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Erik felt better than he had in ages. He was at peace and confident in his plans as he turned the corner.
His fingers wrapped around the handle of the battered old chess set.
Erik could feel the warm and welcoming sense of Charles's watch not so far away. It still felt like home, after everything they had gone through. The fact that Charles had never got rid of that watch gave Erik hope.
He could see the back of Charles's bald head sitting on the terrace of the coffee place. Café Les Vieux Copains. Erik could feel himself smiling. Old friends café. Even the universe was aligned with his plans.
Erik approached as the waitress left Charles's table. He knew Charles was aware of his presence, there were never any secrets among them. And Erik could feel Charles's pulse picking up when he sensed him coming.
Erik sat down across from Charles and put the portable chess on the floor next to his chair. He looked at Charles, who pulled his coffee cup closer to himself, his non-verbal way of accepting Erik's presence at his table.
"How is retirement treating you?" Erik asked, smiling softly. It was so good to see Charles again.
'What are you doing here, Erik?" Charles asked, cutting to the chase as he always did. That was one of many things Erik loved about him.
"I came to see an old friend," Erik said, still smiling. He could see Charles's eyebrows furrow. "Fancy a game?" He added.
Charles crossed his arms in front of his chest, and Erik's breath hitched slightly at how big and toned Charles's arms were. But he was here on a mission and he had to concentrate, not getting distracted by Charles's arms.
"No, not today thank you," Charles said with a glance at the chessboard by Erik's feet.
Erik didn't let this little setback get in the way of his mission. And something in Charles's eyes told him he should really go on.
"A long time ago, you saved my life," Erik started and concentrated on that particular memory, broadcasting it loud and clear for Charles to see. That night in the ocean, when he had first heard Charles's mental voice in his head. His arms around his chest as he had pulled him back from certain death. Erik, you are not alone.
"Then you offered me a home." Another string of memories about their first days at the mansion, training the kids, and founding the X-Men. There were images of abandoned chess boards and trails of discarded clothes on the floor. Of stolen kisses in secluded corners, laughter and love, and so much light.
"I'd like to do the same for you." Erik projected a couple of pictures of a possible future, of him and Charles as co-leaders of their very own mutant island. Together, side by side, making a home for themselves and their people.
Erik felt the quickening of Charles's heart and a slight glint of interest and want in his eyes. But it was gone in a moment, and Charles looked like he didn't dare to dream again. But before he could say something, Erik reached into his pocket and hid something in his hands, offering his closed fists to Charles to chose from them.
"Just one game. For old times sake." Erik couldn't help the smile that was on his lips. His whole heart was bursting with emotion. Feelings, he once could have never imagined having again. But he had them now, all because of this wonderful man in front of him. This man who needed him now, the way Erik had needed him before, and he was ready to be the support Charles needed. "Pick my left hand, Liebling. Please," Erik projected, and with a last wary glance at him, Charles pointed at Erik's left fist.
Erik opened his fist with a smile and unveiled a white chess piece and a simple silver ring. "I don't want to live another minute without you."
Charles took the pawn and the ring from Erik's hand and looked at him like he still wasn't sure he deserved happiness. Erik picked up the chessboard with a slightly smug smile.
"I will go easy on you," Erik said, his heart blasting from happiness.
"No, you won't." Charles was almost smiling now, eyes twinkling with a newfound light.
Erik laughed, and Charles joined him, as they set the board.
This was their life now, and they would face anything that might come, together.
Erik couldn't be happier.