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

[helpmeguideit]

[ Charles settled in next to Erik, enjoying the little physical touch that they would have while they sat. He kept himself near Erik, and picked up his drink. He leaned back against the couch, his shoulders, maybe -- just barely brushing against Erik's. ]

Some of the children may or may not have convinced Hank to give them a piggy back ride.

[e4e5nf3nc6nc3nf6]

[He could see that. More than once he'd seen the younger kids swarm around Hank and try to climb him like a mighty, blue mountain. Oddly, despite being so young himself, Hank was good with the children. He's matured very quickly after his change.

Erik glanced over to Charles and gave a little nudge with his shoulder before he draped his arm along the back of the couch.]

Just wait until they figure out that can ride on Sean outside.

[helpmeguideit]

I'll be getting helmets for all of them before that.

[ Charles leaned back into Erik's arm. ]

Not that I don't trust Sean.

[ But avoiding injury seemed the best. ]

[e4e5nf3nc6nc3nf6]

Perhaps a few ground rules, which will inevitably be broken. Kids will be kids, after all. Even exceptional kids like yours.

[Erik quieted and stilled for a short moment before he lowered his arm about Charles' shoulders and pulled him closer. They didn't have enough time for just themselves, Erik wanted very moment he could steal.]

[helpmeguideit]

They always will break rules. Some of them will, at least.

[ Charles smiled, settling in against Erik. He visible relaxed after a moment. It was in those moments he could stop his worry about anything going on. Even if just for a few moments. ]

[e4e5nf3nc6nc3nf6]

[Erik shifted to lean against the arm of the couch and draped his arm across Charles' chest to pull him closer.]

Maybe we should consider a playroom for those sorts of things.

[helpmeguideit]

I know we have the space for it, somewhere. Wouldn't be bad, and plus we won't know if we'll run into others that can fly.

[e4e5nf3nc6nc3nf6]

Perhaps some sort of toned-down danger room. A flying track, maybe, with padding in case someone falls.

[helpmeguideit]

Exactly what I'm thinking.

[ Relaxes, taking a bit of his drink. ]

I'll talk to Hank about it.

[e4e5nf3nc6nc3nf6]

It could be useful. You never know when it might come in handy.

[helpmeguideit]

I have some things in mind, and so does he, but that seems a good place to start..based on the current need.

[e4e5nf3nc6nc3nf6]

It never hurts to plan ahead.

[helpmeguideit]

It certainly does not....it seems like we're getting bigger by the day.

[e4e5nf3nc6nc3nf6]

Maybe we can have Hank make some sort of harness for the little ones to ride in. [Erik smirked at the thought.]

[helpmeguideit]

It could be made.

[ Charles figured it could be useful once they figured out how to land, at least. ]

I wonder if Sean will appreciate being thought of as an amusement park ride.

[e4e5nf3nc6nc3nf6]

[Erik chuckled and gave Charles a gentle squeeze. He bowed his head slightly, resting it against Charles' hair.]

I couldn't speculate. He's a laid-back kid.

[helpmeguideit]

Yes, he wasn't even upset about the satellite thing. He might like the idea of taking kids flying.

[e4e5nf3nc6nc3nf6]

That's how it should be, ideally. These kids can do so much with their abilities. Do you imagine Sean ever considered that he could fly using his? You gave him that.

[helpmeguideit]

[ Charles tilts his head a little to glance at Erik effectively. ]

They're inspired.

[e4e5nf3nc6nc3nf6]

You've inspired them.

[helpmeguideit]

[ Smiles. ]

I've tried to.

[e4e5nf3nc6nc3nf6]

[Pride lit in his eyes and Erik canted his head to bump it affectionately against Charles']

You've done well.

[helpmeguideit]

With help, I've done well. A rare balance exists now.

[ Charles understands that affection, and just closes his eyes briefly. ]

[e4e5nf3nc6nc3nf6]

Every day is one closer to your dream, Charles. Even two years ago these kids wouldn't have had a chance. What you've built here is amazing.

[helpmeguideit]

It isn't really just my dream. [ They wanted the same thing, in the end, after all. ] And you have helped.