***
He knew he couldn’t hide forever.
No matter what his inner six year old wanted.
Hank had returned with some soup, bread and fruit to get Erik to eat. He scarfed it down, but then promptly fell back to sleep. It was going to be the cycle for the next week or so. They needed to get more food in him, and start him exercising – even if it was just to walk to the bathroom.
He had every intention of getting off the bed, taking a quick shower and face the children, but instead woke up with Erik warm against his side, and the sun shining through the window. For a moment he thought it was that morning … the morning they left for Cuba.
Charles instantly noticed Erik was having difficulties breathing. He shifted them, making sure he was sitting up, before placing the oxygen mask back over his mouth. He sent a mental note to Hank, startling the boy awake, he apologized then asked if he could come to the room, with food so Erik could take his medications.
He knew Erik was tired and struggling, since he didn’t bitch at being helped out of the bed and to the bathroom. The first time he had done this, Erik had argued with him saying he could take care of himself and didn’t need Charles holding his dick while he pissed.
‘It’s not like I haven’t had your dick in my hand before!’ Charles snarked at him. ‘It’s been in my mouth and ass, so holding it while you piss is not all that troublesome!’
Erik had snorted trying not to laugh as it hurt as much as everything else. In the end, he’d given up letting Charles help. He knew how difficult that was for Erik.
Once he got Erik settled onto the toilet, he prepped the shower, stripping out of his own clothes. At least at home he could get into the shower with Erik. The hospital had too many people coming and going, and the stall was too small.
The room began to fill with steam, as he stripped Erik out of his clothes. He still couldn’t lift his arms over his head, so the button down sleep shirts would have to do for a while longer. Charles steadied him while he got into the shower, both sighing at the feel of water against their skin.
He didn’t like how thin Erik had become, the man had an unnatural slim waist, and now he could see his hip bones, and he was pretty sure the image wasn’t sitting well with Erik either – too many bad memories.
Charles took his time in washing Erik’s hair and softly sponging him down. At one point Erik looked down at him while Charles’ was on his knees, and smirked. “Such a wasted moment.”
Charles smiled, as his hands slid up his thighs, then gripped his hips. He leaned forward kissing each hip, before leaning his forward against Erik’s stomach. He didn’t realize he was crying until he felt Erik’s hands in his hair and soft voice in his head.
<<I’m still here Liebling. I’m not that easy to get rid of.>>
<<I should be taking care of you, not bawling my eyes out in the shower.>>
<<Stand up so I can hold you.>>
Charles wiped away the tears along with the water. He gave Erik a small smile, who pulled him into his arms, holding him close. The two took comfort in each other, until the water started turning cold. With a flick of his wrist Erik turned the water off, cringing slightly.
“Don’t do that.” Charles laid a hand on his chest, eyes on the dark staples against the pale skin. “It’s only for a while longer.”
“It’s driving me to distraction.” Erik growled. “Think how it would be not to use yours.”
“There are times my friend, that would be a blessing.” He moved them out of the shower, grabbing a towel to dry them off. “But I can understand.”
By the time they got out of the shower, and back into the bedroom Erik had to admit he felt better, he was now hungry and tired.
Hank had replaced the oxygen tank, and made up the bed to some degree. He motioned towards the chair, where a tray was set with breakfast. “I figured you would want to sit up and eat, feel a bit more human.”
Erik was going to make a snarky retort, but Charles pinched his arm as he helped him over to the chair, then gave him a look as he sat down. “Thank You, Hank.”
“That hurt didn’t it.” The younger mutant smirked, eyes filled with mirth.
“I’ll train you yet.” Erik gave Hank a half smile as he picked up the fork and dug into the eggs, he was really hungry. He ignored Hank and Charles talking quietly as he finished off the toast, potatoes and grapefruit. Without stopping the conversation, Charles handed him his medications along with a glass of water. By the time he finished, he leaned back in the chair, head resting against the back feeling suddenly drowsy.
“Do you want to nap in the chair?” Charles whispered softly next to him. “I can wake you up in an hour, we can take a small walk in the garden, get you some exercise.”
“I feel like the family pet.”
“Only if I start petting you.”
“Could you, there are a few places I wouldn’t mind a rub…”
“Stop!” Hank glared at the two of them. “Charles you need to deal with Raven, she’s stalking the halls. Let Erik rest, besides the kids are getting antsy to see him.”
Erik groaned and sunk further into the chair, he paused for a moment thinking back to the day before. “Did Alex call me dad?”
“See, I told you they were our kids, darling.” He kissed Erik on the forehead then stood up, smoothed down his shirt and made for the door. He opened it with a flair of dramatic, and watched as Raven, stopped in the middle of the hall to face her brother.
He turned back around and took one last look at those he loved. “For those of us who about to die, we salute thee.” Charles held his head high as he stepped out of the room, to face his destiny.
The door slammed shut behind him.
“Better him than me.” Erik muttered, as his eyes drifted shut, sleep claimed him once again.
“Amen.” Hank couldn’t agree more, he was pretty sure it was safer in the room with a pissed of Magneto, than dealing with Raven at the moment.
Emotional shower scene for the win!