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It felt like a dream, arriving in Genosha along side Erik. Never once in the past thirty years did Charles imagine they would get their happy ending. To be clear, he certainly wasn’t complaining. He wanted to soak up every moment.
Erik gently squeezed his hand as they entered his home. Their home. “I can’t read your mind, schatz. That’s not my power. How are you feeling?”
Charles face melted into a smile. “I’m wonderful, darling.”
Erik returned the smile, then shifted his attention to the living room. “Well, here she is. Home sweet home. It isn’t much…surely not what you’re used to but—“
”It’s perfect, Erik. Thank you.” He would live in a cardboard box if it meant being with Erik.
”You can take my bed. I don’t mind sleeping on the couch while we get things sorted. There's not much room but I'm sure we can—”
Charles grabbed his arm, interrupting him again, “Erik. I don’t mind sharing a bed with you…In fact, I’d prefer it. Especially after all these years of being apart.”
Erik stuttered, his face blushing a bit, “I—I didn’t want to assume. I just want you to be comfortable.”
”I’ve always felt most comfortable when I'm next to you, darling.” It felt nice to be honest for once. To let their vulnerability hang out in the open. He couldn't remember the last time it felt like this.
“Come with me,” he said, holding out his hand.
As they entered the bedroom, something caught Charles’s eye. On the bedside table was a framed photo of the two of them before Cuba. “Have you always had that?”
Erik rubbed his neck, “Oh…yes. I liked having you close, even when we were at odds,” he confessed. "Do you remember what you said to me that day?"
Of course he did. Although many of his memories had grown hazy over the years, that summer they spent at the mansion was as clear as day. "That there's good in you."
Erik nodded. "This photo reminds me of that...I need a reminder more often than I'd like to admit."
Charles wheeled closer to get a better look. “I never realized how young we were.” Although, Erik looked mostly the same. In fact, his beauty had only grown with age. It was Charles who’d been through the wringer. He ran his hand over his scalp, feeling his heart begin to ache.
Erik took a step closer, “Is something wrong?”
Charles voice was small and broken, “I’m not the man I once was, Erik.” He could see that now.
”Neither of us are.”
”No, perhaps not. But it's different and you know that. Look at you, Erik. You've helped thousands. You're the reason this place exists. And it's no secret that every woman on this island is swooning over you. Meanwhile, I've ruined my legacy. Hurt the people I love most. You know, sometimes when I look in the mirror, I hardly recognize myself.” He was once so handsome and full of life. How could Erik stand to be around him like this?
”Charles…”
”I’m sorry you’re getting the broken version of me.” He turned his head away, almost ashamed.
”Hey,” Erik whispered, bending down in front of him, “You are still my Charles.”
Charles shook his head. “I’m ugly and damaged, Erik. You deserve better.”
”Meine liebe, look at me. You are just as beautiful now, as you were the day I met you. If anyone deserves better, it’s you. I’m the one who hurt you.”
Charles sighed, looking him in the eye, ”You know this wasn’t your fault. It was an accident and so many years ago.”
Erik caressed Charles face, “Point is, I feel so incredibly lucky to have the most handsome man sitting in front of me, willing to share this life with me, even after every mistake I’ve made. I've been broken since the day you met me, yet here you are. And I'm certain Genosha wouldn't exist without you either. Mutants owe so much to you, even if you can't see that.” He gently kissed the top of his head. “I love you unconditionally, Charles. Hair or not,” he gently teased.
Tears slowly rolled down Charles’s cheeks. “So you’re not repulsed by me?”
Erik softly laughed, “Quite the opposite, I’m afraid. I wouldn't want you any other way. Look into my mind, you'll see nothing but the truth.”
But Charles didn't need to. He could see it in his eyes. “Darling…thank you. For everything. Giving me a home. Loving me.”
”You did the same for me many years ago.” Before Charles could respond, Erik closed the space between them. They both poured their souls into the kiss, letting the years of pain and regret wash away.
"I never stopped loving you, you know," Charles said, resting his forehead against Erik's. "Even after everything. I wanted to hate you...but I couldn't."
"I know, meine liebe. I know. Now stop talking so I can show you just how handsome I think you are.”
Charles smiled into the kiss, feeling almost euphoric. He knew it would be a long time before he could love himself again, but it didn't matter. He wasn't alone.