Chapter Text
Prologue, Tweleve Years Ago
"Really though darling, a cruise liner?!" Charles exclaimed, looking at the extravagant displays of wealth and sea life everywhere in the suite of the Elizabeth II . Though he had grown up rich, a mere several months in Erik's presence left him rather more accustomed (and comfortable) with a more modest lifestyle.
"I thought it was fitting, seeing as how we met." Erik said, leaning down to kiss his hand, smiling as he did so, the memory of Charles rescuing a total stranger from drowning on another, humbler cruise ship passing through both of their minds.
How Charles loved to share his mind with Erik.
He blushed, glowing inside as he looked into the eyes of the man he had officially married only six hours ago. "Are you sure you're alright with my sister watching your children, love?
Erik snorted quietly, a sound only Charles could elicit from him, a sound he delighted in hearing. "Azazel will keep her in line if she fucks up."
Charles shook his head as he adjusted his tie in the mirror, catching Erik's eye and blushing again. "Such vulgar language… and on our honeymoon too. Really, do you swear in front of the twins like this?
Erik moved Charles' hands off his tie and neatly fixed it for him. "Well.. first off, the twins are only three months old. I doubt they'll pick up language that quickly." He smiled as he straightened his coat out, humming under his breath.
"They are your children-" Charles began, but was cut off by a small kiss.
"Our children." Erik corrected, playing with his hair. Charles smiled, the thought still making him giddy.
"Our children… they have your brains, love. They'll figure it out between the two of them. They already babble to each other, night and day."
"They do, and it is adorable to watch. Even I can admit that… and secondly…" Erik's look became hungrier, and Charles was very aware of the hand on his waist. "I'll make it up to you later… I'll apologize and everything, if you'd like, liebling. "
Charles nodded, fighting to keep his excitement at the prospects and implications of Erik's tone hidden. "I would like that… I would like that very much."
"Well then," Erik said slowly, as he grabbed Charles's hand and opened the door. "I hope I don't disappoint you."
The scene spread out below them, people slow dancing as a live orchestra played on the deck beneath a beautiful, warm, star-filled sky, was almost enough to make Charles forget to answer.
"My love," he said gently, as Erik twirled him around on the balcony in perfect tune to the melody around them. "You could never disappoint me. Not for anything." And he leaned forward to kiss him again, the sound of fireworks whistling in the air mimicking the way he felt when he looked in the eyes of the man he loved.
And as the night passed in a flurry of songs, tasteful food, and a photo courtesy of Janos that made Charles's heart soar every time he looked at it, he was never more sure of his words in his life.