you took for granted all those times i never let you down.

[helpmeguideit]

[ continued from here ]

Charles simply shook his head as he looked towards Erik. "Soon there would be none that are truly hidden." Charles held onto the plate in his lap tightly. His knuckles were starting to turn white from his grip. He didn't want to - shouldn't want to - tell Erik that he was afraid of what would happen if he stayed there. He never quite understood his motivation for bringing him there.

"Erik."

Comments

[helpmeguideit]

Charles put the robe on when Erik turned away. He shifted a little bit where he sat and looked up towards him. The independence would be nice. Charles felt like it had been awhile since he even had independence. "I think I could do everything on my own..." he watched Erik carefully for a moment.

[e4e5nf3nc6nc3nf6]

The words brought a subtle, but pleased nod. "I'll look into it promptly," he stated. "It might take a bit of time to complete. Until then, you'll have time to prepare." Erik had been thorough even in his hasty preparations for the place. He'd bought weights for Charles to use as well as a host of other things the doctors and physical therapists had suggested to help with the man's transition.

[helpmeguideit]

Charles knew that he should have been working on his arms, and he had been more and more as time passed. At first, it was hard to convince himself to want to do it (or that he desperately needed to do it). He still frequently struggled, but now, knowing that he would be granted more freedoms motivated him. He almost hesitated to say this, but he decided that it might help ease some of the feelings in the air that he could feel, "Thank you."

[e4e5nf3nc6nc3nf6]

A ghost of a smile dared to touch his lips at those words. It was almost a relief to hear something rather then be met with the silence that was so often between them.

"I think we're done in here. I'll let you get dressed while I make something to eat. You must be hungry." As he spoke, Erik offered a hand he help pull Charles up. It didn't sit well with him just scooping the man up and carrying him about without some sign from Charles that he was ready to be moved back to his chair.

[helpmeguideit]

Charles took Erik's hand. He nodded to show that he understood. Those moments that Erik gave him to show his independence made a difference in Charles' time here. He took those time to think, listen for others, understand what was outside of here. He was getting better with his telepathy, and hoped at some point to reach the people in the nearby towns. "Food would be," he paused for a moment, "good."

[e4e5nf3nc6nc3nf6]

He leant in to let Charles get his free arm around his shoulders and then proceeded to lift him. Erik always carried him carefully, with an arm across his shoulders and one under his knees. It was only a few paces, but the confined space of the bathroom and then the door frame posed the most difficulty. Because Charles was unable to feel any bumps or bruises, Erik had to be cautious in moving him through the space. Despite plenty of practise, he always treated moving Charles as if it was his first time doing so.

Once He settled Charles in the chair, he stepped back and gave the man a nod. "Would you like to eat in your room? I can bring something up if you'd like to stay up here." It wasn't a command or a threat, but rather an invitation for Charles to choose. It wasn't something Erik often gave, though he was clearly feeling guilty for leaving Charles outside all night.

[helpmeguideit]

"I'll eat with you." It wasn't that he didn't appreciate the choice, but he just preferred the choice that would make things easier for him. There was still an overlying fear in him. Not only did he find that it was the proper choice to make, but it was quite quiet when he was on his own. Charles was accustomed to people, even if he wasn't interacting with them, but he had once promised Erik he would stay out of his mind and had kept it.