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]

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

[e4e5nf3nc6nc3nf6]

You would have. I know it.

[helpmeguideit]

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

[e4e5nf3nc6nc3nf6]

I think it's the truth, Charles. You'll always find some strength to carry on.

[helpmeguideit]

Sometimes I doubt it. It would have felt so empty. If you know what I mean by that.

[e4e5nf3nc6nc3nf6]

[Erik hummed softly and leant closer to press his lips to the back of Charles' head.] Some things are more important than happiness. Even empty, you have purpose. A life without purpose is hardly a life at all.

[helpmeguideit]

I always have the students, I always would have. But I don't know that I could have been as happy as I am right now.

[e4e5nf3nc6nc3nf6]

Are you happy, Charles?

[helpmeguideit]

Even happier than I was the day I found Raven in my kitchen.

[e4e5nf3nc6nc3nf6]

[A faint smile touched Erik's lips. It was still an odd thing for him to feel so welcome, so comfortable in one place, but he had a lingering feeling, he'd always feel at home where Charles is.]

[helpmeguideit]

[ Reaches a free hand back and lets it rest on Erik's cheek. He doesn't even have to turn to notice that smile now. ] Are you?

[e4e5nf3nc6nc3nf6]

If ever there was happiness for me, this is it.

[helpmeguideit]

I didn't really need to ask. [ He moves his hand over Erik's jaw for a moment before dropping it back down to his side. ] But some things are nice to hear.

[e4e5nf3nc6nc3nf6]

[ Erik tilted his head, pressing gently into Charles' touch before his hand fell away. He understood what Charles meant. On some deeper level, he understood the importance of saying the words. ] I am happy.

[helpmeguideit]

[ A contented nod, and a sigh of what could easily be taken for relief. ] I know, but it is nice.

[e4e5nf3nc6nc3nf6]

I never thought I'd have a chance to say it.

[helpmeguideit]

[ A small, genuine smile settled on his features. ] I know, Erik. I wouldn't trade your happiness for anything.

[e4e5nf3nc6nc3nf6]

[ He tilted his head to rest against Charles' and sighed in content. His gaze drifted to the window, to the rain outside pouring down in torrents. ] I think I appreciate rainy days more.

[helpmeguideit]

Rainy plus class-free days. No class is an important reason for this time.

[e4e5nf3nc6nc3nf6]

I always appreciate your time away from your students, Charles.

[helpmeguideit]

It may sound selfish, but I do enjoy that time to just us.

[e4e5nf3nc6nc3nf6]

You're the least selfish man I know.

[helpmeguideit]

I don't know, if I could keep you to myself, I probably would.

[e4e5nf3nc6nc3nf6]

Oh, you'll have to settle for sharing me with our little lady, I'm afraid. Otherwise, I'm yours completely.

[helpmeguideit]

[ Charles can't help but smile when he says "our little lady". Oh, he will never get sick of hearing Erik say that. ] I don't mind sharing with Anne. Though I think sometimes she would prefer not to share you with me.