Chapter 15
Erik couldn't deny that he had been having a rough time adjusting. Going from staying on the run, always being hunted, chasing after the government, planning speeches for mutant rights to suddenly...not.
It wasn't that he was regretting his decision, exactly, he wasn't. He loved being able to stay with Charles, calling the mansion -or school- home again was new, but comforting. It had been a long time since he felt safe, had a home, and had a family. Even if he and Charles still had a lot they had to sort and work their way through.
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The issue wasn't something Erik was complaining about, exactly. He knew and understood why it was happening. He knew well what he had done and why all the students seemed to tiptoe around him. They avoided him every time they had the chance. It was really giving him the chance to see just what damage he or Charles had done to the kids. Somehow his own people were afraid of him and that was the thing that hurt most.
He almost wanted to blame Charles. The man was the one who was so against his ways, he was the one teaching the kids, someone had to make the kids fear Erik, right? They didn't do that on their own. But Erik couldn't even bring himself to care. He decided that trying to earn their trust and get on their good side was the best he could do.
That didn't make it any easier though. Especially when they were avoiding him at every turn. At least he had Peter and Charles on his side, now at least. Maybe one day he would gain the trust of the kids.
Until then, he felt like he was walking on eggshells and honestly, he was still just as lonely most of the time as he was when he was on the run. Though it was almost worse with so many people around seeming to single him out.
And that was why he didn't know what to do when he saw Charles making his way toward Erik while he was out on his morning run. Most of the time the Professor was still in bed at this time, unless he was getting ready for a class. And what was that in his lap?
Erik slowed down but continued on his way in Charles's direction, stopping right in front of the shorter man. "What's going on? Something wrong?" He asked. For the life of him, he couldn't think of why Charles would be coming to him, especially at such a time. Anything that was coming to mind was terrible and he hadn't felt anything with his powers.
Charles gave him a small smile but shook his head, most likely picking up on his thoughts. Or Erik hoped so at least. He did rather like when Charles used his powers on him.
"I was going to do this later this evening, but I decided I couldn't wait," Charles said, he moved his hands, picking up the items on his lap and holding them up for Erik. "I didn't want to risk giving someone the chance to ask before I did. Will you be my valentine, my friend?" He asked, biting his bottom lip, looking more shy than Erik had ever seen him, as though he was terrified Erik would say no and reject him
Once Charles held the items up, Erik finally realized what Charles had. He was holding red and yellow roses in one hand and a heart-shaped box of chocolate in the other.
Erik found himself smiling and nodded, as though he could ever tell Charles no. "Of course," He whispered, "But I'm not sure you had to worry about someone else asking me first." The way the children and other teachers were avoiding him, he couldn't imagine anyone being brave enough to ask.
"You'd be surprised, my friend," Charles replied with a wink that suggested there was at least one other person thinking about asking Erik.
"Well, I didn't get you anything," Erik started, "But maybe you can help me with this box of chocolate? Maybe over a chess game tonight? I'll go out and get us some wine to go with it. We'll make it a date." It wasn't like he had much else to do through the day. Maybe he'd even cook the two of them their own dinner they could eat on their own.
Charles smiled and nodded, "Sounds like a date."
Erik couldn't place the feeling blooming in his chest. He would almost dare say it was love as he leaned down. Hesitantly, he pressed his lips against Charles, who was quick to return the kiss.
Maybe Erik wouldn't be quite so lonely around the school anymore. Not now that he and Charles had made a start on mending the bridges between them.