And on.

[helpmeguideit]

from here.

[ Charles mixed a couple drinks for both himself and Erik. When he finished, he offered one to Erik. It was nice -- relaxing, unusually so. He allowed his mind to reach out for a moment to the kids' minds to make sure things were alright. ]

We can certainly relax. Without worry.

[ But he couldn't help but worry a little. The fact that he considered them his children was definitely the cause. ]

Comments

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[He tilted his head to rest it against Charles', a warm, genuine smile touching his face. The arm draped across Charles tightened slightly holding him close for a short moment.]

Thank you for this.

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You don't need to thank me.

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Don't be ridiculous, Charles. Of course I do. You've done as much for me as you have for any of your students.

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[ Charles closes his eyes, and takes a quick sip of his drink ]

I know what I've done, but still -- I would do it again.

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And I would still be grateful.

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...


You're welcome, then.

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[Erik opened his mouth as if to say more, then thought better of it. Even as comfortable as he felt with Charles now, after everything that passed between them, he still wasn't the sort of man to simply pour out his heart to another. Not even to Charles.]

[helpmeguideit]

[ Charles chuckled and went back to his drink for a moment. ]

You never have to worry, Erik. Your place is always here.

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[Erik shifted a little in his seat, twisting so he could playfully lean his chin on Charles' shoulder.]

I'm beginning to like these rainy days more and more.

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I enjoy them. Especially if it is a day off of classes that goes along with it. Not that I -- don't enjoy the classes

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Even you require a little time for yourself, Charles.

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I use my grading papers time as my time alone. [ Considering he truly enjoys it... ]

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Mmm. Yes, I know. I often find you slumped over your desk after late nights of grading papers.

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[ Looks momentarily embarrassed. ] I am sorry. Sometimes sleep just takes over unexpectedly.

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[A quiet chuckle sounded in reply and Erik tightened his hold, pulling Charles' back flush to his chest.] I don't mind it at all. Putting you to bed is a simple thing.

[And it was a small pleasure for Erik. Being able to help Charles in those small ways made him feel useful, but not in the way anyone could be. Sure, anyone could put Charles to bed, but how many bothered to look in on his late night doings to ensure he was awake? How many were fortunate enough to lay by his side and be there when he woke to help him start his day? None but Erik.]

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[ Charles relaxed, taking a deep, content breath as he leaned against Erik. He closed his eyes briefly and enjoyed the quiet for a few moments. ]

I wouldn't change it, you know?

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I know you wouldn't. We're happy now, aren't we?

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I would say we're very happy. [ He moves his left hand, holding his glass with his right, and reaches behind him to brush his fingers against Erik's jaw. ]

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[The touch pulled a sigh of content from Erik and he canted his head into it. It was these moments that made everything worthwhile, everything they'd been through and overcome together. Well, they had Anne to thank for that. That's a small part of why Erik adored her so much.]

You know I'm never going to leave here, don't you?

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I am now. For awhile now, actually.

[ Charles had his doubts early one. Erik's mind had been open to him, and it made it difficult, but he tried to hide it. Anne solidified the relationship -- the family. ]

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This is home.

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Yes, it is now. I know it wasn't easy for you.

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No, it wasn't.

[Erik knew it wasn't easy for Charles either. He risked being hurt again inviting Erik back, risked it again knowing Erik could leave... Erik never put himself out for others to hurt out of fear, so he admired Charles the more for doing what he wasn't able to. He squeezed Charles tightly for a short moment. With a slight crane of his neck and a dip of his head, he pressed a chaste kiss to the side of Charles' throat and smiled.]

Thank you.

[helpmeguideit]

You know, still, you never have to thank me, right?

[ Charles felt that Erik belonged here with him. With the children. With Anne. He had more than earned his place there with all that he had done. ]

You belong here. This is your home just as much as it is mine.

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I don't have to thank you. All the more reason I should. I am grateful for the life I have because of you, Charles. Firstly because of you, and then because of Anne and the kids.