XMFC/Where's Scott?

[diecastking]

The fire is roaring in the grate, the drawing room an insulated haven from the chilly expanse of the mansion. Despite Hank and Alex's experiments with capturing Havok power, the old building remains draughty and difficult to warm.

However, Erik is perfectly content. He is sitting on the sofa, Charles sprawled across his lap in a position that would've been completely impossible only a few months ago. He rests his elbow on the arm of the sofa, a book of philosophy open but it's his lover who holds his attention, his hand softly caressing his hair.

Charles has never looked more content, more relaxed. The only sting in the tail is that Erik cannot feel his happiness, one step removed from the intimacy they once shared.

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[diecastking]

Erik doesn't push, leaving the toast for the time being, and pouring Charles another cup of tea.

"We could go outside later," he offers.

[guideshapelead]

"Maybe," Charles gives his non-committal response. He's already exhausted all over again.

"I think I might just... go back to sleep."

[diecastking]

"I'll be here when you wake up," Erik assures him. "I'm not leaving you, Charles."

[guideshapelead]

"I know," Charles sighs, closing his eyes and letting Erik envelop him once more.

"I know."

[diecastking]

After another two days of Charles moping in bed and eating little but toast and tea, Erik begins to see an improvement. His lover stays awake for longer and longer periods, even reading for a while, and Erik hopes he's finally over the worse.

"Will you get up today?" he asks.

[guideshapelead]

Charles worries at his bottom lip, unsure of how to answer. No longer hot and cold and aching, he does long to be out of his bed, but he also knows that means the wheelchair once more.

"Will you... help?"

[diecastking]

"As much as you want me to," Erik says, eyes keen. "You're still strong, Charles. You have always been strong."

[guideshapelead]

"Out of practice, though," Charles scowls, aware that the muscles he'd built up in his arms through using his chair had not been used since his legs had returned to him.

[diecastking]

"We will go slowly. Together. But first, a bath?"

Erik's thoughts may light up with his opinion on Charles' current hygiene levels.

[guideshapelead]

Charles scowls at Erik's thoughts, controlling his telepathy better than a few days ago but still more open than he'd like.

"If you're going to be rude. Fine."

[diecastking]

Erik beams.

"You heard me?"

[guideshapelead]

"Hard not to," Charles sounds affronted.

"I thought you were meant to be my lover."

[diecastking]

Erik brings his lips to within an inch of Charles'.

"Take your bath and I might be."

[guideshapelead]

Charles huffs.

"Fine. Take me to the bath, then."

[diecastking]

Erik maintains his shark-like grin.

"I'm sure you are quite capable, Charles."

[guideshapelead]

"Erik..." Charles groans, starting to tire of the game they are playing.

"I've not been out of bed for days. Please?"

[diecastking]

But Erik is equally as stubborn.

"If you don't push yourself, how will you find your limits?"

[guideshapelead]

"Erik..."

Charles rolls slowly towards the edge of the bed, but the sight of his chair fills him with shame and dread. "You are being cruel, now."

[diecastking]

Erik hides his feelings at being thought cruel.

"I am merely being optimistic. Isn't that how you've always wished me to be?"

[guideshapelead]

"I've wished a great many things, Erik," Charles talks to the wall, refusing to look back at his lover.

"Most have already been taken away from me."

[diecastking]

Despite his own role in Charles' hardships, Erik has never been able to raise much sympathy for his lover's plight. He lost his innocence, his father and his mother, and an entire generation of his people.

"You have your family, and your school. You have your great mind."

[guideshapelead]

"All I wanted was some help," Charles sighs, somewhat cowed.

"Was that too much to ask?"

[diecastking]

"Do I help you by keeping you coddled like a child?" Erik says sharply, on the verge of losing his temper.

"I believe you capable. What better help can I give?"

[guideshapelead]

"I'll fall," Charles eyes the gap between bed and chair dubiously.

"I haven't done this in a long while."

[diecastking]

"I am here," Erik says, more gently. "I would never let you fall."