Whatever spare time they have in the day or in the evenings are often spent playing chess together. Charles had tried to join Erik in the gym a few times, but he really isn't much for doing push-ups or sit-ups and whatever else Erik, Alex and Azazel seem to enjoy so much. The one time he'd tried to learn some basic boxing techniques, Charles had failed to dodge and Alex had punched him in the nose, and that was not great. Thankfully, there's Hank, and he's happy to stick to being able to do multiple laps around the mansion with him instead.
"It's a good thing we're just going to be spending time in my flat in Oxford. I suppose there'll be plenty of opportunities for you to catch up on some sleep then." He turns to the next page of the short novel and continues reading for a bit more before he puts the book down, deciding to focus his attention on Erik instead. If the man's not going to sleep, they might as well talk. But before that, he'll steal some quick kisses first. They're in their own private corner of the chartered plane, so this is perfectly fine.
"Do you know what Raven said when I told her about us? She said she suspected it for weeks because she smelled my shampoo on you. Of all things. I would've thought it would've been the fact we'd start a game of chess but never quite finish it..." He supposes no one pays attention to the chessboard in his study. Or that one time the books were in a haphazard pile on the floor right next to his desk.
"Charles, no one monitors our chess games," Erik responds, confirming that indeed, why would any of the kids care about that? Maybe they just thought they kept finishing and starting new ones, even. But he hadn't noticed that it was so stark of a difference to use Charles' shampoo instead of his own, and maybe to throw off the scent he should start buying Charles' shampoo instead.
"I'll sleep when you sleep," he resolves, leaning up from where he'd reclined on Charles' chest to kiss him gently. "You know, we should have a bike ride." Oxford's kind of a small town, so it won't be a long one, but he thinks it'll be nice for the two of them to ride around, maybe check out the clock tower.
He doesn't know what else they'll be doing there but research, and staying in so that they can have lots of private time in their well-sound-proofed living quarters. It doesn't sound like a bad shake, and in fact, sounds perfectly like a nice, relaxing vacation. He imagines Charles will get some work done, and maybe Erik will start some writings as well.
He'd argue that Hank notices they play a little too much chess, but it doesn't matter anyway. The moment they get home they're letting everyone know they're together, and Erik will officially move into his suite, and that's that. No more hiding and sneaking around. The past couple of months have been great, absolutely fun, and thrilling even, but there have been too many mornings where he wishes he could just sleep in with Erik next to him instead of having to sneak out of each other's bedroom at the crack of dawn or in the middle of the night.
He runs his fingers through Erik's hair, enjoying the little kisses shared between them, and he smiles at the suggestion they go biking around town. Well, that's something he'd never done while he'd been at Oxford. Charles thinks he'd be more than happy to go for a bike ride with his... boyfriend, is it?
"That sounds like a fun idea. I should show you the sights and take you to my favourite pub of course." He really did love his time at Oxford, and if he hadn't met Moira, he probably wouldn't have chosen to return to New York. Instead, he likely would've found a teaching position in Oxford even. But things are even better now, and he's looking forward to a future with Erik and the rest of the mutants at the mansion.
"How about we turn this into a mini vacation for us? I'd love to spoil you." The main reason for returning to Oxford is to complete his research, tidy up the place, pack up his belongings and head home. But well, perhaps there's no need to rush all of that and they can stay on for a few extra days.
"Only if you want," he says, looking up at him and smiling softly. It's not like Erik to be so relaxed. Usually he's on-edge, cool, slightly aloof. But ever since they'd started this thing together, he'd become soft around the edges, affectionate, and oh-so-loving. In some ways, he's like a cat who's finally found an owner to love.
He offers Charles a little kiss before he settles back against his shoulder, half on his chest, soaking in all his touches and physical affectations.
"But I'd like to. Waking up next to you and not sneaking out, bringing you breakfast, watching you work. That sounds like a good time." He likes the thought of them doing something so mundane as just coexisting, because, honestly, Erik had never thought that he could have such a love. He'd not considered that he could have a normal, functional relationship.
It makes him reconsider possibilities, and think that maybe he could settle down, when they get home, that maybe it was always Charles that he was meant to do so with.
Of course spending time with Erik, and just Erik alone for once, is exactly what he wants. They haven't had much time to themselves at all, so this will be a nice change. There are a lot more of them living in the mansion now since he'd taken in Emma and the rest of her gang, and there's always something to deal with when it comes to the lot of them. When Erik shifts to rest against him again, this time, Charles wraps his arms around the man, hugging him close, and he presses a kiss to the top of his head.
"I'd like that very much. I suppose this is sort of like the calm before the storm, isn't it?" Once they're back at the mansion, they're both going to be busy with recruiting students into the school. Charles wants Erik to come along with him to meet with some of the parents of these young mutants he'd managed to locate via Cerebro. They're going to have to work together to convince both mom and dad that they ought to let their children join them at the school. It'll be an easy enough task for most, but for a few others, well, it could prove to be somewhat difficult, and there's a chance they might not be able to get them all.
"We really ought to take advantage of this time we have together then. Who knows when we'll have the opportunity to take another vacation..." It hadn't been easy to decide to leave Raven with the kids, but he's built enough trust with Emma to know that he isn't going to come home and find the mansion in complete disarray.
"Azazel offered to bring me to Oxford and back via his usual methods, but I'm glad I decided to charter us a plane instead. Did he tell you I lost my breakfast all over him when he decided it was a good idea to teleport me to my meeting last Friday?" Because he was late. Because Erik had sneaked into his bedroom the night before. Because they didn't get any sleep until it was half past six in the morning.
A vacation sounds nice, and normal. Really, really normal. He doesn't know how to deal with normal sometimes, or slowing down, or just... any of those things that most people excel at. He's always on, always alert, always ready to turn on a dime.
But Charles is by his side, a calming presence, a balm. He could get used to this. He could relax, and just take a deep breath, and slough off this rough exterior that he's garnered for himself. The kids have helped too, but he owes most of this change to Charles. Charles, who guides everyone through things, who is always so very level.
Maybe it'll train Erik to integrate back into society, and not in the way he's in it, as an actor, always fitting into whatever role he's decided for himself in order to perform. It always feels like a performance. And finally, now, he's discussing vacations, and biking, and just being, just existing. Charles is getting to show him a world in which he can, after all.
"I knew I should've woken you up." He grins, a wry one, but his eyes are soft. He never smiles like this for anyone else. "I will, next time." He'll be glad if these are the only problems that they have: Charles waking up late, Azazel taking him via inconvenient means.
"And I promise, if you're so easily nauseated, we don't have to go on a boat." Because now he's thinking of all the other things they could be doing in Oxford: going to restaurants, maybe finding a bar, visiting some of Charles' old haunts. It'll be a grand time. He's actually kind of looking forward to it.
"I'm not easily nauseated. You try being abruptly teleported after downing a cup of coffee in a rush and scoffing down two pancakes, and we'll see if you don't end up throwing up." He chuckles softly as he remembers what a chaotic day that was. By the time he got home, everyone was asleep, except Erik. When he'd opened the door before he could get the keys in, Charles had been relieved and happy to see the man that he'd gone in for a hug almost immediately. He remembers thinking that he could get used to being welcomed home like that. It was what had prompted him to consider letting Raven know about what's been going on between them. Of course he'd only blurted it out after she'd almost caught them in bed last night, but still. He would've told her eventually.
"That is to say, yes, we can go on that boat ride. I'd like that very much." The last time they were both on a boat, it was right after he’d pulled Erik out of the water in the middle of the bloody ocean. This time, they're not going to be sitting across from each other with their teeth chattering and shivering. What was it Raven had said? That they made quite the pair even back then, looking like two drowned rats.
"I've never actually taken anyone out on a proper date before. Looks like you're going to be the first." He reaches for Erik's hand, intertwining their fingers together. It's not that there weren't plenty of opportunities for him to take someone out, he was just never interested in doing that, and whoever he had ended up in bed with before was just someone he'd randomly met on the day. No strings attached.
"It must be because I like you a fair bit. Or a lot." Definitely a lot, he thinks, as he's looking at Erik.
"You've never taken anyone on a date before?" he asks, looking extremely dubious of this fact. "Even I've done that." Not for many times in a row. More like once or twice, usually just to dinner and then to his place or theirs, and he usually doesn't call the next morning, or at all.
But those still count as dates, because there was courting involved. It did involve meeting people afterward from an initial encounter.
But maybe they can talk more on their boat ride, which he's looking forward to. He'll paddle them upstream in the river, and they can float down the rest of the way. He's happy to do all the rowing, maybe let Charles read to him while he does so. It'll be a nice, idyllic afternoon.
"But I'm happy to be your first." He leans up a bit, and presses a kiss to Charles' lips. He's several of Erik's firsts as well, so it's fair, he thinks, to have some of Charles'. He's Erik's first lover who's a man after all, and the first person he's ever settled down with, the first person he'd ever say he loved the way someone is supposed to love a life partner. Which is why he says, in a playful way, eyebrow raised: "I like you too."
He's not surprised that Erik might be an expert at wining and dining and has probably gone on a few dates. Charles, on the other hand, hasn't really bothered to do that for good reason. Part of it was because Raven didn't particularly like it whenever he'd hang around someone else for too long. Mostly, it was due to the fact he can read minds, and so, it seemed a waste of time to "get to know someone". It's why he didn't have any friends either. Of course, things are different now. He's learned the value of friendship and family, and being part of a team.
Charles smiles against Erik's lips and thinks that he definitely more than likes Erik. He's possibly very much in love with him. He shifts around slightly in order to cradle Erik's face in his hands as he kisses him back, more firmly this time. It's not enough to simply show it though. He thinks it's important to let Erik know because he's fairly certain about it now, and so Charles creates a mental link between them, a telepathic connection, and tells him so.
'I love you.' Plain and simple. He does love this man, and this man alone. There's really no one else he wants to be with. Not now. Not ever.
Just like that, those three little words, spoken directly into his mind instead of filtered through air, make his whole face blossom like spring. It feels like a whole weight is shifted off of his chest, to hear these words in Charles's heart, to almost feel them in a way that he doesn't feel words just spoken.
And in his own mind, there is love here in abundance. It's so deep that he can't see the bottom, and as if swimming in an open ocean, that does scare him a little bit. He's not afraid of many things, but somehow this love is both so new and uncharted, and also so delicate and fragile, that he feels apprehensive.
He could launch missiles at thousands of men, he could take a life and not blink an eye, but this? This is the thing that has his stomach turning into knots, squirming until it becomes butterflies. 'I know,' he projects, instinctually. And then, after a moment of bravery, he gathers up all his feelings and thinks, 'I love you too.'
It's perfect timing that Hank's serum has started to wear off enough for him to be able to use his telepathy again. He hadn't expected for Erik to say it back. In fact, he'd thought the man might have gone into panic mode even, and so Charles actually leans back a little to look at him, surprised somewhat. The point of him telling Erik had been because he'd simply wanted him to know. Knowing now that the feeling's mutual between them has Charles feeling incredibly happy though.
"You really are so good to me." He's never had anyone to love like this, and no one's ever loved him this way either. "Now I should tell you this, Erik. It looks like you're not going to get much sleep tonight either." Certainly not if he gets his way with him. Charles gives Erik a bit of a cheeky smile then. "Last chance for a nap, my love."
Erik honestly isn't expecting to have such strong feelings for Charles, either, but there they are, plain as day. But then Charles has to say that, and Erik's smile grows wider and also a little darker in nature.
"All right," he says, reaching up for Charles' face to hold his cheek, and kiss his lips, quick, chaste. "Fine. But only because I want to make sure I have a lot of energy for tonight." He still has his eyes trained on Charles' lips, and then leans in again, trying to claim another one that's slightly less rushed.
It feels like a privilege to be able to kiss Erik anytime during the day like this, so he's not going to refuse him, of course. They've got this part of the plane all to themselves, so there's no need to worry about anyone seeing them together. Besides, if someone does head over to the back of the plane, Charles will simply hide them from sight.
As he deepens the kiss, he slides his hand up Erik's thigh, playfully deciding to give him a good imagery of all that he plans on doing with him tonight. Perhaps they’ll attempt to christen every part of the apartment, starting with his old study. Wouldn't he like to have Erik lean against his desk as he gets down on his knees in front of him? Or maybe they'll just head straight to his bedroom for some loud and shameless lovemaking? For once, Erik wouldn't need to tell him to shush. They've really had to be so careful before.
Or maybe, just maybe, Charles can try to convince Erik to let him be the one to fuck him for a change. He'll promise it'll be good.
Erik lets Charles flood his thoughts with all these delicious ideas, and he holds onto each one. In fact, he even gets a little unmistakable thrum of excitement thinking about being on the receiving end for once. After all, for him, it's about trust. It's about letting someone who's just as strong as he is over him, to have that intimacy with him that he had never allowed anyone else.
And he knows that's just in his head, because Charles doesn't have to be on top of him to overpower him. He's strong. And Erik trusts him, fully. But that's something that's just in his past, that he needs to get over - not in a sexual way, but he remembers it still, being held down to a table, feeling vulnerable, feeling like parts of him were being pulled apart.
"Just," he says, trying to shut those thoughts off because he knows they have nothing to do with their love. He knows it's just intrusive thoughts. "Just give me a little time. I'll warm up to it."
"Of course." Charles leans away slightly to look at Erik then. He completely understands. What happened to him as a child had been a traumatic event, and killing Shaw hadn't fixed that. Erik still has those nightmares. Sometimes Erik would wake up in the middle of the night covered in cold sweat, but Charles is always there to help calm him down, just as he's doing now, trying to keep his focus on the present, not on the past.
"We have all the time in the world. I'm not going anywhere." He rubs his thumb over Erik's cheek affectionately, and he presses a quick kiss to his lips before he reaches down to grab at the blanket that had slid off their lap, tugging it over Erik's shoulder to get him comfortable.
"Now, where was I..." Charles says as he picks up his book again, looking to read another few chapters before joining Erik for a nap. They've a few more hours before they're in Oxford and it'll be late afternoon by the time they get there. He wants to drop by the store to buy some basic toiletries before heading to the apartment, and then they'll need to open all the windows because no one's been there for months. He really hopes the place isn't a terrible mess. He can't remember if he'd bothered to clean up before he'd left in a hurry after meeting Moira.
He's happy in that he's found a partner in Charles who's so very understanding, who can always just take a look inside his mind to see. And yes, sometimes he relies on that too often, but Erik has decided that he's going to learn to live with those moments, and try not to hold them against Charles.
He's going to try and be more understanding of him in return.
And so, he gives Charles a sweet kiss before he moves to find somewhere to lay his head, as he's promised to be up for lots of activities later, once they get to Oxford. He thinks it'll be nice, getting to spend all this time with Charles, as lovers do on vacation.
It'll make their relationship seem more 'real'... and he's never needed the approval of others, never thought that they were less legitimate because they weren't public, but he still enjoys the idea of getting to do the normal things other couples do. That's all he's ever wanted: to live a normal life, to be left alone to do so.
This bit of normalcy is exactly what they need after that whole mess in Cuba. Now that he's managed to make everyone forget who they are, they're safe from the government coming after them. There's no need for them to worry that they'd be hunted down and imprisoned somewhere. Charles has vowed to do whatever he can to keep them protected. He still believes and hopes that someday they'll be able to be accepted into society, but for now, he'll keep his focus on building the school first. Baby steps.
It's raining cats and dogs by the time they get to Oxford and out of the airport, so it's straight to the mall they go for some shopping and a quick meal. Charles had taken more of Hank's serum before they'd landed because it would be inconvenient otherwise and he wants to be able to show Erik around.
"Are you sure we've got everything we need?" Charles had grabbed all the basic necessities and tossed them into the basket. He really hadn't bothered to pack anything but some clothes and books. "Condoms, Erik? Ooh, I know we'll be needing these..." He'll reach for the band-aids because Erik has a tendency to get himself hurt. If it's not a razor cut from a bad shave, it's accidentally cutting his finger in the kitchen or getting into some kind of a fight. Except now he can't blame Hank or Logan for any of it.
"Yes, Charles, I've packed everything we'll need. Including band-aids," he says, pulling them out of the basket. He puts the condoms back too, because he'd packed plenty and because he thinks it's a little bit odd for them to show up to buy it as if they're a couple. They are, but he thinks it's a bit dangerous for them to do something so brazenly public.
He knows Charles could just erase this person's memories, but Erik is always hiding in the shadows, trying not to stand out until it's time to strike. He doesn't want to live this way, of course, but he's always felt like he's had to hide a part of who he is. His judaism, his mutantism, his sexuality.
In some ways, he feels like all the things he identifies with are still a trap. And he'd hate to have to ruin Oxford for Charles. "We'll pick up some groceries also," he says. "If the rain continues on like this. No biking into the city tomorrow."
Erik somehow being the more responsible and careful one between them makes Charles smile a little, but he doesn't say anything; simply moves along to get whatever else they might need.
"I should have checked the weather report," he murmurs the words out while deciding between getting the 2-in-1 shampoo and conditioner or just the more expensive shampoo and standalone conditioner. He decides on the latter. "Whatever will we do if we're going to be stuck indoors all day, Erik..." Honestly, he's not too disappointed about that as long he's got Erik with him, but he's going to hope for some better weather this week because it would be nice for them to go biking around town.
"But all right. Groceries. Good idea. I was thinking I'll make us breakfast tomorrow." How hard is it to make pancakes, right? Well. He might just be a bit too ambitious. It'll probably be more like brunch if anything because he does plan on sleeping in. After all, it'll just be the two of them, and he's looking forward to some peace and quiet at last. No Sean and Alex screaming at the top of their lungs about being hungry every few hours, as if Erik's their personal chef. Charles had told the boys they needed to learn how to cook for themselves, and thankfully, so far, they've managed to not burn down the kitchen the last few times they tried. Not that they didn't ruin some of Erik's favourite pots and pans...
"We should probably call home later and check in with the kids and make sure they're not getting into any trouble." It hasn't even been a day and Charles is already worried. "Then again, I suppose Emma would let us know if something comes up." Besides, he already knows Raven would have issues with him checking in on them, as if she can't be trusted to be an adult. They'd been having enough of these sort of arguments as of late.
Leaving Raven and Emma in charge of the kids could have been all right, but it also could have been a total disaster. Erik's still not sure what side of the fence he's going to land on there, because the two of them together are a little bit chaotic, but he won't count them out. He can't. He does recall the last time they left the kids and came back to an actual fiery hellscape, but hopefully there's not a repeat.
And, after all, they had the others: Hank, Azazel. Janos even had his moments of responsibility.
"Sure," he says, giving Charles' hand a little squeeze. Yes, he might have ruined some pots and pans, but Erik is Erik. He never really gets attached to anything material, opting instead to care for his loved ones. He'd started over so many times, and so many times that he'd left without people: his parents, Darwin. He'd almost left Charles once.
He has to take a breath and readjust, realize that the most important thing is that he and the people he loves are together, that they are safe. That's worth more than anything in the world, that he has time to spend with them. And if that means he has to choke down a few burnt turkey sausages and overcooked eggs, that will be just fine with him.
"We could trade off. You do breakfast, I'll do lunch. Maybe we could picnic, if the weather permits." It seems a little romantic, but Charles is an academic and Erik is always dressed like a beatnik. They could bring a chess set, and no one would be any the wiser.
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"It's a good thing we're just going to be spending time in my flat in Oxford. I suppose there'll be plenty of opportunities for you to catch up on some sleep then." He turns to the next page of the short novel and continues reading for a bit more before he puts the book down, deciding to focus his attention on Erik instead. If the man's not going to sleep, they might as well talk. But before that, he'll steal some quick kisses first. They're in their own private corner of the chartered plane, so this is perfectly fine.
"Do you know what Raven said when I told her about us? She said she suspected it for weeks because she smelled my shampoo on you. Of all things. I would've thought it would've been the fact we'd start a game of chess but never quite finish it..." He supposes no one pays attention to the chessboard in his study. Or that one time the books were in a haphazard pile on the floor right next to his desk.
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"I'll sleep when you sleep," he resolves, leaning up from where he'd reclined on Charles' chest to kiss him gently. "You know, we should have a bike ride." Oxford's kind of a small town, so it won't be a long one, but he thinks it'll be nice for the two of them to ride around, maybe check out the clock tower.
He doesn't know what else they'll be doing there but research, and staying in so that they can have lots of private time in their well-sound-proofed living quarters. It doesn't sound like a bad shake, and in fact, sounds perfectly like a nice, relaxing vacation. He imagines Charles will get some work done, and maybe Erik will start some writings as well.
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He runs his fingers through Erik's hair, enjoying the little kisses shared between them, and he smiles at the suggestion they go biking around town. Well, that's something he'd never done while he'd been at Oxford. Charles thinks he'd be more than happy to go for a bike ride with his... boyfriend, is it?
"That sounds like a fun idea. I should show you the sights and take you to my favourite pub of course." He really did love his time at Oxford, and if he hadn't met Moira, he probably wouldn't have chosen to return to New York. Instead, he likely would've found a teaching position in Oxford even. But things are even better now, and he's looking forward to a future with Erik and the rest of the mutants at the mansion.
"How about we turn this into a mini vacation for us? I'd love to spoil you." The main reason for returning to Oxford is to complete his research, tidy up the place, pack up his belongings and head home. But well, perhaps there's no need to rush all of that and they can stay on for a few extra days.
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He offers Charles a little kiss before he settles back against his shoulder, half on his chest, soaking in all his touches and physical affectations.
"But I'd like to. Waking up next to you and not sneaking out, bringing you breakfast, watching you work. That sounds like a good time." He likes the thought of them doing something so mundane as just coexisting, because, honestly, Erik had never thought that he could have such a love. He'd not considered that he could have a normal, functional relationship.
It makes him reconsider possibilities, and think that maybe he could settle down, when they get home, that maybe it was always Charles that he was meant to do so with.
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"I'd like that very much. I suppose this is sort of like the calm before the storm, isn't it?" Once they're back at the mansion, they're both going to be busy with recruiting students into the school. Charles wants Erik to come along with him to meet with some of the parents of these young mutants he'd managed to locate via Cerebro. They're going to have to work together to convince both mom and dad that they ought to let their children join them at the school. It'll be an easy enough task for most, but for a few others, well, it could prove to be somewhat difficult, and there's a chance they might not be able to get them all.
"We really ought to take advantage of this time we have together then. Who knows when we'll have the opportunity to take another vacation..." It hadn't been easy to decide to leave Raven with the kids, but he's built enough trust with Emma to know that he isn't going to come home and find the mansion in complete disarray.
"Azazel offered to bring me to Oxford and back via his usual methods, but I'm glad I decided to charter us a plane instead. Did he tell you I lost my breakfast all over him when he decided it was a good idea to teleport me to my meeting last Friday?" Because he was late. Because Erik had sneaked into his bedroom the night before. Because they didn't get any sleep until it was half past six in the morning.
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But Charles is by his side, a calming presence, a balm. He could get used to this. He could relax, and just take a deep breath, and slough off this rough exterior that he's garnered for himself. The kids have helped too, but he owes most of this change to Charles. Charles, who guides everyone through things, who is always so very level.
Maybe it'll train Erik to integrate back into society, and not in the way he's in it, as an actor, always fitting into whatever role he's decided for himself in order to perform. It always feels like a performance. And finally, now, he's discussing vacations, and biking, and just being, just existing. Charles is getting to show him a world in which he can, after all.
"I knew I should've woken you up." He grins, a wry one, but his eyes are soft. He never smiles like this for anyone else. "I will, next time." He'll be glad if these are the only problems that they have: Charles waking up late, Azazel taking him via inconvenient means.
"And I promise, if you're so easily nauseated, we don't have to go on a boat." Because now he's thinking of all the other things they could be doing in Oxford: going to restaurants, maybe finding a bar, visiting some of Charles' old haunts. It'll be a grand time. He's actually kind of looking forward to it.
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"That is to say, yes, we can go on that boat ride. I'd like that very much." The last time they were both on a boat, it was right after he’d pulled Erik out of the water in the middle of the bloody ocean. This time, they're not going to be sitting across from each other with their teeth chattering and shivering. What was it Raven had said? That they made quite the pair even back then, looking like two drowned rats.
"I've never actually taken anyone out on a proper date before. Looks like you're going to be the first." He reaches for Erik's hand, intertwining their fingers together. It's not that there weren't plenty of opportunities for him to take someone out, he was just never interested in doing that, and whoever he had ended up in bed with before was just someone he'd randomly met on the day. No strings attached.
"It must be because I like you a fair bit. Or a lot." Definitely a lot, he thinks, as he's looking at Erik.
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But those still count as dates, because there was courting involved. It did involve meeting people afterward from an initial encounter.
But maybe they can talk more on their boat ride, which he's looking forward to. He'll paddle them upstream in the river, and they can float down the rest of the way. He's happy to do all the rowing, maybe let Charles read to him while he does so. It'll be a nice, idyllic afternoon.
"But I'm happy to be your first." He leans up a bit, and presses a kiss to Charles' lips. He's several of Erik's firsts as well, so it's fair, he thinks, to have some of Charles'. He's Erik's first lover who's a man after all, and the first person he's ever settled down with, the first person he'd ever say he loved the way someone is supposed to love a life partner. Which is why he says, in a playful way, eyebrow raised: "I like you too."
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Charles smiles against Erik's lips and thinks that he definitely more than likes Erik. He's possibly very much in love with him. He shifts around slightly in order to cradle Erik's face in his hands as he kisses him back, more firmly this time. It's not enough to simply show it though. He thinks it's important to let Erik know because he's fairly certain about it now, and so Charles creates a mental link between them, a telepathic connection, and tells him so.
'I love you.' Plain and simple. He does love this man, and this man alone. There's really no one else he wants to be with. Not now. Not ever.
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And in his own mind, there is love here in abundance. It's so deep that he can't see the bottom, and as if swimming in an open ocean, that does scare him a little bit. He's not afraid of many things, but somehow this love is both so new and uncharted, and also so delicate and fragile, that he feels apprehensive.
He could launch missiles at thousands of men, he could take a life and not blink an eye, but this? This is the thing that has his stomach turning into knots, squirming until it becomes butterflies. 'I know,' he projects, instinctually. And then, after a moment of bravery, he gathers up all his feelings and thinks, 'I love you too.'
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"You really are so good to me." He's never had anyone to love like this, and no one's ever loved him this way either. "Now I should tell you this, Erik. It looks like you're not going to get much sleep tonight either." Certainly not if he gets his way with him. Charles gives Erik a bit of a cheeky smile then. "Last chance for a nap, my love."
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"All right," he says, reaching up for Charles' face to hold his cheek, and kiss his lips, quick, chaste. "Fine. But only because I want to make sure I have a lot of energy for tonight." He still has his eyes trained on Charles' lips, and then leans in again, trying to claim another one that's slightly less rushed.
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As he deepens the kiss, he slides his hand up Erik's thigh, playfully deciding to give him a good imagery of all that he plans on doing with him tonight. Perhaps they’ll attempt to christen every part of the apartment, starting with his old study. Wouldn't he like to have Erik lean against his desk as he gets down on his knees in front of him? Or maybe they'll just head straight to his bedroom for some loud and shameless lovemaking? For once, Erik wouldn't need to tell him to shush. They've really had to be so careful before.
Or maybe, just maybe, Charles can try to convince Erik to let him be the one to fuck him for a change. He'll promise it'll be good.
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And he knows that's just in his head, because Charles doesn't have to be on top of him to overpower him. He's strong. And Erik trusts him, fully. But that's something that's just in his past, that he needs to get over - not in a sexual way, but he remembers it still, being held down to a table, feeling vulnerable, feeling like parts of him were being pulled apart.
"Just," he says, trying to shut those thoughts off because he knows they have nothing to do with their love. He knows it's just intrusive thoughts. "Just give me a little time. I'll warm up to it."
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"We have all the time in the world. I'm not going anywhere." He rubs his thumb over Erik's cheek affectionately, and he presses a quick kiss to his lips before he reaches down to grab at the blanket that had slid off their lap, tugging it over Erik's shoulder to get him comfortable.
"Now, where was I..." Charles says as he picks up his book again, looking to read another few chapters before joining Erik for a nap. They've a few more hours before they're in Oxford and it'll be late afternoon by the time they get there. He wants to drop by the store to buy some basic toiletries before heading to the apartment, and then they'll need to open all the windows because no one's been there for months. He really hopes the place isn't a terrible mess. He can't remember if he'd bothered to clean up before he'd left in a hurry after meeting Moira.
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He's going to try and be more understanding of him in return.
And so, he gives Charles a sweet kiss before he moves to find somewhere to lay his head, as he's promised to be up for lots of activities later, once they get to Oxford. He thinks it'll be nice, getting to spend all this time with Charles, as lovers do on vacation.
It'll make their relationship seem more 'real'... and he's never needed the approval of others, never thought that they were less legitimate because they weren't public, but he still enjoys the idea of getting to do the normal things other couples do. That's all he's ever wanted: to live a normal life, to be left alone to do so.
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It's raining cats and dogs by the time they get to Oxford and out of the airport, so it's straight to the mall they go for some shopping and a quick meal. Charles had taken more of Hank's serum before they'd landed because it would be inconvenient otherwise and he wants to be able to show Erik around.
"Are you sure we've got everything we need?" Charles had grabbed all the basic necessities and tossed them into the basket. He really hadn't bothered to pack anything but some clothes and books. "Condoms, Erik? Ooh, I know we'll be needing these..." He'll reach for the band-aids because Erik has a tendency to get himself hurt. If it's not a razor cut from a bad shave, it's accidentally cutting his finger in the kitchen or getting into some kind of a fight. Except now he can't blame Hank or Logan for any of it.
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He knows Charles could just erase this person's memories, but Erik is always hiding in the shadows, trying not to stand out until it's time to strike. He doesn't want to live this way, of course, but he's always felt like he's had to hide a part of who he is. His judaism, his mutantism, his sexuality.
In some ways, he feels like all the things he identifies with are still a trap. And he'd hate to have to ruin Oxford for Charles. "We'll pick up some groceries also," he says. "If the rain continues on like this. No biking into the city tomorrow."
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"I should have checked the weather report," he murmurs the words out while deciding between getting the 2-in-1 shampoo and conditioner or just the more expensive shampoo and standalone conditioner. He decides on the latter. "Whatever will we do if we're going to be stuck indoors all day, Erik..." Honestly, he's not too disappointed about that as long he's got Erik with him, but he's going to hope for some better weather this week because it would be nice for them to go biking around town.
"But all right. Groceries. Good idea. I was thinking I'll make us breakfast tomorrow." How hard is it to make pancakes, right? Well. He might just be a bit too ambitious. It'll probably be more like brunch if anything because he does plan on sleeping in. After all, it'll just be the two of them, and he's looking forward to some peace and quiet at last. No Sean and Alex screaming at the top of their lungs about being hungry every few hours, as if Erik's their personal chef. Charles had told the boys they needed to learn how to cook for themselves, and thankfully, so far, they've managed to not burn down the kitchen the last few times they tried. Not that they didn't ruin some of Erik's favourite pots and pans...
"We should probably call home later and check in with the kids and make sure they're not getting into any trouble." It hasn't even been a day and Charles is already worried. "Then again, I suppose Emma would let us know if something comes up." Besides, he already knows Raven would have issues with him checking in on them, as if she can't be trusted to be an adult. They'd been having enough of these sort of arguments as of late.
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And, after all, they had the others: Hank, Azazel. Janos even had his moments of responsibility.
"Sure," he says, giving Charles' hand a little squeeze. Yes, he might have ruined some pots and pans, but Erik is Erik. He never really gets attached to anything material, opting instead to care for his loved ones. He'd started over so many times, and so many times that he'd left without people: his parents, Darwin. He'd almost left Charles once.
He has to take a breath and readjust, realize that the most important thing is that he and the people he loves are together, that they are safe. That's worth more than anything in the world, that he has time to spend with them. And if that means he has to choke down a few burnt turkey sausages and overcooked eggs, that will be just fine with him.
"We could trade off. You do breakfast, I'll do lunch. Maybe we could picnic, if the weather permits." It seems a little romantic, but Charles is an academic and Erik is always dressed like a beatnik. They could bring a chess set, and no one would be any the wiser.