Chapter 3
Since his injury Charles has come to the conclusion that he likes water. Of course, he’s always been fond of it, going for swims and spending time by the lake on the Xavier property when he was younger. Now, though, it’s something more than that.
He’s had a pool put in, for starters. At first, he was insistent it was for the school, but now he can admit that it’s more than that. Sure, it provides another means of exercise and they have pool days when it’s warmer out. But it gives him freedom as well.
“Come on, love, pool,” He says with a smile, looking up at Erik who laughs softly.
“Are we gathering up the children, or going on our own?” It’s June, there are less than ten students left at the school, and others have gone home for the summer. But even ten is too many for right now.
Charles shakes his head, “No, maybe tomorrow, it’s supposed to be nice. Just us for this evening,” He replies.
The two of them wander out to the pool and Erik wastes no time in throwing his shirt to the side and turning on Charles who quickly does the same. Then arms are wrapped around him and Erik smiles as he picks him up.
“Hold on,” He warns and Charles knows what’s coming. His arms wrap around his love and he holds his breath. Seconds later there’s a splash and they’re both laughing, holding on to each other.
Charles smiles, pulling back from Erik a little. He can’t feel the water below his waist but that doesn’t matter. His arms are around Erik’s shoulders and they’re looking at each other, almost eye to eye. He leans in, pressing a kiss to the other’s lips, loving the freedom he has now and how close they are to being face to face.
The two of them spend close to an hour swimming around in the pool, laughing and splashing each other, and more time holding on to each other and kissing than anything. Charles particularly enjoys swimming up behind Erik and wrapping his arms around his waist, placing kisses on the other man’s neck.
Charles would have happily stayed longer but it was getting late and Erik was becoming increasingly worried about him burning in the hot evening sun.