Work Text:
Charles Xavier didn’t believe in God. Not like Erik had. He was so firmly entrenched in the realm of science that he’d never really considered the religious path. His mother had stopped going to church after his father’s death, and she’d never taken him with her in the first place. Kurt was far from religious, and Raven had kept any spiritual beliefs she held to herself. But now, he felt like he was scrambling frantically for answers in a world that made no sense, begging and pleading with all his might that he could go back and fix everything, save everyone. But it wasn’t possible. Erik was gone. For good this time, and he was alone.
He’d never thought Erik would go first. They’d spent so many years fighting and hating each other that Charles had figured Erik would outlive him out of spite. But when his long-time lover/foe had come to him and said he was dying, Charles had had no choice but to accept fate’s demands. He and Erik had slowly slipped back into their old love. It wasn’t easy, but they’d found the groove before Erik’s time came. Charles had held his hand as Erik slipped into the darkness of death. There had been no struggle; he was ready. Charles, however, was not.
It had been almost three years since he’d tossed the earth into Erik’s grave and watered the sod with his tears, and Charles felt himself fading. He was old, too old, he thought. He didn’t want to continue the mundane routine alone any longer. He knew it wouldn’t be long now, and he had all the time in the world to think about what would happen when his heart finally stopped for good. He wouldn’t know if there was nothing after, so why worry. His life had been well-spent, and that’s what mattered.
Charles was sleeping lightly in the bed he and Erik had shared when he became aware of a light in the room. It wasn’t in the usual spot, marking the entrance to the bathroom, but by the foot of his bed. When he opened his eyes, he gave a small shout of surprise.
“Erik?” He whispered softly, squinting at the glowing figure sitting at the foot of the bed.
“Charles,” the figure replied, his voice calm and even, Erik’s voice. He was just as beautiful as he had been the day they’d met. Young, full of life and passion, stunning.
“What- what are you doing here? How are you here?”
“I’ve come to visit you. It’s been a while, hasn’t it?”
“But, darling, you’re gone.”
“Not really,” he said, sliding up next to Charles and smiling. “Just a little beyond your reach.”
“I miss you.”
“I miss you too. More than anything.”
“Is it time for me to go?”
“If you’re ready, engel .”
Charles nodded, lacing his fingers through his lover’s and smiling.
“Take me home, Erik, take me home.”