So this is Timestamp #1 to the Cherik AU that I’ve been posting for Afternoon Fics.
There is second Timestamp in the works.
Once it’s finished and cleaned up – I’ll post the full fic (this time with a title on the Afternoon Fic Page)
Then start working on the sequel – cause we all know I can’t just write one!
***
Timestamp #1:
The Brotherhood
Erik cringed slightly, as Azazael landed them in the small abandoned warehouse, a state over from Charles’ fledgling school. It was his way of making sure nothing would link back to him and the kids.
Who knew that their first students would be the very ones they recruited.
Charles and Hank equally had a heart attack when they realized Sean and Alex hadn’t finished high school. Armando had stared at the two kids, muttering he hadn’t realized they were that young.
Sean had just turned 18, yet was still in school, when they recruited him. His parents hadn’t even cared to find out what happened to him. Alex was pushing 20, but had dropped out of school years ago. He had joked it was why his parents were working on having another kid, hoping for normal. He didn’t want to break it to them, that normal wasn’t likely an option.
Charles built a curriculum and set up tests for both of them, and then planned to use it as the bases for incoming children. Everyone agreed it was a good idea to start off with teenagers, as they were not prepped to deal with anyone under the age of 12. Erik wasn’t thrilled with the idea of a house full of teenagers … as he knew how dangerous they could be.
As the school started to form, Erik needed to put in his first layer of security.
Charles will always look for the good, but Erik knew there was always going to be the bad. As he healed, he arranged with Azazael to get Emma out of prison. It was easier than it should’ve been, but he had a feeling she had been working her own agenda.
Janus, though loved working with Austin, knew his place wasn’t at the school and left with Azazael. Angel soon joined them, after her wing healed.
Charles’ was disappointed but understood.
What had shocked Erik, but hid it well, was seeing Raven at the meeting. He knew she had taken up with Azazael, they didn’t hide it very well, but hadn’t realize she was willing to fully walk away from Charles.
But then there was a history between the siblings, one that he refused to get in between. He had thought they worked through some of their issues, but maybe they had more than he thought.
Lately she really hadn’t been hiding her contempt for Erik’s new role in Charles’ life.
“Did Charles let you off your leash?” She sneered at him, still not quite gotten over the fact he shared Charles’ bed. As far as she was concerned he was ‘betraying’ the cause, by letting Charles influence his decisions.
Erik ignored her, instead focused on Emma. “So how was your trip to Geneva?”
“Profitable.” She smiled brightly at him, eyes narrowing.
He stared back at her. “Good luck trying to read my mind.”
“Shields are stronger than before, sugar.” She nodded, the smirk never quiet leaving. “I see you’ve got some solid foundation for those walls.”
“I only let one telepath in, and you’re not it.”
“Oh honey, Charles is a lucky boy.” Emma tilted her head slightly, studying him for a few more moments before getting on with the meeting. “You should know we transferred all the funds from Shaw’s accounts to the new ones. There’s enough capital to get us going on this new endeavor you’re plotting.”
“Shaw’s method of destroying the earth to rule the earth was a bit extreme.” Erik though still had moments that he agreed with the bastard, but he sure as hell wasn’t going to follow his path. He was very thankful for Charles for helping him see past that.
Though he did regret that he had hurt Charles, at the time he had no idea the telepath had felt Shaw’s death, he still didn’t regret killing him.
That was a particular nasty argument that ended up with hot sex on the floor of the danger room – followed by a breathing fit that had Charles freaking out. Watching Charles try to explain to the doctor why Erik ended up breathing harshly, was fun.
The lecture he got for pushing his limits, not so much.
“But we also know Charles’ ‘let’s all just get a long’, isn’t going to work either.” Raven snorted.
He still ignored her.
“So what’s your deal in this?” Emma watched him intently. She knew of Erik and everything Shaw had done to him, pulled it out of the bastard’s memories over the years. It had disgusted her, but she knew how to play the game. Besides she had put good odds on Erik showing up one day and killing Shaw. She was disappointed she didn’t see it.
“We know the humans aren’t going to be accepts us with open arms. Maybe a few here and there, and likely more than I would expect. But overall, the majority of society, no. They barely tolerate different skin color, or sexuality, let alone someone with a tail or feathers.” Erik glanced at Azazael, who whipped his tail around. “So I want to build an organization that will protect mutants. Rescue them from the labs, we know they’re in. Take out government facilities that are experimenting on our people. Find children who’ve been thrown out.”
“Then what?” Janus asked intently. He had watched Erik over the past months as the older man healed, and seen him interact with everyone, and especially with Charles. He knew instantly he would’ve made a great leader, so many would’ve followed his passionate spirit. He wasn’t sure yet, if it was a waste that Erik was staying with Charles or not, only time would tell.
“For those who want to fight, train them. For those who need help or care, send them to the school. I’m sure in time, we’ll be taking in kids, probably all the way down to toddlers. I would hate to think parents would toss their kids out, but well…”
“Oh, yes, because human parents are so likely to be supportive of their mutant kids.” Raven rolled her eyes, knowing how her own parents left her on the street.
“Watch it, Mystique.” Erik gave her a deadly glared. “I killed the last person who insulted my mother. She was a human Jewish woman, who helped me with my gift. Yes, she taught me to hide it, but we were living in Nazi Ghetto at the time, so it was understandable.”
It was one thing Charles had forced him to realize, and he admitted it changed the way he looked at a few things. His mother and father were human, and they loved him. Yes, they had him hide, but the circumstances were not normal. But they also were delighted to see him use his power, had tried to help as best they could. His mother in her final words – encouraged him, she knew he was scared of showing his gift to a ‘soldier’ and told him she was proud of him.
“My mamma loved me dearly.” Janus added to the conversation. “She was always delighted to see the wind blow. And it was her, along with my grandparents who died protecting me from the government.” He crossed himself, and looked heavenward. “And Austin is cool.”
Raven frowned, pushing her argument. “Not all of them are good loving parents.”
“No.” Emma frowned, reading Raven easily. The woman had some serious brother issues, but messing with Erik, wasn’t going to win her any favors. “But what Erik is saying, sugar, is that our job will to bring those children from unwanted homes to his sweethearts new school. Parents, who adore their little mutant babies, will likely get visited by the Professor, who will personally explain the benefits of higher education. This way, his hands stay clean.”
“And that is why you’ll be leading this rag tag group of social deviants.” Erik gave her a smirk.
“Of course I am dear.” She smirked. “You boys are just all about world domination, someone has to think ahead.”
“One rule.” Erik gave them all a look, staying on Mystique for a few extra seconds. “No soft targets. We are not Shaw. We will not wipe out an island, to start a nuclear war. We will not blow up a school, to make a point. Anyone who works for a government or private fund lab, are fair game. Their families aren’t. We will not let the humans call us terrorists, giving them the excuse to round up mutants. At this moment we’re still living under the radar, but as more of us are born, it will come to their attention, and they will want to squash us like a bug.”
“So we let them?” Mystique pushed. “You’re as bad as Charles. You’re nothing but his lapdog.”
“Let’s get this out of your system.” He reached out, yanking her upwards with the metal in her pockets and throughout her outfit. “I think your mutation is beautiful, but right now your prissiness is getting on my nerves. I’m not Charles’ lapdog and he isn’t mine. We’re coming at this fight from two different angles. We want to help our people, fighting each other isn’t helping. It took a bullet for me to figure that out, don’t make the same mistake.” He dropped her back on to the ground.
“Oh so that’s why you’re being bitchy.” Emma glanced between the two of them. “I wondered what that buzzing noise was in your head. You’re pissed Charles got to suck Erik’s cock and you didn’t.” She laughed at Raven’s glare. “Oh sugar, I’m not your brother, I don’t really care about boundaries, so get used to it.”
“Well if I had known Erik preferred cock, I would’ve been able to give it to him.” She changed her form to Charles, giving Erik a sultry look.
He glanced down her body, then back up a smirk on his face. “You’re missing about two inches, and I don’t mean in height.” Raven turned back to her natural blue form.
Emma snorted, and then collected herself. “Let’s get down to business. How do we exchange information? Will we go for specific targets? And what about ones that we happen to come across?”
They hashed out more details for another hour, and once the basics were finalized The Brotherhood was established. Emma and Erik would send information through Azazael. The school was to be off limits, unless in an emergency situation. Erik made sure they understood – if their lives were at stake, get to the school. It will be one of the safest places in the country.
As Azazael disappeared with Erik in a puff a smoke, Emma turned to Mystique. She gave her a look, and had no problem rummaging through her mind, to get the information she was seeking. “Sugar, let’s get this straight. I don’t care what your issues with Charles or Erik are, you work for me. I tell you to do something you do it. You don’t whine or bitch at me. I’m not your brother, and I will dig through that brain of yours if need be. As for your issues with Erik, get over it. He picked Charles over you, and well … your dear brother picked Erik over you. You’re a strong capable woman. Men are assholes, learn to manipulate them not whine about them.”
“Well that’s encouraging.” Janus smirked at the two women, giving a side eye to Angel, who was nodding in agreement. “So first order of business, find more brothers for The Brotherhood.”
Emma gave him smirk. “Oh you and Azazael are exceptions, though I don’t know why Mystique here is complaining, Azazael knows how to use that tail of his.” She gave Raven a wink, then called out for the teleporter, who appeared at her side. “Take us to the chateau in France we’ve got some planning to do.”
***
Azazael dropped Erik off in front of the Cadillac, giving Alex a nod. “He’s exhausted, freezing, and been holding back a coughing fit for about ten minutes.”
“Stubborn asshole.” Alex yanked out a heavy coat from the backseat and forced Erik to put it on, then wrapped a woolen scarf around his neck. “You had to have a mysterious meeting in a cold damp warehouse.”
“Gotta keep up the aesthetics of being an anti-government organization.” Erik pulled the scarf up towards his face, as he started coughing.
Alex rolled his eyes, and handed him a thermos filled with hot lemon tea, with honey. “Helen sent it, said you would need it.”
“I am going to be mothered henned to death.” He glanced at Azazael, who was snickering. “Keep an eye on Raven, for Charles’ sake.”
“She’s a strong willed woman. I can’t stop her from doing what she wants.” He shrugged. “Emma will keep her in line.”
“She’ll try to prove to Charles she can be someone without him.” Erik sighed, not quite sure how those two ended up where they were. Some of it he got, Charles can be domineering and doesn’t like to admit when he was wrong. Raven is stubborn and wants to prove herself. The two aren’t mixing at the moment, maybe in time, but right now it’s likely best they are not in the same state. “And Charles will act like he’s not fretting, while secretly fretting.”
“How about you both just fuck it out of them.” Alex gave his suggestion, smirking at the twin glares he was getting. “Oh don’t give me that look. We all know mom caves the moment dad starts whispering German in his ear, and you wiggle that tail, and …” He paused looking between the two very deadly mutants. “Just an observation is all.”
“He’ll make a good second on this end.” Azazael smirked at Alex. “Observant and can sass you when you need it.”
“Keep me informed of what’s going on, I trust Emma as long as our goals are the same.” In the past few months, he learned to trust Azazael. He may come across quiet, and easily used by others for their needs, but he had been around a lot longer than some knew. His Russian was perfect, despite the fact his people come from the Caribbean.
“Speaking of the Ice Queen, she summons.” He bowed his head, and then gave Alex a pointed look. “Make sure he doesn’t do anything stupid.”
And disappeared.
“Yeah ’cause I’m a miracle worker.” He rolled his eyes then looked at Erik. “Get in the car, I’ll put the heater on, and hopefully by the time we get home, you’ll be warm and less Popsicle and Charles won’t yell at me.”
“He won’t yell at you.”
***
The X-Men
“Where have you been?” Charles walked up to the car, opening the passenger door, and pulled Erik out. “And why are you so cold?”
“It’s nothing…”
“Oh I see.” He smoothed down the scarf, tightening it slightly, before resting his hand on Erik’s chest, feeling the steady heartbeat. “Super-secret meeting, I know nothing about so I can have plausible deniability.”
“Yes.”
He sighed, wrapping his arms around his lover, holding him close. “I hate the fact that you feel the need to have a Brotherhood, but I hate the fact that you actually do need one, more.”
“You can’t be seen doing anything untold, and as I’m staying with you, I need someone else to rage war against those who would harm us.” Erik kissed the top of his head, wrapping his arm around Charles. “I will protect what you’re building here Charles, don’t ask me how.”
“I don’t like it.” He stepped back, then grabbed the scarf and pulled Erik down for a kiss. “But I am learning to understand it.”
Erik gripped Charles’ neck holding him still as he devoured the sweet mouth under his. He moaned into the kiss, feeling Charles wrap himself around him physically and mentally.
“Can you do that inside where it’s warmer?” Alex rolled his eyes at their ‘parents’.
Erik flipped him off, as Charles chuckled and stepped back. “Let’s get inside, Helen has hot coffee, and Hank has been vibrating all day to show us his new plans. He was waiting until dad came home.”
Two hours, and two cups of coffee and desert later, they found themselves in the danger room, looking over schematics and plans hanging on all the walls. Hank was bouncing with excitement, what was making Erik smile was the fact Hank was still blue and furred. He was coming to terms with his mutation, but as he pointed out a time will come he will need to look human to deal with local politics and schools, when working with Charles.
It sucked, but he was right.
“You want to rebuild Cerebro?” Charles asked looking over a specific set of plans.
“I can make it better than the original, and with Erik helping me with the metal framework, we might be able to get you to expand further.” Hank nodded, pointing out a few adjustments. “There’s a whole tunnel system under this place, we can build further back.”
“We’ll need to add extra security, to make sure no one can access it.” Erik glanced over a few of the other diagrams. “Is it possible to make it only accessible to Charles? Like a system to read him or his fingerprints.”
“With the help of Raven…” He paused frowning slightly, but then shoved the glasses up his nose and continued. “I was able to get back into the old headquarters and grab all my work.”
“I made sure to destroy what was left.” Alex added to the conversation, he pointed at the drawings on one of the boards. “New uniforms?”
“I know we’re not talking about …” He waved his hands towards Erik. “…But I figured it would be a good idea to be prepped as a team to do help. I’m not sure what yet, but well if a bridge is collapsing, Magneto would be a good resource.”
“So Erik’s gang of radicals, raid labs and government facilities.” Armando smirked over at the older man. “And we what? Save kittens from trees?”
“More like bus of school children falling off a bridge somewhere.” Hank shrugged. “Just thought it would be a good image for Mutants.”
“It’s not a bad idea.” Charles nodded, glancing over at his lover. “The government will label, no matter how hard your guys don’t hit soft targets, as terrorists. This could be a nice counter.”
“Let’s just not get into a fight with them. I’m not facing Emma.” Erik commented wandering around looking at the designs for the Danger Room Upgrade. Admiring the new training facilities.
“Well this could come in handy, but it would cut you off from Charles.” Hank held up the infamous helmet.
“Where did you get that?” Charles asked in shocked horror.
“Azazael popped a few of us back over to Cuba, while Erik was still in the hospital. We figured there was stuff in Shaw’s submarine we didn’t want the CIA to have.” He held out his hand in it was a Nazi coin. “This being one of them.”
Erik floated it off his hand towards him, at least they cleaned it. He concentrated for a few moments, twisting it around until it was a Star of David.
Charles eyes were wide as he watched Erik use his mutation. His mind was lit up, and eyes held a certain spark, and Charles could feel his sense of closure.
Erik floated it back to Hank, setting it back in his hand. “Hang it up in the training room. It’s a reminder, good and bad.”
He nodded, studying the new design, fascinated at the detail. “What about the helmet?”
“I hate to say it, but we should keep it.” Charles gave the thing a disgusted look. “We could run into a telepath that will potentially do damage, and we’ll need a counter.”
“And if Erik needs to run with his other ‘friends’, it will disguise him.” Sean piped up from the back area where he was looking over the uniform designs. “I’m sure dad isn’t planning on to many raids, but let’s face it – at some point we’ll need to let him go blow something up before he kills us.”
“Way to keep Magneto separate from Erik, if need be.” Alex nodded in understanding. “But then again Charles would be cut off.”
“I can make a communication device … maybe. Small enough to put into his ear so Charles could talk to him…” Hank wandered off to start taking notes, slipping the Star of David into his pocket.
<<Are you okay with this?>> Erik glanced over to Charles.
<<No.>> He answered honestly. <<Its bad enough Raven ran off. I don’t like the idea of you leading them.>>
<<Then I won’t.>> Erik leaned over and kissed Charles’ temple. <<I’ll let Emma do what needs to be done, and I’ll save kids from crumbling bridges.>>
<<I love you, Darling.>>
<<Same, Liebling.>>
“Ah it’s so cute when they get all mushy with each other.” Alex smiled at them, elbowing Sean who was grinning.
“We’ll keep the helmet, better than it be in the wrong hands. We should find out if there is another, or how they made it … in case.” Charles gave them all another hand wave.
“Another Shaw?” Sean asked.
“Or worst a human.” Erik added.
“Is this a new jet?” Armando pointed at one of the larger designs. “I kinda bummed I missed the first one.”
“I’m working on building us a second.” Hank looked up from his notes, a grin on his face. “Though someone else should learn to fly it, besides me.”
“Where are we going to put a jet?” Sean gave him a pointed look.
“Most of this will take years of construction, and I’ve already started on permits, may have fibbed a bit on what exactly we’ll be building, but all the plans are in range of what would be part of a school.” Hank shrugged. “The Jet will go under the basketball court.”
“What basketball court?” Alex asked, smirking.
“The one that we’ll build in the East Garden.” Hank looked around the room.
“I’m not telling Austin you’re ripping up his roses.” Erik shook his head. “I would rather deal with Raven.”
“Erik, afraid of a human?” Charles smirked at his lover.
“You tell him, honey.” He leaned over whispering gently.
“No, I say Hank does it.” Charles looked at Hank. “It is his idea and all.”
Hank glared at the two of them.
“So what do we call ourselves?” Darwin grinned, clapping his hands together. “I mean we already have code names, so what do we call the group.”
“Not the Men in Black.” Banshee sighed.
“The Professors Men…” Havoc cringed slightly.
“Dude that sounds like a bad porn.” Armando shook his head at the young blonde.
“Then how about X-Men.” Hank suggested. “Since he’s Professor X.”
“Yeah I like that.” Darwin nodded. “The X-Men.”
<<You’re children are batshit.>> Erik gave him a look.
<<Our children, darling. And they get that from you.>>
Erik pulled Charles close, cupping his cheek as he leaned down to kiss him softly. They ignored the boys high pitch squeals and excited talking. They were together, and they would make this work.
Very nice!