Chapter 13
The late afternoon sun poured through the windows of Charles’s study, casting a warm glow across the room.
Charles sat on the couch, cradling David in his arms. The baby was utterly fascinated with his fingers, gripping them tightly before bringing them to his mouth, gums pressing against his skin.
A wide, toothless smile spread across David’s face as he continued his game, his bright eyes filled with delight.
Charles chuckled softly, watching him with pure adoration. So easily entertained, he thought. So wonderfully innocent.
Charles had been at his desk, grading homework assignments, when David’s cries broke the quiet. Without hesitation, he had scooped the baby into his arms, and just like that, David had settled, content simply to be held.
Now, the study was peaceful once more, the only sounds being David’s quiet coos and the occasional gurgle as he played with Charles’s fingers.
Charles exhaled, a deep sense of contentment settling over him.
Happiness.
It was something he had once thought he might never truly feel—not like this. Not in a way that felt whole and real. But now, holding his son in the warm quiet of his study, he realized just how much had changed.
A soft knock at the door pulled him from his thoughts.
“Come in,” Charles called.
The door opened, revealing Hank. He stepped inside, closing the door behind him before making his way toward the couch.
As he sat down, Charles arched a brow. “An unexpected surprise. Is there something you need?”
Hank shook his head, his gaze drifting down to the baby nestled in Charles’s arms. “No, I just wanted to see the baby… and check in on you. How are you doing?”
A soft smile spread across Charles’s face. “I’m happy. So very happy.” He glanced down at David, gently stroking his tiny hand. “I don’t think there are words to truly describe how content I am.”
Hank’s lips quirked into a smirk. “You’re glowing.”
Charles rolled his eyes, laughing. “Don’t be ridiculous.”
Hank chuckled but didn’t argue.
Charles tilted his head. “Would you like to hold him?”
Hank hesitated for a brief moment before nodding.
With careful hands, Charles shifted David and passed him over.
Hank cradled the baby gently, his expression softening as he gazed down at him. “He really does look like you.”
Charles smiled, watching them both. “Yes… but he has Erik’s stubbornness, I’m sure of it.”
Hank laughed quietly, rocking David slightly. “Then we’re in for an interesting future.”
Charles couldn’t agree more.
“Speaking of Erik, where is he? I hardly ever see him more than a foot away from David,” Hank asked, glancing up.
Charles let out a soft chuckle. "He’s resting. Last night was rough—he had nightmares, horrible ones. I’m not sure where they came from, but he mentioned talking with Scott, so I imagine it stirred up old memories of the original team.” He sighed, adjusting his position on the couch. “I figured I’d let him sleep and took David so he wouldn’t be disturbed. You know how Erik gets when he’s grumpy.”
Hank smirked knowingly. “Oh, I remember. Definitely didn’t want to be in the same room as him when he was in one of those moods.” He glanced down at David, gently rocking him. “Though, if I recall, Alex and Sean seemed to bear the brunt of his wrath more than anyone.”
He let out a quiet chuckle, reminiscing for a moment before his expression turned more thoughtful. “It makes sense, though. Being here again… it must be hard for him. I imagine it brings back memories he thought he’d buried. Old regrets that resurface when you least expect them.”
The air grew heavier at the mention of the original team, the weight of loss settling between them.
Charles nodded, his gaze distant. “Yes… I think it does.”
For a moment, neither of them spoke, the only sound in the room being David’s quiet breathing.
Then Hank offered a small smile. “But maybe being here also gives him something new—something worth staying for.”
Charles met his gaze, his expression softening. “Yes,” he murmured, looking at David. “I believe it does.”
Charles and Hank remained in the study for a good while, their conversation drifting between everything and nothing. The weight of old memories lingered, but so did the comfort of the present.
As the hour crept closer to dinner, Charles decided it was time to head back. With David cradled securely in his arms, he bid Hank farewell and made his way toward their room.
Stepping inside, he glanced around, his gaze immediately landing on the bed.
Erik was fast asleep on his stomach, his face buried deeply in the pillow, his breathing slow and steady.
Charles rolled further into the room, making his way toward the crib. Carefully, he placed David inside, watching for a moment as the baby shifted slightly before settling into sleep.
With a soft sigh, Charles then turned toward the bed, moving closer to Erik’s side.
“Erik, my love, wake up. Dinner will be soon.”
Erik groaned in response, his face still buried in the pillow.
Charles chuckled, reaching out to thread his fingers through Erik’s hair, gently combing through the strands.
“Let me sleep,” Erik mumbled, his voice muffled.
Charles sighed, amused but slightly concerned. “You’ve been sleeping all day. I know you didn’t get much rest last night, but you shouldn’t be this tired.”
Erik sighed, rubbing his face before pushing himself up slightly.
Charles tilted his head, a small smile playing on his lips. “Come on, love. David misses you.”
Erik glanced over at the crib, then back at Charles, narrowing his eyes. “Are you using our baby to manipulate me?”
Charles placed a hand over his chest in mock offense. “I would never.”
Erik arched a skeptical brow.
Charles held his gaze for a beat before grinning. “Alright, maybe just a little.”
Erik sighed again but couldn’t fight the small smirk creeping onto his face. “Unbelievable.”
Charles chuckled. “Does that mean it’s working?”
With a grumble, Erik finally sat up properly, running a hand through his disheveled hair. “Fine, I’m up.”
Charles beamed. “Good. Now, let’s get you something to eat before you pass out again.”
Erik shook his head, but as he glanced at David laying soundly in the crib, he felt a warmth settle in his chest.