The suite he had booked last minute, was not his usual style. He prefered something more lowkey.
When he had surprised Erik a few years ago with a trip to Paris, he had rented an apartment, it had been a simple studio and the two had enjoyed their weeks away. He had known Erik spoke French fluently, and had been to Paris during the time he hunted Nazi’s, but he had never taken the time to enjoy the city. That trip were some of his fondest memories. He had felt contentment bleeding off Erik the whole time they were away.
This two bedroom suite was huge, and was more than enough space for the four of them. The bedrooms sat on opposite sides, with a large living area in between. There was a fully stocked bar in the back, near the balcony that overlooked city.
A bar Charles was aiming for.
“Erik isn’t alive is he?” Charles grabbed the scotch and poured himself a glass, not offering anything to the other mutant. He downed it in one swallow, then poured a second before focusing on Logan.
“Chuck.”
“I can rip it out of your head.” He downed the amber liquid and poured a third. “I think you would be surprised how far I would go to protect my family.”
“Oh I know exactly how far you would go.” Logan gave him a look, moving towards the bar to grab his own vice, huffing in triumph when he found an actual Cuban cigar. “I’ve seen it. You’re a scary bastard when pissed.”
“Who sent you?” He demanded, blue eyes flashing with determination.
“You, with your two Generals: Beast and Mystique.” He lit the cigar and moved to the balcony doors. The city was quiet, as if in anticipation. The last time he had been in Paris, they had been hiding in the Palace of Versaille.
‘It’s beautiful.’ Kitty smiled at all the trimmings, though most of the historical pieces were destroyed. She grabbed Bobby and began to dance across the ballroom floor.
Chuck had watched them with a small smile on his face. It was a rare moment, to see him so open and unguarded.
‘Look at all the gold…’
He flashed a look towards Mystique who quickly shut her mouth and wandered off.
‘So much abundance. All they had to do was feed their citizens and they could’ve kept their heads.’ Charles’ voice had turned to lecture mode, though most had ignored him, there were times Logan sat and listened wondering what the Professor was really telling them. ‘But we hold onto our perceived rights. Cling to wealth and power.’
He pulled out the spray can, and like all the places before left behind their calling card.
214 782
He had no idea what that number meant, until now. Logan had seen the same six numbers tattooed on Erik’s left arm.
“Erik’s a Holocaust Survivor.” It wasn’t a question.
“Yes.” Charles looked at him, as if trying to read him, but without using his telepathy. “Why?”
“You used his number to mark our territory.” He puffed on his cigar. “I never knew why? No one talked about it, and you yelled at anyone who did. It drove the governments insane trying to figure out your code.”
“When it was me reminding them of their past mistakes?”
“I think it was more of a fuck you.”
“How did he die?” Charles asked wanting … no … needing to know so he could stop it.
He shrugged, chomping on his cigar. “I don’t know. You took me in after I escaped Stryker. There was no school only the Brotherhood. I never heard the name Erik, until Mystique told me to get him on my side.”
Charles’ slammed the glass onto the bartop. “She gets Erik killed and lives. I lose everything, and she stands by my side – fighting a war she fucking started.”
“I’m not saying you two got along.”
“I bloody fucking hope not.” He snarled moving from behind the bar towards his room, then stopped. “Kurt and Peter?”
“Sorry, but I don’t know them.”
“Sean? Alex?” Charles asked desperately, eyes wet with tears. “Darwin?”
“Darwin I knew, he fought like hell. You actually destroyed a small city when he was killed.” Logan stepped away from the balcony doors and approached the distraught man. “I only know the man you became Chuck, and for the past few days I’ve seen the man you are.” He gripped Charles’ shoulders tightly, bending down to look him in the eyes. “You were a fighter, a fucking vicious general, a phenomenal teacher, who everyone was willing to die for you. But I like this long haired cardigan wearing hippy. I want to meet him in the future. I want to see the school as a school. I want you to save Jean and Scott. I want to bring you Rogue. I want to see Kitty as a teacher not a soldier. I want to see Erik with fucking grey hair.”
“But I don’t know how to do that.”
“Yes, you do Charles.”
Charles turned to see a sopping wet Erik. “Fucking hell you’re soaked. Out of those clothes, into the shower – you’ll catch a cold!” And before he could blink, Erik was dragged out of the room towards their bedroom.
Logan looked at Beast. “I’m taking the sex is amazing.”
“From what I’ve heard. Yes.” He shook his own fur, letting water fly. He focused on Logan, and with a low growl he made his intent known. “We need to talk.”
“There’s the general I know.”
Nice reminiscences watching it all come together now. I love the very British swearing going on!! Hahah!!