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Erik wasn't sure why exactly he'd agreed to this. They'd been in the car for hours and Erik was tired, his bones and muscles hurting from sitting in the uncomfortable passenger seat of the damn car - at the beginning of their road trip he'd used his power to check if the old vehicle issued by the CIA was even suitable for such a long drive - for too long without a break.
When they'd finally stopped for the night and gotten a double room at a dingy motel, Charles had suggested a drink at the bar across the street.
Despite his exhaustion, Erik had agreed. Admitting that all he wanted was rest felt like showing weakness.
Charles excitement as they crossed the street, after having carried their bags to their room, was odd to Erik.
Charles was constantly talking about mutants, genetics and how fascinated he was by Erik’s powers, his control.
To Erik's own surprise he actually listened to Charles’ endless talking.
Much to Erik's dismay the bar was crowded. Feeling trapped, he quickly scanned the room for all possible exits - three it turned out - before sitting down by Charles' side.
Oddly enough Charles' presence always had a calming effect on Erik.
They ordered their drinks and Charles insisted he pay once they'd leave. Erik didn't understand why Charles was so adamant about wasting his money but had decided to not question Charles' decisions since the most irrational one - at least in Erik's opinion - was the fact that Charles had saved his life by jumping into the ocean to save a man he had never met.
Four drinks in Charles' cheeks were flushed, blue eyes glassy and lips shiny and even redder than usual. During their conversation Charles had turned in his seat to face Erik. This had resulted in Charles leg touching Erik's and making him feel the other man's body heat through the fabric of their pants.
Charles was still talking, licking his lips after his explanation of Hank's theories about how Cerebro could be improved. Erik had to tear his gaze away from his friend's mouth.
Charles smiled up at him.
"Are you alright, my friend?"
He sounded so innocent. Erik cleared his throat and avoided Charles' eyes.
"I just need to go to the bathroom."
His words sounded harsher than intended but he couldn't help it.
The bathroom of the bar was dimly lit and empty.
Erik stood in front of the mirror, his hands gripping the sink tightly.
He knew exactly what his problem was. Charles Xavier with the damn perfection of his elegantly tousled hair, these eyes that seemed to see every part of Erik's mind without even using his telepathy and these sinful lips that were present in every shameful dream Erik was having as of late.
But it wasn't just about Charles' looks. No, the man also had an extraordinary personality. He was intelligent, a genius even, kind, generous and payed attention to those around him. Erik included.
Their games of chess had been become Erik's favorite activity and he even enjoyed watching Charles drive and make that frankly adorable face when he was confused by Erik's directions.
As much as Erik hated to admit it to himself, he had a crush on Charles.
The only real crush he'd ever had on the only person who had ever seen Erik as just - well Erik.
Charles didn't think of him as a weapon, a monster or a broken man. It was quite the opposite to be exact. Charles liked to look Erik in the eyes and tell him how remarkable he was.
But Erik was convinced Charles only saw him as a friend. Admitting his feelings to Charles was not an option. And Erik had been through worse than to not be able to be with the man he was in love with.
Taking a deep breath and preparing himself for a long evening with Charles who - much to Erik's suffering - tended to become increasingly touchy when drunk, Erik left the bathroom again.
As soon as Charles was in sight, Erik froze.
A man probably 10 years older than Charles and Erik, wearing a ugly shirt with the top buttons open that exposed his hairy chest and a big fake gold watch on his wrist and chain around his neck was leaning against the table next to a smiling Charles.
To anyone watching it might seem like a normal conversation but Erik could see the hunger in the man's gaze as he eyed Charles entire body.
Anger pooled in Erik's stomach and started spreading, filling his entire body.
How dare that disgusting pig approach Charles and look at him like a pice of meat?!
Precious, brilliant and naive Charles who always thought the best about everyone.
In this moment Charles' eyes found Erik's and he smiled at him before looking back at the man and letting his pink tongue travel over his red lips.
The guy almost drooled.
Erik's patience snapped.
He strode across the room and pushed the man who made an angry noise out of the way.
"Charles," he began "didn't say you wanted to leave? After all it's very late already and we have to get up early tomorrow."
Charles blinked up at him, confused at Erik's hissed words.
"Excuse me? Who the hell do you think you are?! Piss off!"
Erik barely looked at the angry stranger.
"I could ask you the same."
His voice was full of repressed fury.
If he wanted he could kill the arrogant bastard he’d simply-
"Erik."
Charles’ voice startled Erik.
Blue eyes met his and Charles’ voice was gentle but controlled. Either he'd used his telepathy or he had guessed that Erik was about to murder a man in a bar full of humans.
"You are right. We should go now," Charles added.
Erik fought against his sudden desire to kill and gave Charles one more glance before grabbing his arm and pulling him up and in direction of the door.
Charles lamely tried to resist Erik.
"Wait. We have to pay-"
Erik ignored him, only stopping once they had crossed they were in front of the door of their motel room.
"Erik, what the hell was that?"
Erik turned around to face him, desperately thinking of a reasonable answer that wouldn't give away his true feelings.
But when he saw the amusement in Charles' eyes and the way he parted his lips, Erik understood that all of this had been Charles plan.
Erik's anger rose again when he realized that Charles had purposely been flirting with the stranger. Probably Charles had had that plan already before the whole trip to the bar.
That explained why he'd carefully decided which motel they staying in.
"You-," Erik began angrily and at a lack for words.
"I?" Charles asked with a smirk, one eyebrow raised.
Erik stopped thinking, reached out to grab Charles’ shirt collar, tugging him forward.
With satisfaction he noted the surprised gasp coming from Charles as he kissed that smug smirk off his face.
"You idiot." Charles' voice sounded inside Erik's head when he grabbed Erik's face to deepen the kiss.