[diecastking]

"Of course you can, mausi," Erik lies smoothly. He will leave no forwarding address, but the child can write all he wants.

He wants to promise postcards in return, but he has no idea if that is feasible. It hadn't exactly been an issue the last time he played soldier.

[guideshapelead]

"We'll write them together," Charles promises, reaching out across the bed and stroking a gentle hand over the little boy's head.

"We can both write to Papa."

[diecastking]

Scott nods and, despite his fear and his sorrow, he is exhausted by his crying. The little boy closes his eyes and Erik lies beside him until he is sure his brave Baby Scott is sleeping.

[guideshapelead]

"Night night, little one," Charles leans in close and gives Scott a gentle goodnight kiss, before tactfully moving himself away towards the door, giving Erik a moment alone with his sleeping son.

[diecastking]

Erik kisses his son's forehead, refusing to allow a single tear to escape his closed eyes. He knows he may never see his little boy again, but he has to have hope of a return - else, what is it all for?

Eventually, he moves away and joins his lover at the door, unable to meet his eyes.

[guideshapelead]

//Come to bed, Erik// Charles suggests, reaching for his hand and holding it for a moment in his own.

//I want my time alone with you, now//

[diecastking]

Erik simply nods, led like a lamb to their bedroom. This will be the last time he sleeps here for many months. If the night will grant him sleep.