Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

The rain let up just enough for Erik to slip out of the car, paperwork in hand, and run to the front door, hiding under the awning as the rain started again. With a wave of his hand, Erik unlocked the front door and stepped inside, the smell of a banana loaf wafting through the house. The door shut silently behind him, and Erik shucked of his jacket, still wet, and his shoes, also wet, before tossing his paperwork on the small table by the door and heading for the kitchen. He followed the smell and the sound of soft humming, and when he made it to the kitchen off the living room, Erik leaned on the doorframe, smiling at his wife.

Magda had her back to Erik, an unrecognizable tune pushing past her lips, as she flipped the bread out of its baking container and onto a cooling rack. Her hair was pulled into a messy bun, and Erik watched the fine muscles on her back move beneath her shirt as she continued to busy herself. Even after all these years, butterflies raced to Erik’s stomach and his face flushed, a surge of love and admiration passing over him from just watching his wife. He had an overwhelming urge to close the gap and wrap his arms around her waist, burying his face into the nape of her neck; but Erik stayed back, taking in every small detail and committing it to memory.

After standing there for a few minutes, Erik playfully twisted Magda’s ring on her finger, warming it slightly with his ability. Magda let out a small gasp and spun around, smiling widely at Erik. Two patches of flour contrasted against her dark blue shirt; and her blue jeans had a similar patch on them. Her brown hair framed her face, wispy pieces falling around her eyes and on her cheeks. A small bit of flour dusted the side of her chin, and the overhead kitchen light made her blue eyes brighter.

“Welcome home,” Magda smiled, almost sing-song, still pitched similarly to her hum from before.

Erik closed the gap between them and rested his hand on the back of her neck. He pulled her closer, and she leaned with him, bringing her lips up to his. He placed his other hand on her waist, keeping her close, as she tangled her hand in his hair. They kissed for a few seconds, their mouths eager and wanting, before a noise echoed from upstairs followed by a muffled sorry. Erik and Magda laughed into each other’s mouths, pulling apart finally. Carefully, Erik brushed his thumb across Magda’s chin, removing the flour there.

She looked down at her clothing. “I’m a bit of a mess.” She smiled at Erik, her eyes twinkling. “I’m going to have to change before I leave.” Erik gave her a hum of approval before kissing her again, quick yet all-encompassing. Magda pulled away, creating distance between them, before saying, “I should probably also see what just happened upstairs.” She let out a small laugh, and Erik slowly let her out of his grasp. She skirted past him, giving him a small pat on his chest, before heading down the hall off the kitchen to the stairs.

Erik stood in the kitchen for a second longer, hanging onto their domestic yet intimate moment. Laughter from upstairs pulled him out of his thoughts, and he went back into the living room to grab his papers from work. Erik listened to his wife and children talking quietly upstairs, moving through the kitchen, past the stairs, and into his office. With the help of his abilities, Erik powered on his computer and sat down, adding his paperwork to the pile on his left. He did a cursory check of his emails when Magda appeared by his office door.

Her clothing was replaced by a long dress, full of warm colors, and her messy bun was replaced by a tighter one near the top of her head. Any evidence of her baking was gone, and instead replaced by a grinning two-year-old resting on her hip. Erik immediately stood up as Nina saw him, reaching out for him and nearly falling out of Magda’s grasp. He took Nina from under her arms and pulled her into a hug, wrapping both his arms around her as she slung her small arms around Erik’s neck. He placed a kiss on her forehead, her cheek, her nose, her temple; and Nina fell into a trill of giggles. Erik smiled widely as he replaced his hands under her arms and held her in the air. Nina started to laugh louder now, Erik spinning around a few times before pulling her back into his arms and holding her tightly.

He kissed his daughter’s cheek, looking at her big brown eyes. “Are you going to go with Mommy tonight?” Nina nodded through a fit of giggles. Erik kissed her other cheek. “Are you going to be good for her?” She firmly nodded this time, taking the question very seriously. Erik laughed. “Of course, you are, my beautiful girl.”

Magda touched her hand to Erik’s arm. “We probably should get going. I know they wanted me to help set things up, and a lot of the women there are older. I don’t want to leave them to have to do everything on their own.”

Erik agreed, “Of course.” He looked at Nina again. “You be a good girl, okay? I’ll see you in a few hours.” He kissed her forehead and handed her back to Magda.

Magda placed Nina back on her hip. “Nina, do you want to go get your coat and wait by the door? I’ll be right over.” Nina nodded, and Magda put her on the ground where she quickly sped off, her little feet pattering on the floor towards the living room.

Magda stepped closer to Erik, resting her hands on his chest. “The kids had some snacks after school, so they probably won’t be hungry for a little bit. Wanda is helping Lorna with her homework; and Peter should be working on his, but I’d keep an eye on him. Bread is cooling on the counter, so feel free to have some if you’d like. I’ll call you when we’re on our way back.” She stood on her toes and placed a soft kiss on Erik’s lips. He held her there for a bit longer, returning the kiss with enough passion that Magda pulled away winded. “At this rate, we’re gonna have another kid. Stop it.” She playfully tapped his chest. “I love you.”

Erik tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. “I love you. Be safe.”

Magda gathered Nina from the other room, and using his ability, Erik helped open and close the door for her as she teetered out of the house, not a raindrop in sight now, with bags of food and Nina in tow. He felt Magda’s wedding ring like a beacon as she piled everything into the car and safely strapped Nina in the backseat. Erik twisted the ring once over, causing Magda’s heart to skip, as she started the car and headed on the road.

As Erik tended to do, he reached his abilities outward, trailing the car and keeping his senses on Magda as she drove away. The path she took was familiar, so Erik had no trouble following it as he went to the bottom of the steps. He loosened his hold on Magda and the car, shouting upstairs, “I’ll have dinner ready in about an hour or so. Come down whenever you guys are ready.” A chorus of okays floated down the stairs, and Erik slipped into the kitchen to start putting dinner together.

Erik moved the bread onto another counter, having lost sight of the car for a moment before finding it again. The car was a few miles away now, but Magda’s ring still sang to Erik, his ability unconsciously attuned to it for over twelve years. He warmed the ring again, just letting Magda know he was still with her; and she tapped her ring finger on the steering wheel as an acknowledgement. Erik also attended to the small, gemmed necklace around Nina’s neck, and though Nina didn’t yet understand it was Erik, he flipped the gem on her upper chest regardless.

Erik loosened his reach again, pulling a pot and pan out from the lower cabinets and floating them on top of the stove. He turned the faucet on from afar, and as he reached for the pot, Erik felt a dull snap, like a piece of metal bending beyond its breaking point. The pot dropped from the air and clattered on the ground; and Erik stretched the full range of his abilities back to Magda and Nina. Ignoring Wanda’s inquiring yell from upstairs, Erik felt for the familiar metal of their car and noticed the caved-in door, the bent axle, the concave roof, the stalled engine, and the unfamiliar metal of another car. When Erik found Magda’s ring among the wreck, he twisted it, waiting for a reply from Magda or her body. When he felt the blood beneath the surface of the ring no longer pumping, Erik dropped to his knees and screamed.

*****

His alarm sounded from the bedside table, and Erik sleepily reached out and used his ability to shut it off. The room quieted, and all Erik could hear was the sound of his heart beating in his ears. Slowly, he reached his arm out to his side, sliding it under the sheets, and felt the stark emptiness of the bed. Erik opened his eyes and turned his head, staring at the similarly empty pillow next to him. He looked back at the ceiling, the sharp feeling of tears behind his eyes; and he choked back the knot that crawled up his throat. It had been nearly a year and a half, and still, most mornings began this way; and Erik stopped wondering if the pain would go away. The heavy weight of grief followed him most everywhere, and willing it away never worked; so Erik acknowledged and sat with it instead.

His vision blurring from tears, Erik hinged at the waist and threw his legs over the side of the bed. As he sat on the edge of the bed and with the house still unfamiliar to him since the move, Erik reached for any movement in the morning. He found Peter still lying in bed, scrolling mindlessly on his phone; Wanda tossing over under the covers again, feeling her necklace fall with the motion; and Lorna slowly waking up, the metal buttons of her bed shirt moving with her breathing. As Erik pulled his field back, he brushed past the metal sitting in the bedside table opposite him; and he let out an unsteady breath, tracing over Magda’s ring and Nina’s necklace. Erik snapped his abilities back, as if burned, and pushed down the panic attack that was slowly forming.

He moved about his bedroom, unconsciously going through the motions. Erik paid no mind to the outfit he put on, opting for a baggy hoodie and loose jeans – both tighter on him a year and a half ago. He completed his bathroom routine, ensuring he didn’t look in the mirror, knowing his morning, gaunt appearance would push him over the edge. Instead of brushing his hair, Erik ran his hands through it, a few pieces falling onto his forehead; and he trudged out of his bedroom, down the stairs, and into the kitchen.

Erik pulled out three bowls whose bases he lined with metal while opening the fridge to get out the milk. He set the bowls on the dining room table to the right of the kitchen, and he placed the milk as well as two boxes of cereal in the middle of the table. The spoons floated behind him, clattering in each bowl, as Erik started up the coffee machine from across the room. By the time the kids came down the stairs, Erik was on his second cup of coffee with no food in sight for him.

Leaning against the counter, Erik smiled as warmly as he could at his children. “Morning. Excited for today?” He brought the coffee mug to his lips and sipped, the hot liquid burning slightly.

The three of them took their regular seats at the table, and Peter sighed. “What’s the likelihood you’ll let us stay home for another week?” He poured himself some cereal and passed the box to Wanda.

Erik shook his head. “Sorry, can’t. I’m already walking on thin ice for keeping you home this past week without sending you to school. Besides, you’ll have to go sometime – can’t keep pushing it off forever.”

Grabbing the other cereal box, Lorna said, “I dunno – I like school. I just hope I can make new friends.” She dumped far too much cereal into her bowl, and Erik knew he’d have to throw most of it out later.

Wanda finished with the box and went for the milk. “I hope there are more mutants at our schools than just us.” She said that more to Peter and Lorna, so Erik took another sip of his coffee.

Peter scoffed. “Yeah, how boring will school be if we are the only cool people there.” He dunked his spoon in his bowl and scarfed down two or three spoonfuls in rapid succession.

“Dad,” Lorna said, turning her head towards Erik, “do you know if there will be other mutants?” Her green eyes were especially green today, matching the green ringlets surrounding her face.

Erik put his coffee cup down, pushing off the counter. “I have been assured that, while there may be other mutants at your schools, they do not disclose that information; but the schools are all pro-mutant and do their best to support any mutant students they have enrolled.” He walked over to Lorna and tucked a bit of her hair behind her ear, giving her a smile. “You might not meet them right away, but yes, I imagine there are mutant students there.”

Peter’s spoon clattered in his bowl, already empty. “If there isn’t a mutant club, I’m starting one.”

Wanda snorted. “Yeah, and what are you gonna call it?”

“I dunno. Something simple like ‘Mutants Only’ or ‘Mutants Rule’.” Peter tried to hold it in, but he ended up laughing at the ridiculous names.

As Wanda rolled her eyes, Erik rolled his as well, grinning. “Maybe we hold off on that for a little bit – and maybe we pick a different name.”

Silence fell around the table, the first-day nerves settling in as they ate the rest of their breakfast. Sure enough, Lorna left half of her bowl, looking at Erik with apologetic eyes. Erik washed it away with a grin, and the three of them left the table to gather their backpacks for school. Erik cleaned everything and put away the cereal and milk, dissociating as to not feel the ache in his chest.

His thoughts still lingered on the day ahead of them. Even though school started a few weeks ago, this was the first-day for their children given the move, two starting high school and one ending elementary school. It was another first that Magda missed – one of many, many more. Erik felt faint as he gripped the counter, understanding, yet again, that he was left to raise their children and face this world alone. Sweat prickled the back of Erik’s neck, and his hands turned clammy. Erik took a slow, deep breath in over the course of five seconds and then exhaled as steadily as he could for five seconds again. He repeated this over the counter a few times, and slowly, his skin cooled and his heart stopped racing.

As his children reentered the kitchen, Erik plastered a smile on his face and turned his attention to them. Suddenly, Erik found himself no longer forcing his smile as he stared at his children – Wanda’s curly hair framed her face, and she wore black jeans and tee and a short red jacket, matching with her slightly red lips and dark lined eyes; Peter’s silver hair hung on his forehead and around his ears, and he donned similar black jeans with a band tee and a black leather jacket, his high-tops wrapping up the outfit; and Lorna’s hair was now thrown into a high ponytail, soft green ringlets still framing her face, and she smiled at Erik happily with her dark emerald dress on with a black jacket over-top.

Erik’s eyes teared up, comfortable with the emotion bubbling inside him. “I don’t know how your mom and I got so lucky with such beautiful kids.” He felt a tear roll down his cheek. “Every day, I see a little bit of her in each of you; and I’m just so grateful…” Erik’s voice cracked, unable to finish his thought because of the tightness in this throat and chest.

Wanda dropped her bag on the ground and walked over to Erik, winding her arms around her father’s torso. “It’s okay, Dad.” She tucked her face into his chest, despite her makeup; and Erik wrapped his arms around her, holding her close. “It’s gonna be okay.”

Peter came behind Wanda and snaked his way on the side of both of them, giving both Wanda and Erik half of his hug. “Yeah, Dad, we’ve got each other; and we’re here for you.”

Lorna stepped around them and stood next to Erik, putting her face into his side. “Don’t cry. Mom wouldn’t want to see you sad.”

Erik let out a sob, stifling it as best as he could. The tears fell faster now, and the lump in his throat grew; but Erik willed himself to say, “I’m supposed to be the parent, but I swear, you three take care of me more than I take care of you.” He nudged out of Wanda’s grasp, and the three of them stood in front of Erik with sorrow-filled eyes. “I’m sorry for crying this morning. I just see so much of Magda in you all; and I’m so thankful I still have a part of her with me always.” Erik touched Wanda’s cheek. “And you, sometimes I see Nina in you; and I see the person she was meant to become and I–” Erik dropped his hand down and hung his head, a sob wracking his body.

Wanda brushed her thumb on Erik’s face to wipe away the tears freely flowing now. “We love you so much, Dad; and we’re so grateful you and Mom and for everything you give us.” Erik lifted his head slightly to meet Wanda’s gaze. “We wouldn’t be half the persons we are today if it weren’t for you.”

Peter smiled. “And that’s a fact.” He shot Erik a finger gun.

Erik let out a small laugh, sounding pained in the middle of a sob but genuine, nonetheless. “That’s quite true.” Erik sniffled and checked the clock, realizing the kids needed to leave soon for the bus. They slowly grabbed their backpacks again, concerned about leaving their father. Erik insisted that he’d be fine, that he was going to work right after; and one-by-one, they stepped outside and waited for the bus for no more than fifteen seconds before it arrived. Erik waved them goodbye from the house in between tears and fake smiles; and by the time the bus was out of his sight, Erik shut the front door, collapsed forward onto the couch, and let out a strangled sob into the pillow.

Chapter Text

“Dad! We’re leaving! Have a good day at work!” Wanda hollered from the bottom of the stairs.

His back against his bedroom door and his knees in his chest, Erik lifted his head, took a breath, and mustered a sense of calm. “Have a good day at school!” His voice sounded foreign to him, a little too strained. He heard Wanda hesitate, not moving away from the stairs, but after a beat, she walked away, her footfalls creaking against the floorboards. Erik listened for the front door to open and firmly shut again before dropping his head down onto his knees again.

The dream came again last night, choking the air out of Erik’s lungs by the time he pulled himself out of it. He felt Magda’s car driving away from the house, and he attended to it fully, focusing on every small detail of the metal to ensure he wrapped Magda and Nina in safety. Erik expanded his abilities every time, reaching out for the car that was driving too fast, too recklessly; and every time, he latched his magnokinesis to the incoming car. But it slipped through his grasp, his abilities useless. Instead of stopping it, the car impacted Magda’s car, and Erik relived the accident over again, except he felt the metal crunch, the car flip, the blood spray. This nightmare caused Erik to wake in a cold sweat, every metallic object pulled to the electromagnetic field he projected out of fear and anger. Despite the therapy he endured and the counselling groups he attended over the past year and a half, Erik could not break this nightmare; and it took him hours to settle his heart, mind, and abilities after waking.

Erik exhaled slowly to calm the tremble in his hands, feeling the metal on his shirts, shoes, and fixtures rattle. “I can’t do this.” He felt like crying, but his eyes burned and couldn’t muster up tears. Erik clenched his fists, a bout of anger rising up in him. “This place was supposed to be fresh start, and yet every day, it feels like I take one step forward and five steps back. I’m suffocated by you, Magda!” The lamp on the bedside table scraped across the wood, and the drywall on the ceiling groaned in protest as Erik unintentionally tugged the overhead light with his abilities.

He unclenched his fists, pushing some of his anger out with it. “I’m sorry.” Erik lifted his head up, resting it against the door. He stared up at the ceiling, focusing on nothing in particular, and the words came out quickly, spoken to one person. “I just want to be happy again. I want to feel joy that lasts, that isn’t fragmented by nightmares or flashbacks or memories that haunt me. I want to feel the way I felt that night when you left, when I had Nina in my arms and your lips on mine. I want our children to know their father again.”

Despite Erik’s earlier crying, his body managed more tears, one after another slowly sliding down his cheeks. “I know you would hate me like this, and I know you would tell me to let you go.” He shut his eyes. “And I’m trying so hard.” His body shook, his breath raddled. “I need help. I need you to help me let you go.” Erik sniffed and exhaled slowly, attempting to still the shaking within him.

Erik opened his eyes, still staring at the ceiling. “Magda, if you’re there – and I know you’re probably not, but if you are – just hold me and guide me and show me what to do.” Erik let out a choked sob. “Please just help me be happy again.”

It took Erik a little while longer to stand, and by the time his legs could bare his weight, Erik had to rush to work. This lateness allowed Erik to shift into autopilot, disassociating and moving throughout the house without much top-down thought. He narrowly made it on the bus, which took him to the subway, which brought him downtown to work. Erik slipped into work with two minutes to spare, eyes downcast, as he walked to his small office, shutting his door and taking a seat at his desk. He stared out the large windows, taking in Manhattan from the upper floor of the building; and the awe he felt moving here was largely gone now given his morning.

Erik started his day and focused on the work at hand, and by the afternoon, he fell into rhythm again, working diligently on the various projects assigned to him. Lost in his engineering work, Erik nearly missed his phone buzzing, still shoved in his coat pocket on the back of his office door. Using his abilities, Erik grabbed it from his chair; he didn’t recognize the number, but he answered anyway.

“Hello?”

“Hello, is this Mr. Erik Lehnsherr?”

“Yes, this is he.”

“Hi, I’m calling on behalf of your daughter, Lorna. I’m Rachel, the office secretary at her school.”

Erik tightened his grip on the phone; the metal frame of his desk creaked, and his computer screen flickered for a moment. “What happened? Is she okay?”

“Oh, yes, she’s fine. I’m sorry to worry you.” The desk relaxed. “It’s just that she and another student got into a bit of an altercation with two other classmates during lunch, and we pulled them into the office. The principal would like to have a meeting with you and the parent of Lorna’s friend. Are you able to come in?”

Erik sighed, looking at the clock with a few hours left of work still. There was a slim chance his boss would understand, but family came first. “Sure, I should be there within the half hour.”

“Okay, wonderful. See you soon.”

Erik’s abilities shut the phone off, and he stood up, shutting his computer off as well. Erik collected his things, throwing some papers in his soft case and putting his jacket on. He walked straight to his boss’s office and knocked two times, being welcomed in by a happy voice.

His boss spun around in his chair, first a smile which turned to a neutral stare when he took in Erik’s appearance. “What’s going on?”

Erik maintained steady eye contact. “I got a call from my daughter’s school, and they need me to come in. I’ll be leaving for the rest of the day.” Not giving his boss the opportunity to rebut, Erik continued, “I know I just started and I don’t have occasional absence yet, but once my probational period is up, feel free to take these hours off of my time.”

Jaw tight, his boss replied, “Is there no one else who can go to her school? Your wife perhaps?”

The wedding band still on his ring finger warmed, his ability stretching to it and twisting it around his finger. “I’m sorry, but my wife passed a couple years ago. It’s just me.”

His boss’s face fell, his stare moving between Erik’s hand and his face. “I didn’t know. I’m sorry I–” He stopped and cleared his throat, clearly made uncomfortable by Erik’s admission. “Don’t worry about making the time up. I’ll write it off. If we need to, we can talk about adding in accommodations to your schedule if things like this come up again. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

Erik nodded. “Thank you. I’ll be here.” He exited the office, relieved it went that easy because, if it hadn’t, he’d be out of a job – nothing was going to keep him away from his kids if they needed him.

Slipping onto the sidewalk, Erik headed for the subway. He jumped on one line, transferred to another, and got off a few blocks from Lorna’s school. He took large strides, maintaining a steady pace, as he neared the half hour mark. As the elementary school came into sight, Erik reached for recognizable metal on and around Lorna, as she had yet to manifest an electromagnetic force field that he could follow. He found her backpack first, folded into a pile next to a chair; and then, he found her, the metal bit of her favorite hair tie familiar as well as her small emerald necklace.

Erik bounded up the front stairs of the school, the metal doors opening to welcome him in. The front office sat to his right, and he pulled the office door open, stepping inside and spotting Lorna. She sat in a chair alongside the right wall, her eyes immediately on Erik as she likely sensed the familiar metal on him. She smiled brightly, but the boy sat next to her stared at the ground, his posture tense and worried. Erik saw the woman at the front desk, smiling at him – likely Rachel – but instead of going straight for her, Erik stopped in front of Lorna, kneeling down and placing a hand on her knee.

“What happened?” Erik said quietly and calmly, wanting to hear it first-hand from Lorna before others got involved.

“We were at lunch, and two kids came up to us. They started picking on me because of my hair, calling me a ‘green-haired freak’.”

Erik muttered sarcastically, “Original.”

Lorna rolled her eyes. “Yeah, I know, as if I haven’t heard that before.” She gestured towards the boy sitting next to her, who was now looking between Erik and Lorna. “David stood up for me, and the two kids went to push me; but David pushed them back. Now, we’re here.” Lorna shrugged.

Erik furrowed his eyebrows, trying but failing to hide his confusion. “So you were bullied, and you stood up to your bullies; and now, you’re maybe in trouble.” Lorna shrugged again, and the boy named David dropped his gaze to the floor. Erik scoffed out a laugh. “Alright, that doesn’t make sense.” He stood up. “I’ll be right back.”

As Erik headed to the front desk, the woman behind it stood up. “Hello, I’m Rachel. You must be Mr. Lehnsherr, Lorna’s father?”

Erik gave a curt nod. “Yeah, I am. What’s going on here?”

Rachel flinched, likely jarred by Erik’s firm tone. She sat back down. “Like I said on the phone, the principal wanted to speak to you as well as David’s parent. Dr. Xavier should be here any minute, and then, she’ll speak to the both of you.”

Erik sighed. “Okay, I’ll wait then.” He spun around, not waiting for her reply, and walked back to Lorna. He stopped in front of David and held out his hand. “I’m Erik, Lorna’s father.”

David’s eyes grew wide, looking intently at Erik’s hand before shaking it. “I’m David.” He was quiet, his eyes flicking to Erik’s for a moment before looking down at the floor again.

They stopped shaking hands, and Erik gave David a small smile. “It’s nice to meet you. We can talk a little more after this, but could you point in the direction of the bathroom?” Erik didn’t need to use it – he just wanted to make David more comfortable, less nervous.

Happily, it worked because David grinned at Erik, his eyes suddenly bright. “If you go out the doors and make a right, it should be on the left a few doors down.”

Erik nodded his head downward, giving David a two-finger salute, and walked out the office doors. To the right, just like David said, was the bathroom, indicated by a small sign affixed to the wall. Erik mindlessly walked inside, feeling giant inside the cold room with the sinks and hand towels lower on the wall than normal. The mirrors sat lower, too; and Erik ducked his head slightly to view himself, adjusting his hair absentmindedly and brushing a few wrinkles out of his shirt. He stuffed his hands into his jacket pockets, and Erik wandered out of the bathroom towards the office again.

He picked up on Lorna and now David, familiar with the metal on his things; but Erik felt a new person in the office, metal donning various parts of his frame while he stood in front of Rachel’s desk. The watch on the man’s left wrist was warm on his skin, and the man’s heartrate was increasing slowly as his hand gesticulated while talking. Erik picked up his pace and slipped back into the main office, shutting the doors silently behind him.

Lorna and David stared at the new man in the room, so Erik followed their gaze. Presumably Dr. Xavier, David’s father, talked to a new person now – Erik guessed the principal – and as he spoke, his voice was quiet but authoritative. It was hard for Erik to understand what he said, so Erik continued forward, taking in Dr. Xavier’s stature. He was shorter than Erik but of stronger build than him, evidenced by his wide shoulders; his stance commanded the room, his feet firmly planted into the ground; he wore what was likely a suit under a long jacket, clearly coming from work as well; and the brown hair on his head draped over his ears, longer than Erik expected from a man in a suit but matching David’s hair color exactly.

As Erik approached the front desk again, the principal’s attention flicked to Erik for a moment before settling back on Dr. Xavier, as he was still speaking. Erik listened in and heard, “I don’t really see how my son’s actions warrant this kind of response. He defended his friend, and it seems like I’m here right now as well as that poor girl’s parent because my son used his ability instead of directly pushing those two students.”

Erik perked up at the word ‘ability’ and took the final step he needed to be standing next to Dr. Xavier. Both the principal and Dr. Xavier turned to look at him, and Erik held out his hand. “You must be Dr. Xavier, David’s father. I’m Erik Lehnsherr, Lorna’s dad.”

Dr. Xavier nodded, his jaw tightly set but his eyes bright nonetheless; he shook Erik’s hand. “I am, but please, call me Charles. It’s nice to meet you, Erik.”

Charles dropped Erik’s hand, and before he had the chance to continue speaking with the principal, Erik brought himself into the conversation. “I couldn’t help but overhear – instead of physically pushing those two kids, did David push them with some type of telekinesis?” Erik took a gamble with the ability choice, but it was a safe bet.

“Yes, he did,” Charles firmly stated, turning back to the principal. “Moira, it’s not lost on me that the two students sitting in your office at the two students who did not instigate a fight and who just both happen to be mutants.” Lorna’s hair and eyes were a dead giveaway, and Charles could assume she was a mutant even if he didn’t have a mutant son already and know certain markers.

The principal – Moira – opened her mouth to speak, but Erik spoke before her. “I have to say, this doesn’t look very good for you, considering this school prides itself on inclusion for mutants and other minorities. Not really sticking to the school’s moral code here.”

Moira held up her hands defensively. “Look, I’m understanding now that we may have gone about this the wrong way. I just had two scared students and two sets of concerned parents because of what David did, and the school’s first course of action is to talk to the parents of the kids who did the pushing.”

Charles shook his head, gesturing to Lorna behind him. “But that girl back there did nothing. Why is she pulled out of class and sat in here? I understand that you need to properly ‘punish’ my son for taking an action that caused possible harm to other students. But why is she here? She’s a victim in this, bullied for something she cannot change and should not have to change.”

Erik grinned internally, his eyes intently watching Charles. The words fell from his mouth so quickly and so assuredly that even Erik felt moved. It was hard to find others who accepted Lorna’s outward appearance without question; and Erik flushed with pride, happy to hear another person talk so confidently about Lorna and her mutation.

“And furthermore,” Charles continued, “you pulled this man out of work for no reason. This should have been handled a whole hell of a lot differently.”

Moira frowned. “I am terribly sorry. I hadn’t realized how we singled out two mutant students with our actions, and that is unacceptable. The tension created by the other students’ parents does not excuse our behavior – my behavior – and now that I understand the gravity of the situation, I will be speaking with those students and their parents in a more formal matter to discuss the bullying of your children.

“However, I do have to address the fact that David did push two students, whether telekinetically or not. Any form of violence such as that, self-defense or not, must result in some consequence per the school’s bylaws. I’m bound to follow them, so unfortunately, David has to face consequences.”

Charles crossed his arms, and Erik swore he saw Charles roll his eyes. “Of course, but he’s not deserving of a harsh punishment – he defended his friend.”

“I understand that, so instead of a short suspension, David will have to stay afterschool one day next week as a form of detention.”

Erik scoffed. “I hope the other students involved in this, the ones that harassed my daughter, get harsher consequences per your school’s bylaws.”

“I can assure you that they will face the proper consequence for their actions.” Moira sighed. “I’m sorry this meeting ever happened; your children should have never been singled out. Also, I will do my best to make sure this discriminatory behavior does not happen again, from any student, faculty member, or parent.”

“Good,” Charles said firmly. “Are we done here?” Erik smirked.

“Yes. Feel free to take David and Lorna home – they can have the rest of the day off with no repercussions, given everything they’ve gone through. I’ll leave you to it.” Moira gave a quick nod as a goodbye and turned back to her office, the door tucked behind the secretary’s desk. Rachel was nowhere in sight.

Charles dropped his arms to his sides, turning to face Erik. “I’m so sorry for all this. I–”

Erik raised his hand, stopping Charles. “It’s not your fault – it’s theirs. I’m just happy that we were on the same page, that we had the same expectations for our kids. It’s not easy having mutant children, and when things like this happen, they need to be attacked head on or they’ll keep happening.”

“Of course. I knew what it was like for me growing up. I’d like to have David’s childhood be a little easier.”

Erik smiled widely, his heartbeat picking up. “You’re a mutant, too?”

Charles returned the smile. “I am. I’m a telepath.” He continued as if he’d had this conversation once before, “I’m not reading your mind either, I promise.”

Letting out a small laugh, Erik relaxed his stance, feeling incredibly comfortable around another like himself. “Hey, even if you were, I won’t judge. Probably have a good reason for doing it.” Erik watched Charles’ eyes light up, the blue irises unusually bright in the office lighting. Erik wondered how many people, human and mutant alike, thought poorly of Charles because of his telepathy. He couldn’t have that, so Erik continued. “Telepathy is an amazing ability. I’ve always thought pretty highly of telepaths.”

Charles’ face softened, his eyes ducking away from Erik’s. “Thank you. That means a lot. I don’t get a lot of love around mutant circles for my ability.”

“Of course.” Erik shifted his weight from one foot to another. “I’m a mutant as well.” Charles’ eyes shot back to Erik. “My ability can be roughly described as magnokinesis.”

Charles stood there with his mouth agape for a few seconds. “I have never met another mutant parent so long as David has been a part of this school district. It is a pleasure to meet you.” Erik laughed. “And magnokinesis? Manipulation of magnetic objects? Like metal or?”

Erik nodded. “Yeah, I can control metal and interact with electromagnetic fields. Lorna has the same ability as me, but she emits green particles when she uses her ability and she can’t mess with fields yet. I imagine she’ll be able to one day though.” Charles’ eyes remained bright, and Erik couldn’t help the smile that stayed on his face.

“That is incredible. I would love to learn more about your abilities and maybe just get a drink with you, chat perhaps. I don’t have many friends with children, especially mutant children; and I’d like to get to know you more.”

Erik felt a warmness in his chest, and without thinking, the words stumbled out. “I think I’d like that, yeah.”

Charles beamed. “Wonderful.” He pulled out his wallet in his jacket pocket and took out a business card. “My cellphone number is on there.” Charles handed Erik the card, which Erik eagerly took, stuffing it in his pocket. “How about Friday? We can get some drinks and just talk.”

Erik nodded. “Sounds good.” He extended his hand, and Charles shook it. “It was a pleasure meeting you, Charles. I look forward to Friday.” As Erik said his goodbyes and Charles left with David, the heaviness in his chest – the weight on his shoulders from earlier this morning – felt a little lighter, a little more bearable.

Chapter Text

Erik stepped off the subway train, left the platform, and jogged up the stairs to the sidewalk. He slipped into the crowd, keeping pace with everyone else, as he braved the city on a Friday night. The sun hung low in the sky, rays passing in between buildings and casting light on their many windows; and Erik ducked down a small side street, the sun behind him. The crowd lessened, and Erik took to a leisurely pace, turning at the next corner. He spotted the small bar a block down, a few people entering and exited, and Erik tried to still the nerves racing through his body.

He had gone out with friends after Magda’s death – he attempted to have a social life – but every time, the conversation grew stagnant as those around him remembered how broken Erik was. Inevitably, the discussion turned to Erik’s tragedy, and most everyone grew quiet and walked around him on eggshells. Erik knew he was broken – he saw it in the mirror every day, felt it deep beneath his skin like an itch he couldn’t scratch – but being reminded of it from people who were meant to be his friends scalded him.

Erik slowed his walk the closer he got to the bar, finally stopping two buildings down by a streetlight. His body was fully involved now, his nerves shot as his hands shook slightly and the metal around him gently gave to the field he was unconsciously creating. Through the big windows in front, the bar looked small but not bustling with people; and Erik’s anxiety calmed a bit at that, not wanting to be on full display. But Erik just met Charles a few days ago – barely had a conversation with him that didn’t involve his children – and now, he’d have to endure a few hours talking about everything and anything, which would likely fall back to his loss. He liked Charles; he enjoyed his company at least at the school, and he didn’t want to choke the possibility of a friendship dry because of his residual pain. As he stared at the bar, Erik wanted to sit down and tuck his head into his knees as his breath quickened, the possibility of a panic attack on the horizon.

Behind him, Erik sensed someone approaching, a man wearing a watch that Erik felt before; he also recognized the various grommets on his jacket, especially from the way the man walked towards him now. Erik knew he couldn’t bail now, so he spun around and was greeted by Charles walking directly towards him.

“Hello, Erik,” Charles said gleefully, a smile stretched on his face. “I must have been in the car right behind yours in the subway. I hope you haven’t been waiting too long.”

Charles’ natural happiness and genuine concern filled Erik with a sense of warmth, minimizing the anxiety coursing through his body. “Oh, no, I just got here. Building up the courage to walk inside.” Erik let out a small chuckle, nervous about admitting the truth but knowing Charles could read it from his mind if he wanted – no use in lying around him.

Charles laughed. “No worries, we’ll go in together.” He brushed his hand lightly against Erik’s lower back, beginning to guide him down the sidewalk as they headed to the bar. Slowly, Charles’ hand dropped as they fell into step with one another, and Erik didn’t linger too long on why he missed the touch, settling for being touch-starved as the reason.

Reaching the door first, Charles grabbed the handle, gesturing Erik inside before him. Erik ducked his head in thanks and entered, stepping off to the side to allow room for Charles. Erik stood with his hands in his pockets as Charles scanned the bar, eyes settling on a table near the corner.

The cacophony in the bar was just loud enough for Charles to stretch up to Erik on his toes, placing his hand Erik’s lower back again and bringing his lips to Erik’s ear. “Would you like to sit at the bar or a table? I see one in the corner – looks kind of quiet there.”

A shiver ran down Erik’s spine, Charles’ breath warm against his skin. Without much thought, more concerned at his reaction than anything, Erik nodded. Charles ducked away from Erik, pulling his lips and limbs back to himself and moving towards the small table. Erik followed on autopilot as he composed his thoughts, not sure what Charles could glean off from simply being around someone. He didn’t need to ruin a possible friendship with Charles before their first drink because he couldn’t handle human contact.

Charles slipped into the seat closest to the wall, giving Erik the seat facing away from everyone in the bar; Erik appreciated that, even if Charles did it unknowingly. Charles shucked off his jacket, throwing it behind him on the chair and adjusting his long-sleeved shirt. Erik mirrored him but chose to keep his hands tugged into the front of the hoodie he was wearing.

Reaching for the drink menu stood up in the center of the table, Charles said loud enough over the hum of noise behind him, “I haven’t been here in a while. They always had good bourbon.” His eyes scanned the menu. “Would you like to get something small to eat? Like an appetizer? I don’t know if you’ve had dinner.”

Erik rolled his shoulders back, forcing himself to relax further. “I made dinner for the kids, but I didn’t eat much. Maybe some food would be good.”

Charles’ eyes lit up. “Kids? I didn’t know you had more children than just Lorna.”

“Yeah, I have three kids.” This conversation was something with which Erik was comfortable. “I have Lorna, who’s eight, and then Peter and Wanda, my twins who are fourteen.”

Placing the menu down, Charles laughed. “You have your hands full with teenagers.” Erik returned the laugh, agreeing with Charles. “They’re all mutants then?”

Erik nodded and went to answer, but a waitress entered their space with a gentle smile. “Welcome in,” she said, her voice just audible over the noise. “What can I get started for you guys?”

“I’ll have top-shelf bourbon on the rocks,” Charles replied, gesturing to Erik after.

“I’ll take the same,” Erik said, noticing Charles smile out of his periphery.

Charles tucked the menu back in the rack on the table. “Can we also have a basket of fries with whatever sauces you have?”

The waitress nodded. “Absolutely. I’ll be right back with your drinks, and I’ll throw that order in.”

“Thank you.” Charles turned his attention back to Erik. “So all your kids are mutants, that’s wonderful. What about their mother – your wife? Is she a mutant, too?”

Erik’s chest clenched, and his hands fisted in his hoodie pocket. He was hyperaware of his wedding ring still on his hand. “No, Magda wasn’t a mutant.” His voice came out strangled.

Charles immediately looked concerned. “You paled when I asked. Have I said something wrong? I could have I swore you had a wedding ring on at the school.”

Erik shook his head, grateful that a majority of the room comprised of wooden objects. “You didn’t, and I do have one on.” He exhaled shakily as Charles’ concerned look persisted. “My wife Magda died about a year and a half ago in a car accident.”

Charles’ face went slack, all emotion draining from it before genuine sorrow crept through. “Oh my god, Erik, I’m so sorry. If I’d have known, I would have–”

Erik stopped Charles. “Don’t worry about it. At least I know you’re definitely not reading my mind without me knowing.” Erik laughed nervously, the joke feeling forced.

Charles couldn’t reply – the waitress returned with two tumblers balanced in one hand and a basket full of fries in the other. She placed the food down and deposited one drink in front of both of them. She followed with pleasantries, to which Charles replied; and she quickly left, vowing to come back in a few minutes to check on them.

The uncomfortable moment had passed between them, and yet, it hung in the air, suffocating the table. This felt familiar to Erik, the usual experience after discussing Magda; and even though he wished it didn’t happen, it happened anyway. Erik spun his glass in his hands on the table, the caramel liquid sloshing in the cup.

“Look,” he voiced, breaking the silence and keeping his eyes trained on his drink, “this happens every time when I inevitably bring up Magda, and for once” – Erik pinched his eyes shut – “I’d like to have a night out with someone I’d like to call my friend without the tragedy around her death hanging over my head.” He opened his eyes and found Charles watching him with those familiar blue eyes. “I just want to have a fun night out and get to know you, mutant to mutant, father to father. Is that okay?”

Charles leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table and clasping his hands. “Of course. That’s what tonight was for, right?” His expression was inviting and soothing, all sorrow-filled emotions gone. Suddenly, Erik felt comforted, like a projection of warmth wrapped around his body; and understanding that it was likely coming from Charles, Erik welcomed it.

Erik lifted his glass off the table and brought it to his lips. “Right.” He titled it back and let the liquid pool down his throat, burning as it went. Having thrown the drink down in one motion, Erik placed the glass back on the table.

Charles marveled at him. “I guess I’m going to have to keep up with you tonight.” He mimicked Erik, wincing slightly as the alcohol went down his throat. “Though we’d be better off with shots if we’re going to drink that quickly.”

Letting out a small laugh, Erik went for a fry. “Maybe so, but I’ll probably be tipsy by the second or third drink – it’s been ages since I last drank hard liquor.” He popped the fry in his mouth and reached for another.

“I’ll take care of you.” Charles continued to smile, taking a few fries as well. If a passerby looked at them now, they would have never guessed the conversation that came before. It was as if Charles washed it all away and was set on giving Erik a good night out; and Erik couldn’t express his gratefulness.

The waitress came back over with two more drinks, as if she could sense they wanted more; or perhaps, Charles telepathically planted the thought in her head. Regardless, Erik couldn’t care less, tipping the drink back again and letting the alcohol drift him over into a looser territory. They talked about their careers, Charles a genetics professor at Columbia and Erik a civil engineer. They discussed their children, how David was not only telekinetic but telepathic like Charles and how Peter and Wanda’s mutations were superspeed and telekinesis, respectively. Charles asked Erik about the move, skirting around other sensitive topics; and Erik asked Charles about David’s mother, a short discussion which ended with Charles saying that he hadn’t seen her for years.

Charles brought up some personal stories, a main one detailing his wild times in graduate school at Oxford. Erik couldn’t reciprocate with similar memories, mentioning that Magda accidentally became pregnant while they were in college. Charles commented on it briefly, making some mention of being a good partner and father, before shifting to another topic. Erik sighed internally, grateful that Charles acknowledged and moved on.

When a third round of drinks came around, Charles and Erik slipped into a comfortable conversation, bouncing comments off each other and starting new discussions right as current ones ended. Erik found himself leaning forward, talking passionately and listening intently; and Charles leaned in, too, his hands animated as he spoke. Erik noticed Charles’ eyes glint every time he thought of something memorable or enjoyable; and every time Charles’ laughed, his eyes crinkled and two very small dimples hinted on his face. His mannerisms and features felt familiar, and Erik couldn’t pull out of the comforting aura that Charles radiated. For a moment, Erik wondered if Charles might be influencing him; but as Charles spoke and laughed, Erik felt warm all over, and he knew he couldn’t attribute that to the alcohol or telepathy.

*****

Erik pushed the cart with his ability, nudging it forward with every step. Lorna walked alongside him, her fingers trailing on the cereal boxes as she stepped past them. Erik mindlessly reached out for the bag of granola to his left, the cart teetering to a stop; and he tossed it in, directing the cart forward again. The grocery store hummed in Erik’s mind, the lights and the shelves and the metal-wrapped items calling to Erik. In passing moments, Erik thought of pulling everything in, collapsing it all around him from his own magnetic force field; or pushing everything out, repelling it all and letting his abilities rip through the building. Instead, Erik opted for a gentle cart push and the occasional reach of his powers to grab an item off the shelf.

Lorna hummed a nameless tune next to him, happily oblivious to Erik’s pent up abilities. Erik couldn’t sense her magnetic field yet – was unsure if she’d even develop one – but he reasoned she wasn’t having nearly as much turmoil with her abilities. Lorna happily plucked objects off the shelves when she could, and Erik watched her control and stability get better with every use of her abilities. When they neared the aisle with canned fruits and vegetables, Lorna lit up, grasping for the list in Erik’s hand to load the cart with her magnokinesis.

Erik stepped back and watched Lorna’s energy, illuminated green, stretch out from her hands and wrap around the various canned goods. Her eyes lit up brighter than before, an emerald glow matching her emerald hair. Lorna didn’t flinch as people walked past the aisle, and Erik internally praised her, never wanting her to feel shame or fear from using her abilities. As Lorna stepped further down the aisle, nearing the last of the cans on the list, Erik picked up on a familiar watch headed towards their aisle followed by a gasp behind him. Erik spun around and saw Charles with David by his side, mouths agape and watching Lorna.

“Hey, Charles.” Erik looked down at David, who was grinning. “Hey, David. Nice to see you again.”

“Erik…” Charles said quietly, his eyes full of wonder. “Lorna is amazing. She has such control over her ability.” Charles walked forward to stand next to Erik, David wandering a little further forward than them both.

Erik turned around, watching Lorna with Charles. She was at the end of the aisle now, the final can picked off the shelf and moving swiftly behind her to clatter in the cart. Lorna spun on her heels, saw David, and happily jogged forward. “Hi, David!” she exclaimed, the green aura around her slowly dissipating, her eyes returning to their non-glow state. She stopped in front of him and gave him a hug, causing David to look down at the ground with a quick blush coating his face.

Lorna and David slipped into a casual conversation, and Erik turned to Charles, who was still smiling. “Hello, there. How have you been? Where are your twins at?”

Erik gestured to the other side of the store. “Tearing up the electronic and game aisles probably. Can’t be caught dead walking around the store with their father.” He rolled his eyes, a smile twitching on his lips.

Suddenly, Lorna tugged on Erik’s shirt, dragging his attention to her. “Dad, can David and I go find Wanda and Peter? I wanna go look at the toys.”

Erik ran his hand through Lorna’s hair, tucking part of it behind her ear. “As long as Charles is okay with it.”

Lorna looked at Charles with big eyes. “Mr. Charles sir, can we go look at the toys with my brother and sister?”

Charles let out a laugh, his eyes twinkling at Lorna. Erik felt his stomach flip and his heart beat a little faster. Kneeling down in front of Lorna and David, Charles said, “I’m perfectly fine with that. Just be careful.” He looked at David and tapped his temple. “Call for me if you have any issues, okay? And let me know when you’re with Peter and Wanda.” David nodded; and Lorna thanked Charles with a hug, grabbed David’s hand, and jogged down the aisle. They disappeared around the corner, headed to the other side of the store.

As Charles stood up, Erik mentioned, “Next time, make sure Lorna calls you Dr. Charles – you worked hard for that degree.” Charles barked out a laugh, his hand touching Erik’s arm; and warmth settled in Erik’s chest at the touch. Erik turned back to the cart and began pushing it with his abilities again, the two of them walking forward together. He hated small talk, but Erik settled for a simple, “How are you?”

They turned the corner down another aisle as Charles answered, “I’m doing quite well. I know I said already, but I had a great time on Friday.”

Erik focused on grabbed the tin of cornstarch instead of acknowledging the happiness coursing through him at Charles’ comment. “I had a great time, too. I learned I am definitely a light-weight now, but it was nice to get out and just relax for once – forget about life’s troubles.” He imagined Charles’ mind flashed with Magda’s name, but if it did, Charles didn’t show it.

Instead, Charles agreed, “I understand. Sometimes, I forget I’m also an adult with a personality outside of being a father twenty-four seven and an academic during normal business hours.” He shot Erik a playful smile.

Before Erik could stop the words, they slipped out. “Yeah, and you have a great personality; you’re wonderful to be around.” He gave Charles a weak, nervous smile before focusing his attention back on the cart, reaching his hands out to push it physically now. Erik felt the flush creeping up his neck.

Out of Erik’s periphery, Charles grinned, down-casting his eyes. “Thank you. Same to you.”

Charles’ words hung in the air, the only other sound around them the light squeaking of the cart as Erik turned down another aisle. They walked in silence for a few moments, and Erik mentally kicked himself for the awkward and sudden admission. He hadn’t worked through all the little things his body unconsciously did around Charles, and with a nervous feeling settling in his stomach, Erik felt sixteen again – not having felt this way since high school with Magda. That realization had Erik wanting to sit on the floor in a ball in the middle of the grocery store, his heart thumping faster in his ears.

Likely noticing Erik’s emotional change but not daring to acknowledge it out loud, Charles skirted to a different topic, breaking the silence. “I’m hopeful that Lorna hasn’t had anymore issues at the school.”

Erik sighed, no longer holding his breath. “No issues so far, but it’s always hard going to a new school. You never know who your friends are, especially with an external mutation.”

“I know. David’s mutation is difficult enough, having primary and secondary mutations. I couldn’t imagine the stress he’d be under trying to control them both with a visible mutation.”

Erik let the cart go and pushed with his abilities again. “Yeah, and I made two kids with really visible ones – Lorna with her green hair and Peter with his silver hair. Wanda emits red energy only when uses her telekinesis, so not always visible; and I don’t know about Nina – she’s still too young.”

Once Erik’s ear heard what he said, he stopped, the cart screeching to a halt with him. His ears rang, and it felt like he submerged himself in water; all the breath was kicked out of him; and his hands clenched at his sides. The metal aisles around him began to quaver slightly, enough so that Charles glanced around. Suddenly, he stepped in front of Erik, taking up his vision and pressing both of his hands to Erik’s upper arms. Charles’ mouth moved, but Erik couldn’t hear it, the panic attack dulling his senses.

As if taking an action that wasn’t his, Erik shut his eyes, and immediately, the ringing stopped, his breathing started up again, and his hands relaxed. He became hyperaware of Charles’ hands on his arms, and when Erik opened his eyes, Charles still stood before him, his eyes wide with concern.

Charles brushed his hands down Erik’s arms, stopping just above his elbows. “I’m sorry I had to do that, Erik; but your mental state was not well – the aisles were shaking from your ability.”

Erik blinked and blinked again, still waiting for the misplaced panic attack to take over his body. As Erik attended to his thoughts to make sense of what happened, another presence on the edges of his mind lingered. “You used your telepathy.” Erik tapped his temple. “I can feel you there right now.”

Dropping his hands, Charles retreated from around Erik’s mind. “I’m sorry. I could feel your pain, and I just want to make sure you were alright.”

Sensing Charles’ departure, Erik spoke quickly, “I didn’t mind it. In fact, I’m grateful you intervened. I spoke as if she were still alive, and that caused…” Erik’s voice tapered off as he touched his chest. “I’m sorry.”

“Oh, Erik, please don’t be sorry.” Charles gently squeezed Erik’s forearm. “From what I saw in the front of your mind, you loved your daughter very much; and she would be happy that you’re thinking about her.” Charles smiled warmly. “Now that I know about Nina, we’ll walk gently around certain topics, okay?”

Erik nodded despite the numbness permeating his body. “Okay.” He paused, losing himself for a moment in Charles’ assuring stare. “Thank you, Charles. I’m very grateful for you.”

Charles gave Erik’s arm another squeeze before dropping it. “No need to thank me. I care about you, is all.” He breathed in and exhaled, his posture changing to a more relaxed one. “How about we go find our kids, shall we? See what trouble they are getting in.”

Erik let Charles take the cart, pushing it slowly as Erik walked beside him. It wasn’t often that Erik slipped like that, but when it happened, a panic attack surely followed. Erik found himself walking closer to Charles now, gravitating towards the man that eliminated the attack entirely and cast no judgement on Erik for his reactions. Grateful couldn’t describe Erik’s emotions regarding Charles – no descriptor was big enough, all-encompassing enough. Maybe one day, he’d reason through the feelings muddled in his mind, but for now, Erik was happy he found someone who accepted him as he was, broken or not.

Erik settled into a place of calmness as they neared where their children were shopping. He felt Wanda and Pietro a few aisles down and picked up on Lorna with David to their left. Charles must have sensed David as well because he turned down the correct aisle, discovering them pointing at various Lego sets. Both children sensed their parents at the same time, turning and heading their way with smiles on their faces.

Lorna tucked her head into Erik’s side, and Erik rested his hand gently on the top of her head. “Ready to go, my girl?” She nodded into Erik’s torso.

Charles handed the cart to Erik and smiled. “It was great seeing you, Erik. Let me know if you’d like to go out again this Friday – there are a few other bars I can show you if you’d like.”

Erik accepted the invitation, promising to call Charles to set up more formal arrangements; and Charles and David exited the aisle to finish the rest of their shopping. Erik and Lorna wandered down to where Wanda and Peter were, playing the display video games. Erik let them know he and Lorna were going to check out. They vowed to meet him outside, and Erik headed to the front of the store, Lorna in tow.

Lorna scanned all the items at the self-checkout counter, her pace much slower than Erik’s. He simply stood back, admiring his daughter’s focus as she scanned and packed all the items with care. She seemed intrigued by the machine itself, her abilities unconsciously stretching out to it as she scanned. Erik assumed her ability was growing to sense electromagnetism; and much like Erik detested electronics, Lorna would likely one day as well.

Carrying the receipt with pride despite having not paid, Lorna walked ahead of Erik as they exited the store. Erik’s eyes scanned for Peter and Wanda, finding them towards the back of the small lot near the subway entrance already with Charles and David next to them. Dropping the cart off and gathering the shopping bags, Erik and Lorna walked over, and noticing their arrival, Charles gave them a small wave.

“Hello, again,” Charles said brightly. “I seem to have found your children.”

Erik glanced back and forth between the twins. “Let me guess – Peter was running circles around Wanda a little too quickly.” His eyes fell on the asphalt under Peter’s feet, where it had worn away slightly as if someone walked over the same area too many times. He looked back at Peter, who was biting his lip.

“Sorry,” Peter frowned. “I’ll try to increase the radius of my circle as I run.”

Erik handed some bags over to Peter and Wanda. “That’s all I ask. Let’s keep the property damage to a minimum.” They grabbed the bags with no objection.

Wanda gestured to Charles, her voice excited. “Charles was mentioning that you two might go out for drinks again this Friday. Would you let me and Peter watch Lorna and David? We could all hang out, play some games, watch some movies. That way, Charles doesn’t have to get his friend to watch David, and I can help David with his telekinesis if he wants.”

Grinning, Erik replied, “As long as Charles is okay with it, I trust you.” Wanda and Peter exchanged happy glances while Lorna and David smiled widely.

“Well,” Charles started, looking at Peter and Wanda, “It was a pleasure to meet you both, and it was lovely talking to you.” The twins agreed, and Charles pivoted to Erik. “Goodbye again. Have a good rest of your night.” He glanced down at Lorna. “And you too, Lorna.”

The group exchanged a final round of goodbyes, Charles smiling warmly at everyone, including Erik. As Charles and David walked away, that slowly-becoming-familiar feeling of warmth rose in Erik’s chest; and Erik let radiate inside, making him smile the whole way home.

Chapter Text

Charles leaned over from his bar stool, brushing his lips against Erik’s ear. Erik shivered as Charles spoke, “It’s very loud in here. Maybe we should go.” Erik nodded in agreement.

Standing up, Erik tucked in his stool slightly, and Charles hailed for the bartender to pay their tab. Grabbing his card, Charles slung his jacket over his forearm and followed Erik out of the bar, his hand touching Erik on the small of his back. Erik wanted to lean into the touch but stayed focused on the common goal – getting out of the very busy bar and breathing fresh air again.

Charles sighed when they stepped onto the sidewalk. “I was starting to get a headache with how many people were in there. All those minds at once is a bit much for me; hard to block them out.” Erik noticed Charles’ hand was still on his back.

Erik shifted his weight onto his other leg, leaning closer to Charles. “Where do you want to go now?” He kept his tone light, trying to mask how Charles was making Erik’s heart beat a little faster.

Charles moved his hand a little further to the right, his fingers nearly wrapping around Erik’s waist. “Well, since we’re already out and around this area, we could go to a small food stand outside of campus; and if you’d like, we could walk onto campus, look around.”

Erik raised his eyebrows. “Maybe let me see where you work? I’ve never been in the genetics building.”

Charles agreed with a smile, and the two headed off to the edge of campus, Charles’ hand returning to his side. Erik appreciated the removal, his head finally clearing, no longer focused on the heat of Charles’ hand. Charles brought them to a small pizza stand, not a soul in line when the bars were filled; and they both ordered a slice, Charles paid, and they began their walk over to Charles’ place of work. They talked about inconsequential topics along the way, and by the time they reached the steps of the genetics building, both of them had finished their pizza slices and jogged up the stairs.

Charles pulled a set of keys out of his jacket pocket and opened the front door. They walked inside and immediately stepped through a small doorway to the right, walking downstairs. Erik followed closely behind Charles as he opened another set of doors and entered a larger space. Desks sat along two walls with chairs tucked underneath them; a central table was covered in paperwork; and the glass door straight in front of them displayed various lab equipment behind it.

“I’ll take you inside the main lab room,” Charles mused, stepping to the glass door. “But you’ll have to promise me not to touch anything.”

Erik raised his right hand. “You have my word.”

Charles laughed and opened the door with a pass-code off to the left. With Charles holding the door open, Erik stepped inside the blue-tinted room, and his senses were set ablaze by the amount of metal surrounding him. He felt microscopes, centrifuges, analyzers, and many other machines he couldn’t name. Some of the equipment emitted an electromagnetic signal, and they hummed to Erik. He clenched and unclenched his fists, wanting to fully reach out but knowing he could harm something if he did. Erik quickly put his hands in his pockets and followed Charles down a narrow hallway to their right.

“I’m surprised Hank isn’t still here,” Charles voiced, turning his head slightly to look back at Erik. “Hank is also a mutant, though he hides his mutation from time to time. It’s an external one – a visible one – and it’s just safer for him.” Charles stopped in front of a wooden door, out of place next to the cool blue hue of the lighting. Pulling out his keys again, Charles opened the door and swung it open, gesturing for Erik to enter.

Charles’ office was larger than Erik expected but altogether fitting of an academic. His desk sat against the left inside wall, a chair tucked gently underneath; but paper scattered the top, piles in two corners with his keyboard to the computer sitting on top of various papers. Around his desk sat more paperwork plus some books strewn in, and the wastebasket off to the left overflowed with crumpled up papers from items long lost. Straight head, there was a small console table, housing various knickknacks and genetics items, all surely having a story that Erik wanted to hear. But behind Charles’ desk on the right-most wall stood three large bookcases, floor to ceiling and filled with books.

Immediately, Erik walked over to the bookshelves, his eyes wide with wonder. Scattered among academic books were personal books as well, a few authors that Erik recognized standing between first and second editions. There was no rhyme or reason to the organization, Erik noticed, unable to locate books alphabetically by author first or last name. Erik wondered if Charles filled the bookcases in order of acquisition or just filled them haphazardly, placing a book wherever his heart desired and repeating the process.

Charles shuffled behind Erik, stepping up next to him as Erik viewed the center bookcase. “The second option – I just threw them wherever.” Erik smiled at Charles’ candidness at reading his mind. “I can’t be bothered to organize them.”

“Spoken like a true academic.” Erik reached out and touched the spine of a book, tracing his finger over the author’s name. Xavier. “I believe I know this man.” He turned to face Charles, who was blushing. “He’s a great man, very smart, very kind, very charming.”

Shaking his head, Charles replied, “I don’t think I even proofread that book before it was published. I can’t be bothered for that either.” He shot Erik a playful grin.

Erik dropped his hand from the book and scanned the rest of the bookshelf. “I wouldn’t mind reading some of your books at some point, though I probably won’t understand them. Maybe even read some of your research papers if you’ll let me.”

Erik felt an affectionate pulse come from Charles, which Erik started to realize was coming from a telepathic connection between the two of them. With his emotions filling up Erik’s senses, Charles quietly said, “I think I’d like that, but only if you share the specifics of your work. Just call me an engineer’s apprentice.” Erik smiled at Charles’ light and casual tone.

Charles pointed out various books to Erik, falling into a deep tangent about one of them, deeply irritated by the author’s research methodology. Erik smiled fondly, watching Charles’ hands motion, lips curl, face flush, and hair fall into his eyes only to be brushed away by his fingers a moment later. Erik wanted to bridge the gap between them and slide his body closer to Charles, gently resting his fingers on the light curve of his waist just above his hips. Erik’s lower stomach felt hot, and if weren’t for Charles speaking so passionately and distractedly, Erik was sure Charles would have faltered had he read Erik’s thoughts.

As Charles enthusiasm tapered and Erik ran out of questions to ask, they looked at the time and reasoned it was best to end the night. Charles locked up his office and the lab, following behind Erik as they went upstairs and exited the building. They walked off campus and headed to the subway station. Charles persuaded Erik to get off where Charles parked his car so that he could drive Erik home. The subway would likely be faster, but Erik relished the idea of spending more time with Charles, enjoying the warmth in his chest and the heat in his stomach.

On the drive to Erik’s house, they talked music, finding an old music station from their youth and singing off-key to songs whose lyrics they barely remembered. At one point, they both laughed so hard that Erik’s cheeks started to ache along with his lower back. As their laughter died down, Charles grinned happily next to him, and Erik found himself looking a little too long at Charles’ side-profile, lingering on the downward curve of his nose and the light stubble coming through on his cheek and jaw.

As they rounded the corner to turn down Erik’s street, the air felt suddenly heavy, and Erik watched Charles’ fingers tapping nervously on the steering wheel. Erik couldn’t sense a general emotion coming out of Charles, but he reasoned the heaviness was from Charles’ nerves. They stopped in front of Erik’s house, and Charles threw the car into park, slouching back into his seat. Instead of the wheel now, Charles tapped the top of his leg.

Erik broke the silence. “Even though we didn’t get drinks like we wanted, I enjoyed seeing your work; thank you.”

Charles smiled, but it didn’t quite reach his eyes. “Of course. Maybe next time, we’ll stop at a bar a little further from campus. I think I owe you a few drinks.” Silence settled in the car again, and this time, Erik felt Charles’ nervousness, resting in his chest somehow like it was his own. Erik opened his mouth to mention it, but Charles spoke first, still looking ahead. “I’ve actually been meaning to go to this new restaurant. It has a very extensive menu, and I’ve heard pretty good things about it. Maybe we can get drinks next time there?”

Erik hummed in agreement. “I don’t see why not.”

“Okay, wonderful.” Charles paused, the tension in the car still palpable. “Actually, I wouldn’t mind going there for dinner perhaps; that way, we could check out the full menu.”

“I’d be fine with that,” Erik smiled.

“Good, good.” Instead of tapping his leg, Charles gripped and relaxed his leg. “I will say though – the restaurant is a bit more formal. We’d have to wear something a bit dressier; I believe it’s a white tablecloth restaurant.”

Erik let out a breathy laugh, causing Charles to look at him, wide-eyed. “Charles, it sure sounds like you’re asking me on a date.”

Charles’ face fell, the nervousness in the car being immediately replaced by worry. Breathing out, Charles bit his lip as he said, “I suppose I am.” He ducked his head slightly, a visible blush rising on his face. “However, I value our friendship first and foremost, so of course, if I’m making assumptions here, just put me in my place now.”

Erik never thought he’d be willing to date again, to maybe bare his soul to another person; but being around Charles felt right, felt comfortable. His heart and his body gave him every warning to tell him that he was ready; and happily, his mind agreed. With his stomach full of butterflies, Erik happily said, “I’d love to go out with you. It’s a date.”

*****

The texture of the suit felt different, felt unfamiliar. The last time he wore it, Erik was nearly six years younger and also healthier than he was now. The suit draped in areas where it never did before, his biceps no longer filling out the sleeves and his pants not tight on his thighs anymore. Erik knew his habits changed for the worst when he lost Magda and Nina, but seeing himself in the mirror with these unshakeable differences before him stole the air from Erik’s lungs.

He adjusted the tie at his neck, loosening it slightly, before buttoning his suit jacket twice in the middle. Erik stared in the mirror, slightly on edge by his gaunt eyes and body; and he quickly unbuttoned the jacket, smoothing out his shirt underneath to settle his nerves. Feeling the tie too close to his neck again, Erik impulsively ripped it off, tossing it on the floor and undoing the top two buttons of his undershirt. He exhaled, relief casting over his body.

“I’m so nervous,” Erik said to himself in the mirror but truly speaking to someone else entirely. “I don’t know why. You all but threw him into my lap that day when I asked you for help.” He nervously adjusted the sleeves of his suit by his wrists. “I see you in him – in his kindness, his laughter, his smile.” Erik shook his head. “Then again, maybe I just see you everywhere.”

In his suit jacket’s pocket, Erik felt his wedding ring, still warm from when he’d taken it off moments before. “I don’t want you to think I’m forgetting you. I’m just trying to be happier, and Charles makes me happy, just like you did.” Erik shut his eyes. “I love you both – I always will.”

Refusing to look in the mirror one last time, Erik opened his bedroom door and walked out, stepping down the creaky stairs and into the kitchen. He grabbed a glass of water and drank it down, his nerves rearing their head again. Looking at the time on the microwave, Erik stepped into the living room and decided to hover by the door until Charles arrived. Wanda, Peter, and Lorna sat on the couch together watching a cartoon, their backs to Erik without a care in the world.

Lorna noticed Erik first, most likely feeling the metal on his body, and she turned her head around and gasped, startling the other two. “Dad, you look so nice!” Wanda and Peter turned around and exclaimed similar sentiments.

Erik blushed, running his palm down his shirt. “Thank you. I’m surprised I still had this.”

Wanda jumped up from the couch, stepping into Erik’s space. “You look incredible, Dad. I can’t remember the last time you got dressed up like this.” She smiled warmly. “It’s nice.”

Peter moved next to Wanda, grinning at Erik. “Charles is one lucky guy.”

Coming to stand next to Erik, Lorna piped up. “And I bet Charles is going to say that you look very nice.”

Erik’s face flushed even more than before, and his eyes pricked with tears. He held them back as best he could, looking at his three wonderful children before him. Their whole lives, all they knew so far was that Erik loved their mother. Magda was really the only person that Erik loved, having met in high school and leading to the rest being history. Erik told them nothing of his sexuality, never hinting to his attraction to men and women; but Erik always made it a point to make the three of them comfortable with those topics. Over the years, Peter talked of girls and boys that he liked, and Wanda ambiguously mentioned people she liked, never focusing on their gender. Though Lorna was young and not ready to consider those bigger questions, she never judged, enjoying media and books with non-straight and non-cisgender people without question. His parenting led up to this – all three of them accepting his date with Charles without hesitation and without judgement. Erik felt as if he was coming out to his children, and he couldn’t feel better.

As if on cue, three knocks sounded at the door, and Erik gave his kids a warm smile before walking to the door and opening it. Charles stood in front with David tucked slightly behind his leg, and Erik greeted and smiled at both of them, giving David a little wink. Erik felt Charles’ eyes comb down his body, and Erik’s body warmed at the attention. With Charles distracted, Erik did the same, noting the tightness of his suit jacket on his muscular arms, the fullness of his pants at his waist and down his thighs, and the smallness of his waist hidden beneath his fitted dress shirt. Erik audibly gulped, hoping none of their children noticed; and when he met Charles’ eyes, they were wickedly playful. Erik sighed shakily and gestured Charles and David inside, both of them filling in and Erik shutting the door.

“Charles, you look amazing,” Wanda said first.

Peter leaned on the back of the couch. “You two really are going to a nice restaurant. I’m kinda jealous.”

Lorna stepped to David, taking his hand in hers. “You two have a fun night. We’ll take good care of David.” David grinned next to Lorna, and the two of them slipped into laughter, running further into the living room and jumping on the couch together.

Erik stood next to Charles, close enough to feel the heat radiating from his body. “Okay, some ground rules,” Erik voiced, slipping into father-mode for a moment as he spoke to Wanda and Peter. “There is money on the kitchen counter for food. Order whatever you want just as long as it’s cheaper than what’s there. Keep an eye on Lorna and David – they are your number one priority, especially David since he’s a guest in this house. If you need to run down the street for anything, Peter, you go and come back – no fooling around after dark. And if we aren’t back by ten, everyone in bed with David staying in Peter’s room. Got it?”

Wanda nodded once and Peter gave him a salute. “Got it,” they said in unison.

Erik pulled them both into a hug, placing a small kiss on each of their heads, before doing the same to Lorna over the back of the couch. Charles ruffled David’s hair as he said goodbye, and the two of them slipped out the front door and into Charles’ car. The tension between them was tangible, Erik wanting to drink in Charles’ appearance and Charles projecting the same. Still, they schooled their emotions quickly and dropped into comfortable conversation as Charles drove across town to the restaurant.

Charles found a parking spot on the street a block down, and the two of them walked silently to the front door. Erik held the door open for Charles with his abilities, and Charles radiated pride, thoroughly enjoying Erik using his abilities so candidly. The hostess led them to their table, reserved by the big front windows, and Erik held out a chair for Charles.

As Erik sat, Charles spoke playfully from across the table, “You are thoroughly wooing me tonight. Chivalry isn’t dead, so it seems.”

Erik smiled as he thumbed at the sides of the menu. “This is a date after all; I can’t have you thinking I’m not a man of honor.” He took in Charles’ features and felt overwhelmed all over again. “I know I said it before, but you look very handsome tonight.”

Charles’ cheeks flushed slightly. “Thank you. So do you. You look good in a suit, tall and lean and handsome.” Erik fought back the urge to reject the compliment, feeling he didn’t agree; but instead, he took it in, committing Charles’ words to memory.

They ordered drinks and something small to start off their dinner. Falling into conversation, both of them leaned into each other, their gazes transfixed on one another across the table. Both of them talked about their weeks, Erik discussing a new project and Charles mentioning a breakthrough he and Hank made. The waiter came by to take their orders, pulling Erik and Charles away from each other for a moment, before diving back into each other immediately after. Erik recounted some stories from Peter and Wanda from school, and their food arrived quickly after. Charles stole some food from Erik’s plate, happily humming at the taste; and Erik found himself tripping face-first into adoration for Charles.

Having finished their meals, Erik ordered desert despite Charles’ initial refusal. They shared a slice of cheesecake, so decadent that Charles nearly moaned at the first bite, quickly apologizing to Erik for being upset he got desert. The waiter brought them complimentary coffee while eating desert; and as Charles finished the last bits of the cake, Erik sipped his cup, watching the soft light cascade on Charles as he blinked, his lashes casting a small shadow under his eyes.

Fighting back the urge to reach across the table and take Charles’ face in his hand and stroke his thumb against his cheek, Erik settled for grabbing Charles’ hand on the table. Erik cupped Charles’ fingers and ran his thumb absentmindedly on the tops of his fingers, feeling the softness and strength of his hand. Charles radiated affection, wrapping Erik in it; and very quickly after, Charles called the waiter for the check.

They exited the restaurant, Charles holding the door for Erik this time; and they walked in tandem back to the car, their hands brushing against each other as they walked. Erik had the car door open for Charles already as he slid into the passenger seat, and once the car started, they were on their way back to Erik’s house. It wasn’t bedtime for the kids yet, so as they approached the house, they found the living room light still on, though dimly lit. Erik and Charles walked the door, and Erik unlocked the door and swung in open in a fluid movement, the two of them entering together.

The kids sprawled on the couch and floor – Wanda, Lorna, and David sat side-by-side, leaning on each other, on the couch; and Peter stretched on the floor in front, his right leg crossed over his bent left leg. As the door shut, Wanda paused the movie they were watching; and they all turned to look at Erik and Charles.

“Hey,” she said, her voice cracking from not talking for a while. “The movie is almost over – maybe like twenty more minutes. Is it okay if we finish it?”

Since he sensed agreement from Charles, Erik nodded. “That’s fine.” They all turned back to the television, and Wanda resumed the movie. Erik turned to Charles. “I’m gonna go change out of these clothes. Do you want to borrow something of mine to change?”

Charles agreed to the change of clothes, and together, they walked up the stairs and into Erik’s bedroom. Shutting the door halfway, Erik wandered to his dresser and pulled out a pair of sweatpants and a long-sleeve shirt. He handed them off to Charles, who was staring intently at the bed. Erik swallowed nervously as Charles returned his gaze.

Knowing their kids were downstairs, Erik pointed Charles to the en-suite bathroom door. “You can change in there if you’d like.”

Charles nodded quickly. “Probably best. Be right back.” He slipped into the bathroom and shut the door quietly behind him.

Erik breathed out and ran his hands through his hair, trying to calm his beating heart. His abilities weren’t helping assuage his nerves because he sensed Charles slip his belt off from the metal closures, pull his pants down from his keys in his pocket, and remove his undershirt from the metal lapel pin in the pocket. Hyper-aware, Erik noticed Charles’ blood pumping a little faster than normal, the underside of his watch warming with his increased temperature. Breathing heavier now, Erik stepped back over to his dresser, busying himself with changing and ignoring the growing heaviness in his boxer briefs.

As Erik pulled his sweatpants up and finished changing, Charles opened the door, casting bright light on the room for just a moment before Erik shut the light off with his abilities. Charles placed his folded clothes on the top of the dresser and walked to Erik standing at the bottom of the bed. The only light in the room was the hall light, peaking through the partially opened bedroom door. Erik stared down at Charles, and he found Charles’ blue eyes staring back, a small smile on his face.

Charles raised his hand and gently touched Erik’s side, caressing his fingers on his waist. Erik noticed Charles’ shoulder slipping out from Erik’s too-large shirt; and Erik resisted the urge to bend down and suck a mark on Charles’ soft skin. Instead, Erik placed his hands on both sides of Charles’ face and ducked down, kissing him. Startled, Charles froze at first and then quickly parted his lips, humming into the kiss. Erik kissed him again and brushed his tongue against Charles’ bottom lip before giving it a gentle bite. Charles slipped his other hand on Erik’s waist, digging the pads of his fingers into the slight muscle there. Erik threaded his hand through Charles’ hair, cupping the back of his neck and holding him closer. They continued to kiss, their lips eager and seeking; and the telepathic connection between them became fevered with passion from both of them, so much so that it became too much, Charles pulling away with a resounding gasp.

“I didn’t know a kiss could feel that good, oh my,” Charles said breathlessly, his pupils dilated.

Erik felt dizzy from Charles projections as they mixed with his own feelings, making the hotness in his lower stomach hard to ignore. “It’s probably best we take a rain-check here.”

“I’m inclined to agree.” Charles smiled weakly, removing his hands from Erik’s sides and taking a step back. “After all, this was our first date. Should save something for next one.” His voice was more confident, flirtatiously grinning.

Feeling calmer and more composed, Erik smiled back, intertwining his hand with Charles’ and heading downstairs to watch whatever was left of the movie with their kids before Charles and David headed home.

Chapter Text

Erik hummed a nameless tune, feeling happier than he’d felt in months, as he moved around the kitchen making breakfast. It was Saturday, and Erik took advantage of the kids still sleeping to make pancakes. The metal ladle floated above the skillet on the stove, ready to pour out the batter whenever Erik signaled. He took out the carton of orange juice as the ladle tipped, creating a perfect pancake circle in the pan. Erik grabbed the syrup from the top shelf of the upper cabinet and placed the ladle down with his abilities, opting for a metal spatula now. After about two minutes, Erik flipped the pancake, cooking the other side to perfection as well.

After stacking about ten pancakes onto a large plate, Erik set the table, pouring everyone a glass of juice and feeling his children wake up. As if drawn by the smell of breakfast, they filtered down the stairs one after another, stepping into the kitchen.

“Pancakes?” Lorna asked happily, her green eyes wide.

Erik smiled, tousling her hair. “Pancakes. Take a seat and help yourself.”

Lorna didn’t hesitate, taking her usual seat, but Peter and Wanda hovered by the kitchen entrance. As they cautiously looked at Erik, Peter said, “I can’t remember the last time you made pancakes.”

“Me neither,” Wanda added. “Is everything okay?”

Taking a sip of his coffee, Erik leaned against the counter, assuming his usual spot. “A father can’t make his children pancakes on a Saturday morning?”

“No,” Wanda said quickly, slowly moving to her seat.

Peter let out a laugh. “Dang, Charles’ got you bad.” Wanda barked out a laugh as Peter took his seat, Lorna oblivious to Peter’s comment.

Erik rolled his eyes. “Please, can we keep comments like that to a minimum?” He sighed. “Yes, I’m enjoying my time with Charles, and yes, I am happier because of it. So reap the rewards of a homemade breakfast.”

Through a mouth full of pancakes, Lorna said muffled, “I like Charles a lot.”

Peter stabbed a pancake with his fork, throwing it on his plate. “That’s good, Lorna, because Dad likes Charles a lot, too.” He smirked, side-eyeing Erik.

Lorna turned to Erik. “Are Charles and David going to move in with us?”

Erik nearly spat out his coffee, placing his cup gingerly on the counter. Wanda and Peter snickered from their seats, clearly amused as Lorna’s question and Erik’s response. “I think it’s a little too soon to ask that question, Lorna. Charles and I are…” He fumbled on his words, getting another round of giggled from the twins. “We are getting to know one another and taking things slowly. If everything goes well, maybe that could happen; but it’s far too soon to decide that.”

“I dunno,” Lorna continued, putting another triangle of pancake in her mouth. “I think it’d be nice to have them here. David is really nice, and Charles reminds me of Mom.”

Erik swore the floor fell out underneath him, and he stumbled into free-fall. Thankfully, he was leaning against the counter, so he steadied himself with his hands grasping at the edge. Lorna, oblivious to the effect her comment had on Erik, munched on her pancake, while Peter and Wanda looked at Erik with concern. Erik’s ears rang slightly, so it was slightly difficult to hear Wanda speak. Erik didn’t make out her words the first time, so Wanda said them again, a bit louder.

“I said that I agree with Lorna.” Her voice was confident despite her concerned look for Erik.

Erik’s mouth hung open slightly. “You do?”

Wanda nodded, and Peter interjected, “Yeah, I agree with them. Charles is super kind and gentle, and the way he interacts with Lorna, it’s almost sing-song-y in the way Mom used to. You can tell he really cares about us and you.”

His kids’ stares showed no hint of malice, only sincerity – they wanted Erik to know how they felt. As Erik digested their words, his mind put together the last puzzle pieces. The months of agony that Erik endured after Magda and Nina’s deaths led him to this moment in this kitchen with their children. Erik feared that any other path would have strayed him away from Charles, away from the prospect of a beautiful life with him. No matter the panic attacks, the late nights and early mornings, the body-wracking anxiety – all of it brought Charles into Erik’s life, and with the blessing of his children and the perceived acceptance of Magda, any anxiety Erik had over their future washed away in an instance.

Taking Erik’s silence as an opportunity to say more, Peter voiced jokingly, “And I hate to say that you have a type, Dad. Brown hair, blue eyes, kind smile. Come on.”

Erik laughed along with Wanda, rolling his eyes and blushing. “I suppose I do.”

*****

Opening the front door, Erik smiled at Charles and David. Erik leaned across the threshold, held Charles’ jaw, and placed a peck on Charles’ lips. “Hello,” he said warmly, caressing Charles’ jaw for the moment.

Charles reached out to touch Erik’s forearm. “Hello, you.”

Dropping his hand, Erik grinned at David. “Ready to spend a few hours with us tonight?” David nodded quickly, and Erik stepped aside, gesturing David in. “Lorna should be upstairs. I’ll be in momentarily.” David ran by Erik and stomped up the stairs to see Lorna.

Erik brought all his attention back to Charles, who closed the gap between them and kissed Erik. He sighed into the kiss, wrapping his arms around Charles as he pulled Erik closer by the waist. Their telepathic bond pulsed, Charles projecting eagerness and want and Erik pushing out desire and warmth. Quickly, they became breathless, Erik being the one to pull away first.

“We’re gonna have to work on that.” Erik ran his hand through his hair. “Holy shit, Charles.”

Charles looked bashful. “Sorry about that. I’m working on it, I promise. You just make me…” He sighed. “I’ve never felt this way about someone before, not even David’s mother. I just want you very, very badly.” He blushed slightly at the verbal admission.

Erik brushed the back of his fingers against Charles’ cheek. “You have me, entirely.” He leaned down and kissed Charles, chastely this time. “What time do you think you’ll be back?”

Shrugging, Charles replied, “I dunno. I hope in a few hours. Hank needs a lot of help with the samples, so I called in some reinforcements. Hopefully, we’ll get done before midnight.” He grimaced.

Erik pushed out a positive wave of acceptance. “Okay, just keep me posted. We’ll be here.”

“Thank you.” Charles took Erik’s hand and placed a small kiss on his knuckles. “I’ll be back.” He let go of Erik’s hand and left the small porch, headed to Columbia.

Erik closed the door and listened to the sounds in the house. Lorna and David laughed in Lorna’s room, and Wanda listened to music and sang along softly. Peter’s room was quiet, indicating he could be reading or sleeping. Erik let them be and headed to his small office, set on organizing his papers for work. After about fifteen minutes, Peter appeared in the doorway, startling Erik out of his focus.

“Can we make popcorn and watch a movie?” Peter waggled his eyebrows. “All five of us?”

Erik stood up from his desk, nodding. “I’ll get the popcorn started. You round up everyone else.”

One by one, the kids came down the stairs, Peter calling them forth with promise of a good movie. Erik readied the popcorn on the stove as they settled in the living room, leaving space for Erik on the couch. Grabbing a big bowl, Erik threw the popped corn in it and wandered into the film ten minutes late, David projecting what Erik missed into his mind. Erik mentally thanked him, David happy to help; and Erik slumped into the couch and passed the popcorn around to everyone.

Lorna shifted next to Erik halfway through the movie, and eventually, she snuggled into his side, passing out. He wrapped his arm around her, holding her close and remaining still. Wanda leaned on the other arm of the couch, and on the floor, Peter rested his arm on David’s shoulders, David curling into Peter’s side. As the movie came to an end, Erik felt incredible admiration for his children – David included – and he was grateful to still spend simple moments like this with them, especially given that two of them were teenagers.

Shutting off the movie and putting some music on, Peter ran upstairs and back in a second, grabbing a Lego set he’d been meaning to build for months. Erik chuckled as Peter dumped the contents out onto the floor, and he and David went to it, fumbling over the directions with confidence. Wanda slipped onto the floor, preparing herself to delegate; and Erik continued to hold Lorna tight, her little breaths warm against Erik’s side.

As the three on the floor started to talk more, Lorna shifted next to Erik, her body shaking from a stretch. Over a few minutes time, Lorna woke fully, sitting happily next to Erik, the two of them watching the Lego set slowly being built. Peter moved his hands quickly, reaching for the bricks he needed before anyone else could grab them; Wanda’s hand emitted a red glow as she pieced together her portion of the set with her ability; and David peacefully put his pieces into place, not using his telekinesis. David hadn’t used it since the incident at his and Lorna’s school; and Charles told Erik that he could count on one hand the number of times David used his telekinesis, the ability uncommon for him still.

Lorna leaned away from Erik to stretch out on the couch as David voiced a noise of frustration. He clicked together two blocks and couldn’t get them apart, frowning at them in his hand. Peter came to the rescue, attempting to pull them apart but failing. David grabbed at them again, pursing his lips in concentration, but did not succeed. Frustrated, he threw the connected blocks on the ground and pinched his eyes shut hard, his forehead and eyes wrinkling. Erik leaned forward on the couch, readying himself to get up and calm David down, when a spark appeared in front of David, the carpet lit on fire.

Peter and Wanda slid back away from the flame, and Erik lunged forward, scooping David off the ground and into his arms. Lorna sounded startled from the couch, and Erik watched as the flame grew bigger, nearly a foot in diameter now. The flames licked some of the Lego pieces, and in an attempt to stop the fire from growing bigger, Erik projected a small force field around the flames. The fire and smoke contained now, Erik levelly asked Peter to grab him a towel from the linen closet; and Peter returned immediately, towel in hand. David trembled in his arms as Erik took the towel from Peter and threw it over his force field. The towel tented around it before dropping onto the flames and extinguishing them. Erik breathed calmly as he watched Peter stare at the floor and Wanda hold Lorna on the couch.

Refocusing his attention to David, Erik shifted David’s weight in his arms. He tucked his arms under David’s bottom, and David immediately wrapped his arms and legs around Erik’s neck and waist, respectively. Erik bounced slightly, whispering into David’s ear that it was going to be alright, that everything was fine, that he was safe. David slowly stopped shaking, but Erik could feel the wetness on his shirt from David crying.

“Wanda,” Erik said calmly. “Can you grab my phone and call Charles? Let him know that David had a little accident with a new ability. Don’t worry him too much but ask him to come home as soon as he can, just in case.”

Wanda nodded, quickly following his orders and calling Charles. Erik didn’t hear the other side of the conversation, but he imagined Charles was worried. On the outside, Erik seemed collected, but on the inside, Erik shared that same concern. Primary and secondary mutations were very common for mutants, but tertiary mutations were incredibly rare, if not unheard of. Given that David’s known abilities were internal mutations that had no physical manifestation, Erik worried where this came from, even more so because the ability was pyrokinesis.

Not wanting David to see the burn mark on the rug, Erik walked into his office, sitting down at his chair and resting David on his lap. He kept his arms wrapped around Erik’s neck with his legs hanging at the sides of Erik’s legs now. Erik rubbed soothing patterns onto David’s back as he cooed and hummed, trying to keep David’s mind cleared of the fear and anxiety he was projecting to Erik.

Wanda came into the office after a few minutes, a look of worry on her face. Erik reassured her, saying, “It’s okay, Wanda. You and Peter just take Lorna upstairs, hang out with her, keep her calm if need be. Everything’s fine.” Wanda opened her mouth to rebut, but Erik continued. “It’s just another ability manifestation. With time, David will be able to control it. It’s okay; just go be with Peter and Lorna, alright?” Calming slightly, Wanda nodded and left to head upstairs with Peter and Lorna.

Erik felt Charles approaching the house, his watch and keys beacons to Erik’s ability. He opened the door for Charles, who swiftly shut it and reached out for Erik telepathically. Erik hailed him into the office, and Charles moved quickly, stopping in the threshold between the office and hallway. Erik smiled warmly at Charles, giving him a reassuring look; but it did nothing, Charles a mess of worry and stress and guilt.

Charles stepped next to Erik’s chair, placing his hand on David’s back. “David, honey, are you okay?” David mumbled something, but it came out muffled, his face still in Erik’s chest. “Darling, I know you’re scared, but it’s okay. We’ll work this out – just not right now.” He bent his knees and crouched down. “Do you want to just take a nap? Might help get rid of your headache.” Erik hadn’t even felt David’s pain through his telepathic projection.

Getting a mental approval, Charles stood back up and outstretched his hands to Erik. “Let me take him.” Erik shifted David on his lap, standing smoothly and handing David off to Charles. Smaller frame than Erik, Charles struggled for a moment getting David situated in his arms; but once David wrapped his limbs around Charles in a similar manner to Erik, Charles stood confidently. “I’m going to take him to your room to lay down, okay?”

Erik agreed, and Charles carried David upstairs. Wanting to assess the damage, Erik moved back into the living room, a big brown spot on the carpet where their kids sat around less than an hour ago. The Legos were nowhere to be seen, Wanda most likely gathering them up. Erik noticed that the flames didn’t go all the way down to the wood floor underneath, which gave Erik a moment of gratitude. Above it all, however, Erik nursed the beginning of a headache, trying to will it away but to no avail.

Charles’ watch moved down the stairs and into the living room, and Erik turned to see Charles, eyes trained on the burnt rug. “Erik, I’m so sorry.” Charles radiated frustration and sorrow. “If I had known this would happen, I would have never–”

Erik slipped his arm around Charles’ waist. “It doesn’t matter because you couldn’t have known. He just became frustrated, and his emotions caused him to lash out. We’ll just have to work on settling his emotional state – I had the same issue with Lorna a few years back.”

Charles shook his head. “That’s not the issue, Erik. This is pyrokinesis, an entirely different ability than anything David is used to, and just like his telekinesis, it came on suddenly. He has three abilities now, all wildly different, and I’m no closer to figuring out why than I was before.”

Erik tugged Charles closer, placing a kiss on his temple and projecting a sense of calm. “And we’ll figure it out over time. I’m sure there’s an answer to your questions, but we won’t find it tonight. David is, hopefully, calmer upstairs; none of the kids were hurt; and rugs are re-buyable. It will be okay.” He ghosted his lips on Charles’ skin and kissed him once more for good measure.

A flash of heartache pulsed through their connection, and Charles pulled away from Erik, turning towards him but keeping his gaze averted. “You already have so much on your plate with Wanda, Peter, and Lorna – you don’t need David thrown into the mix, especially if he manifests more dangerous abilities. I fully understand if this is too much for you, if David and I being in your life is–”

Grabbing Charles by his arms, gently but forcefully, Erik cut Charles off. “Don’t you dare think that.” Charles looked up at Erik with soft, sad eyes. “I want you and David in my life, in our lives. The kids love you, and they enjoy spending time with David like he’s their brother. One little accident isn’t going to cause me to run, Charles. We have mutant kids – mistakes happen.” He paused, considering his words. “Yes, David developing pyrokinesis suddenly isn’t great, but that just means we’ll need some extinguishers around the house now.” Charles’ face cracked into a smile. “And if you think I’m lying, just read my mind, feel my emotions. I’m committed to you and David. You can’t get rid of me now.” He cupped Charles’ face, smiling, and pulled him into a soft kiss.

Parting, Charles grabbed hold of Erik’s hand. “Thank you. I was always nervous with David’s changing abilities, always wondering if there’d ever be someone who would accept them. Turns out I found him.” He gave Erik’s hand a squeeze. “I appreciate you.”

Erik lifted Charles’ hand and kissed his knuckles. “Same to you.” They let go of each other. “How about we go check on the kids and then maybe order some food? I assume you’re not going back to the lab tonight.”

Charles agreed, and they walked out of the living room and up the stairs. They entered Wanda’s room, now crowded with Lorna and Peter sprawled on her bed. Charles passed out apologies, which largely went unacknowledged, the three of them pressing that it was an accident and that they were perfectly fine. Lorna asked a few questions about David, making sure he was okay, and Charles sat down next to her on the bed, hand running through her hair as he calmed her worries. Erik leaned on the doorframe, watching his children take in Charles so easily and comfortably, and he knew he wanted his family to stay like this for as long as Charles would have him.

*****

The clock ticked to five o’clock, and Erik powered down his computer with his abilities, gathering the miscellaneous papers on his desk and placing them in a pile for Monday morning. He lifted his jacket off his chair with his powers, magnetized by the metal buttons all around; and Erik skirted out of his office and towards the elevators. He waved goodbye to a few co-workers and called the elevator to their floor, so it was waiting for him when he arrived. Erik travelled to the lobby, offered a goodnight to the security guard, and stepped outside into the busy courtyard.

As Erik walked across it to the subway station, he felt a brush of someone’s mind entangling with his. Erik spun around, nearly running into another person, before spotting Charles across the courtyard, headed directly to Erik. He stood still, smiling widely and assuredly looking manic, as Charles neared and pulled Erik into a kiss. Erik returned the kiss with some passion, having not seen Charles for nearly a week and a half given their busy schedules; and when they parted, Charles’ pupils were larger than before and his lips were pink and puffy.

“Hello to you, too,” Charles said bashfully, extending his hand out to offer Erik a to-go cup. “I bought you coffee, no sugar, no milk, and bitter, just how you like it.” He rolled his eyes and shivered in disgust.

Erik laughed, taking the cup and sipping it thoughtfully. “Despite your mocking me, I appreciate the gesture. Thank you.” He took Charles’ hand in his other. “What are your plans for the rest of the night?”

Charles grinned. “Well, since the kids are all together at your house and we haven’t had a proper date for a while, would you like to go on a date with me?” Charles’ face turned a beautiful shade of pink, and Erik wondered if this fuzzy, warm feeling throughout his body would ever go away. He hoped not.

“I’d love to. Any particular location in mind?”

Charles shook his head, shrugging. “No, let’s just walk and see what piques our interest. But before we go anywhere…” He stepped forward, entering Erik’s space a bit more and placing his other hand on Erik’s chest. He looked up at Erik with crystal blue eyes, and Erik wanted nothing more than to kiss him. “I do have a question to ask you.”

Erik’s heart skipped a beat as Charles’ eyes moved from Erik’s eyes to his mouth and back up again. “And what’s that?” he asked playfully, a smirk never leaving his face.

“Neither of us has officially asked the other, and while I love the way things are going, I’d like to formally have a name for what we are to each other; and I want to proudly declare my infatuation to whoever asks.” Erik laughed softly, and Charles gave his hand a little squeeze. “Erik Lehnsherr, will you be my partner?”

Charles’ admiration and affection for Erik pulsed through their connection, and Erik felt warm all over again, focusing on the way Charles made his heart beat and his stomach fill with butterflies. The weight of Charles’ hand in his held Erik firmly on the ground, tethered to the possibility of a bright and loving future with the man before him. With the support of his children and the perceived acceptance of those no longer with him, without a doubt, without an ounce of hesitation, Erik replied, “Of course. I want nothing more.”