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 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.

[e4e5nf3nc6nc3nf6]

A trait I imagine she gets from you. [ He's teasing, of course. Truly, Anne spends so much of her time with Erik, it's not surprising she gravitates toward him. ]

[helpmeguideit]

She has good taste. Our little girl learned quickly who clearly will dote on her. [ Charles might be teasing you, too, Erik. Because he certainly did dote on her quite a lot. Any moment he got, even. ]

[e4e5nf3nc6nc3nf6]

You. [ Erik gave him a light squeeze and pressed a soft kiss to the back of his head. ] One of us has to spend our day with her and it can't be you, you're teaching all day.

[helpmeguideit]

The day you admit to doting is the day I lose all my hair. [ Smiles~ his tone is clearly amused. ] And yet she acts like she never sees you.

[e4e5nf3nc6nc3nf6]

[ Erik made a point of inspecting Charles' hair, threading the fingers of one hand through it. ] It's starting to look a little thin.

[helpmeguideit]

Don't say that. I hope to have at least another ten years with it.

[e4e5nf3nc6nc3nf6]

[ A light chuckled sounded and Erik shook his head. ] Isn't there some groovy mutation associated with male pattern baldness?

[helpmeguideit]

[ Charles looks nearly horrified at that thought. ] There is nothing groovy about me losing all my hair, Erik.

[e4e5nf3nc6nc3nf6]

You'll still be groovy to us when you're bald.

teehee prose after 97 comments ;)

[helpmeguideit]

Charles made a face and looked at Erik, turning his head to smile at him. "Baldness does not run in my family." He turned towards his cup and sipped at his drink again.

\o/

[e4e5nf3nc6nc3nf6]

"Does telepathy?" Erik teased. He gently ran his fingers through Charles' hair once more and chuckled. "It's not getting thinner. A bit more grey, but it's all there." Charles probably wouldn't admit it, but he did have a vain streak, one Erik easily exploited when he wanted to needle at the man.