Work Text:
Erik knew this probably wasn’t the greatest way to get his partner to do things, but it seemed to be the only one that worked. To be fair, this particular removal had less to do with a mission and more with Erik wanting to be with Charles.
According to Raven's latest intelligence (well, her last phone call with Hank), Charles had been burning himself out. Azazel had readily agreed to bring Charles to Erik's house, and Raven had made sure Charles' classes were covered.
Now all Erik could do was wait and hope that his partner wouldn’t be too upset with him, already having put the kettle on for a cup of tea. A few moments passed, and Azazel put Charles, chair and all, down, before doing a mock salute as he disappeared from sight. Erik smiled a little at Charles, bracing himself for the yelling.
"Hello, liebling."
He was met with a flat look, which was almost as bad as the yelling.
“I am actually busy, Erik.” Charles grumbled, the dark circles under his eyes betraying his lack of sleep. “You cannot keep doing this.”
"Nope, Hank said you haven't stopped working for four days straight. You need a break." Erik wasn't going to let Charles burn himself out. He got to his feet, pretending not to be as anxious as he felt. "Cup of tea?"
There was a horrible moment of silence, of tension, before Charles sighed, the glare sent towards Erik half-hearted at best.
“I suppose I may as well. While I'm here.”
Erik smiled, knowing that meant Charles was at least done properly fighting him about this. "You need rest, Charles. I know you don't like me doing this, but if this is what it takes, then it must be done." He crossed the room into the kitchen and put together a cup of tea. "Raven and Hank are ensuring your classes are covered. You're spending at least tonight with me."
“This is kidnapping, Erik.” Charles’ voice carried over from the other room. “And they are my classes. I should be the one teaching them."
“And you will, once you're rested enough to teach them." Erik walked back over to Charles, passing him his tea. "Here you go, love."
Charles mumbled a ‘thank you’, taking a sip. That was another good sign.
“That is not your call to make.”
"It was a collective decision. We all worry about you." Erik sighed softly, reaching up and smoothing back his partner’s hair, trying not to worry too much. "I've got some work I need to do quickly, but you should get some rest, liebling."
He lingered, just for a moment, before disappearing into his study.
~
Erik didn’t realise how much time had passed until he looked up at the clock above his desk, blanching. An hour had gone by, and he’d left Charles in the sitting room by himself. His partner hadn’t asked for him, but that didn’t stop guilt from twisting in his stomach.
He got up and quickly crossed back into the sitting room, apology dying on his lips when he saw Charles’ state. His partner was asleep on the couch, wrapped up in Erik’s cape as a sort of makeshift blanket, tea finished. He looked so… adorable, curled up like that, something pleased and protective flaring in Erik’s chest. He stepped closer, not wanting to disturb Charles, but definitely wanting to memorise the image in front of him.
He was snapped from his reverie when he heard Charles’ voice, soft and slurred as he came out of his light sleep.
“All done?”
Erik didn’t think Charles could get any cuter, but he was proven wrong as the man peered up from where he’d been resting his head, watching Erik through half-lidded eyes.
"All done," Erik echoed softly, sitting down and pulling Charles into his arms, not letting his cape slip from around him. "Look at you." He couldn't keep the love and adoration out of his voice.
He was glad when Charles leaned into him, and his chest warmed at the soft laugh that escaped his partner’s lips.
"It's surprisingly comfortable." Charles mused, hugging the cape tight around him.
"Of course it is. I wouldn't wear it otherwise," Erik replied, voice fond. He kissed Charles's hair and projected love through their bond. "It suits you."
Charles laughed properly at that and he curled up against Erik, still half asleep. “Mmm? Perhaps I should steal it, then. You'd look a bit funny without it."
"You can borrow it," Erik conceded, holding Charles tight. "I fear I may need it for missions. As you say, I'd look funny without it."
“Maybe. If you can find it." Charles teased, voice soft and warm.
Erik huffed fondly. "You're lucky you look extremely adorable in this cape," he murmured, with a shake of his head.
Charles' gaze flickered up to Erik and he smiled at him, watching him with a sleepy gaze. "I do." He agreed, a satisfied smirk tugging at his lips.
Erik leaned down and kissed Charles softly, just because he looked so adorable and Erik loved him so much. He felt Charles return the gesture and he leaned into the feeling, before allowing Charles to pull away. He held him close as Charles settled in his arms, eyes fluttering closed.
Erik let Charles fall back asleep, stroking his hair. "Rest, my heart, my love. I have you." He projected soft love and warmth through their bond.
Charles hummed softly, projecting back his love, until he fell asleep in Erik's arms.