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]

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.

[helpmeguideit]

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

[e4e5nf3nc6nc3nf6]

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

[helpmeguideit]

[ 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.]

[helpmeguideit]

[ 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?

[helpmeguideit]

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. ]

[e4e5nf3nc6nc3nf6]

[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?

[helpmeguideit]

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.

[helpmeguideit]

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.

[helpmeguideit]

Erik. [ He then -- laughed, just a little bit, looking quite pleased. ] The children here love you and Anne would pick no other.

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It's odd that I can't imagine my life continuing on as it was before.

[helpmeguideit]

It won't have to.

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I know. [There was so much nuance in those words. This was the only home he'd known in twenty years, Charles the first true friend, his only equal. While he still thought the man naïve, Erik was willing to walk his path. He was certain a time would come when he would be needed, even in Charles' peaceful way of living. He knew that Charles knew it, too, why else would he train his students to fight? They knew what the world was like, the dark and the bright parts of it, and they weren't sugar-coating it for the kids. Erik respected that. Admired him for it. Adored him. Loves him like no other, except maybe Anne. A few short years ago, Erik hadn't thought himself capable of that, all his passions being funneled into hurt, anger, and a driving, burning need for revenge. Charles was the one who showed him he could be more than that. Charles was the one who gave him a chance at this life.]

[helpmeguideit]

[ Charles could feel that warmth from Erik. It was in those moments that Charles knew that he had made the right choices. He chose to fight for himself, Erik, Anne, and the those who had come to him for help. Erik and Anne were his family, and something he had wanted since he was young. He didn't know if Erik would understand exactly how grateful he was for him returning. ] I have to say, I don't know what I would have done.

[e4e5nf3nc6nc3nf6]

[He breathed out an amused sound and tightened his around around Charles, pulling him flush against his chest.] You would have survived. You're strong, Charles.

[helpmeguideit]

Maybe I would have. [ He doesn't have to know. ]

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You would have. I know it.

[helpmeguideit]

I appreciate your confidence in me, Erik. It does help.