Tag: Creator: Bj Jones

Part One

Part Thirteen

***

Erik had been out for five days.

It was the longest five days of Charles’ life, and he thought the previous days they had spent in Cuba were bad.

Erik developed a fever the following day, just like the doctor predicted.  It was two days of tense emotions throughout the house.  Charles knew he is feelings were bleeding into the others, and worked hard to keep his shields up, before violence sprung up at the dinner table.

The doctor had kicked him out of Erik’s room, stating he would send someone for him if something came up.  So Charles went to his old room, took a shower, got dressed and faced the day.

With Raven’s help they were able to find a portion of the original staff, and hire them back on.  A few of them had only blinked at the new inhabitants, and went along their duties.  There were two he had wiped their memories and sent them on their way.

The cook, Helen, had taken to Azazael instantly.  When he brought back spices from around the world, she claimed him as her and and sent him on shopping trips.  When she was told that Erik was Jewish she made sure to add Kosher foods to her lists.  At the moment though she was concerned to keep everyone else fed, including the nice doctor who seemed to randomly appear.

The gardener, Austen, who ironically was the Helen’s husband, started fixing the back gardens.  Charles found him one day on the terrace, looking out over the greens.  He leaned up against the railing, and asked if he was okay.

‘I’m fine, sir.’  He gave him a bright smile.  ‘I know it’s been a few years since we’ve taken care of this place, but I could’ve sworn the dish was facing East.’

Charles wasn’t sure if he wanted to laugh or cry, he found himself doing both.  Austin, just handed him an old rag, and asked if he wanted to put in new rose bushes in the East Garden.  Charles wiped his tears and gave him a nod.

‘It’s good to be back, sir.’  He patted him on the shoulder.

‘I’m going to start a school, for …’ He paused for a moment, figuring how to put it.

‘Gifted children?’  Austin gave him a sly smile.  ‘That will be good, sir.  Be nice to have the house filled with a purpose.’

‘You and Helen have always been kind.’  Charles reached out and felt that there was no malice or deceit from Austin, he was genuinely happy to be back in his beloved gardens.

‘Do you think that nice you man, with the winds could come out.’  He asked as he grabbed his shears and began to head for the some of the more unruly bushes.  ‘I could use some help sweeping up the leaves.’

Charles only nodded, and went to look for Janus, who was shocked and delighted that a human would ask for him to use his powers.  ‘Maybe they aren’t all bad.’

He felt as if that was a win.

Hank was happy to say that it looked as if Angel’s injured wing was healing, but he wasn’t sure how long it would take or if it would hold her weight, when fully healed.  She agreed to stay put, let Hank study her, plus help out where she could.

Sean had smiled and welcomed her back, it had taken Alex a few more days, but he eventually came around.

Charles slept in Erik’s room, usually on the couch.  He just wanted to be close to him, feel his presence.  The few times he reached out mentally, he found himself stuck in fevered nightmares.  He tried to sooth him as much as possible, but found himself either shoved out or he had to pull himself out of Erik’s night terrors.  He woke on many occasions with tears running down his cheeks, after seeing some of the horrors.

Including the death of Erik’s wife and child.

He had no idea Erik had at one point settled down and tried for a normal life.  Only to lose them, to human’s fears, which added to his pain and rage.  Charles’ heart ached for him.  The fact that Erik was willing to stay with him, and help build a school, was a major step in healing.  It wasn’t going to be an easy journey, but he knew they were better together.  Though he would likely have to stop him from implementing some outrageous security measures …

And if Charles was honest with himself he had his own issues and insecurities.  Erik was the only person, who let Charles in his head, which is why, when he had put on the helmet, it had been so devastating.

“You should rest in a real bed.”

Charles sat up, wiping his cheeks, giving the doctor a tight smile.  He liked the guy, he had a wicked sense of humor, and didn’t take shit from anyone, including Raven who had tried to shock him by turning into his wife.  The doctor had raised one eyebrow and pointed out he was kidnapped by the devil, nothing shocked him after that.

Azazael had beamed.

“I want to be nearby, in case he wakes up disoriented and starts bending the light fixtures.”

When Charles had explained Erik’s mutation, Gregory had paled.  It took him a few moments, and a glass of scotch to tell Charles the story. When they had liberated one of the camps, there was a story, which most had thought was myth, about the gates of Auschwitz that had been bent to the will of a child…

‘I tried to help, but so many were sick and dying.’  He downed the second glass of scotch.  ‘For many years I had nightmares about the beaches and the camps, but over the years with love of my wife and kids, it started to ease.  Then one day I was in the ER and this young woman had brought her kid in, the little one had an ear ache.  The nurse was being rude to her, I demanded to know what was going on, and realized instantly she was being treated differently because she was Jewish.  The numbers were visible just below her sleeve.  It had been ten years since I help liberate those camps, and some ignorant nurse was treating them like they were second class citizens because they were Jewish.  I don’t understand people.’

‘Yet here you are.’ Charles pointed out.  ‘Kidnapped by the devil, helping a man who could bring down this house if he wanted, and having scotch with another who could read your mind.’

He set his glass down.  ‘I’ve seen doctors be condescending to fellow doctors just because their black.  I won’t even comment about how many women have asked for my ‘help’.  We don’t talk about how anyone who doesn’t live a normal lifestyle is treated.’  He paused and looked at Charles, a hopeful smile on his face.  ‘Then again, I know of a clinic that helps women in difficult circumstances, I graduated Medical School with a talented black man, who went to his home state of Georgia to open a medical office, and I’ve been training a nice young man who happens to have blue fur how to be a doctor, despite the fact he has more degrees than I do.’

Charles laughed.

‘I actually am looking forward to meeting your Erik.’

‘He’ll piss you off in five seconds.’

‘I’m sure he will.’  Gregory was looking forward to it.

After that they usually talked for an hour, before Azazael took the good doctor home.  The Teleporter stated he liked the doctor’s wife, she was feisty.  The first time he popped into their kitchen, she pulled a knife on him.  She still wasn’t sure about Azazael, but she at least stopped pulling a knife.

“He’s been coming around more.”  Gregory informed him, as he settled on the chair across from Charles.  “He was awake for a few moments this morning, and a bit more this afternoon.  I’ve eased up on the pain meds, hopefully by morning he will fully wake.”

“No pens in the wall?”  Charles asked slightly shocked.

“I wouldn’t say that.  I’ve lost two so far.  I’m now using a pencil, and a legal pad instead of a clipboard.”  He shrugged, laughing lightly.

“How is he honestly?”

“He’s healing.  You’ll need to keep an eye on the incision to make sure there aren’t any more infections.  He will have a weakness in his lungs, but with good exercise and making sure he keeps his chest warm in the winter, he should be fine.  Only thing I would be cautious of – is when you open this school, if the kids get sick, keep Erik away from them.  A cold won’t kill him, but it will hit him hard.”

“And how about the damage he did to himself.”

“He will have a nasty scar, but I hate to say it will just be one more in his vast collection.”  Gregory shook his head, not wanting to know how he got a portion of them.  “The bones will heal in time, no lifting of anything over five pounds, be careful of lifting his arms over his shoulders, and if anyone gets a cold in the next few months isolate them.  Over all if he follows directions, eats well, does his exercises he’ll be back to his healthy self in six months, in a year it would be like it never happened, just the residue affects.”

“Residue affects, being staying warm in the winter, and avoid sick kids.”

“Which is good advice for anyone.”  The doctor patted Charles on the shoulder.  “Now from what you’ve told me about him, you’ll have to watch him like a hawk.  He’ll push the envelope, any chance he gets.”

“Oh not this time he won’t.”  His eyes narrowed as he glanced over at his sleeping lover.

The day Erik woke up was the day the manor got a surprise visitor.

 

Part One

Part Twelve

***

“Oh God.”  Raven’s hand went over her mouth as she stared at the bloody aftermath.  “He pulled out …”

Alex turned to Moira eyes flashing with rage, he could feel the energy building up within him.

Wind began to whip around all of them, as Janus calmly twisted his hands, making each tornado grow, eyes focused on one person.

“Stop.”

Everything and everyone froze.

There was a partial red glow surrounding Alex.

Sean’s hair was pushed sideways, as tears streamed down his face, mouth half open.

Raven was partially turned away, hand reaching for Charles.

Charles stepped in front of Moira.  “Why?”

Read more“Afternoon Fic: Cherik AU (Part 13)”

First Chapter: Part 1

Previous Chapter: Part 11

***

“Do you really love him?”  Raven asked leaning against the kitchen counter.  “I mean he can be violent.”

“Yes.”  He turned and studied her.  “He’s also gentle, deep down, well mostly to me.”  Charles smirked slightly.  “Raven, I’ve seen what Shaw did to him, and the fact he’s as sane as he is, is astounding.  Erik needs to deal with the rage, and I’m willing to help him find his serenity, but it’s going …”

<<MOM!!>>

Charles cringed.  His hand moved up to his forehead as Alex’s voice slammed into his mind.

<<CHARLES!>>

He blinked focusing on Alex, pushing in to find out what was going on.  He saw enough to know it was bad.

“Fuck!” He jumped up and ran for the stairs, Raven only a few steps behind him.  By the time he got to the right corridor, all hell was breaking loose.

Angel and Sean were flanking Alex, all three standing in front of Erik, who was in a shouting match with Moira.  Charles’ could feel Erik’s powers moving through the hallway, the lamps were bending to his will, every metal tray was vibrating, doors were rattling as pins were being pulled out of the hinges.

<<Erik NO!>>

He hit a block wall, hard enough that he actually blinked and looked at Erik to make sure he wasn’t wearing that damn helmet.

<<Erik!>>

“Moira this isn’t a good time …” Raven stepped next to her, taking her arm to pull her away.

“It’s as good as time as any!” She pulled out of her grasp.  “He has to answer my questions?”

“It’s been a week since he’s been shot!”  Sean stared at her in frustration and shock.  “The man is barely standing.”

“He seems perfectly fine to me.”  She glared over them at Erik.  “You were going to kill those innocent…”

“Innocent?!”  He snapped at her. “Innocent.  No soldier is innocent!”

“They were following orders!”  Hands on her hips she held her ground refusing to be intimidated.

“So where the Nazis when they shoved my father into the gas chamber, along with millions of my people!”  He growled.  “The moment you put on a uniform you don’t get to claim innocence.”

<<She’s no different, Charles.  This is what you don’t want to see.>>

“So you get to be judge and jury!”  Moira stepped closer, only to have Alex step away from Erik to block her.

“You may have missed the part where they were going to kill all of us.”  Alex waved his hand around the hallway.  “Every single one of us, just because we were different.  We saved their lives from Shaw and they were going to kill us – get rid of the freaks so they can rest easier.”

<<Please darling, I’ll make her leave.  I need you to calm down.  You’re hurting yourself.>>

“You were just collateral damage.” Angel added arms crossed over her chest.

“It gives him no right to turn the missiles back on them!”  She threw her hand out pointing towards Erik.

“Eye for an eye.”  A new voice popped into the fight.

A few turned to see Janus walking into the area, Hank not far behind him.

McCoy ignored everyone and made his way through the line of defense to get to Erik.  He growled low in his throat.  “Calm down all of you.”  He reached out taking Erik’s wrist, cursing when he felt his heart rate skyrocketing.  “Out.  Every single one of you.”

“NO!”  Moira held her ground.  “He has to be accountable.”

<<Who’s next Charles?  At the moment she’s after me.  She’s afraid of me.  My power.  Who’s next?  Azazael?  Raven? Which of the kids will she fear next?  I’m only the beginning.>>

“You shot him!”  Raven pointed out, she looked to Charles who was staring at Erik.  She couldn’t help but wonder if they were arguing via telepathy.

<<You have to trust me.>>

“He was going to kill innocents.”

“They were going to kill us.”

<<You’re the only one that I do trust.>>

“We’re all culpable!”  Charles snapped, they all turned and looked at him.  “I am, for not realizing the true threat Shaw was.  Erik is, for putting on that damn helmet.  Moira you shot at a man who manipulates metal…”

“I paid my price.”  Erik snarled hand clutched over his chest hating the weakness he was showcasing.  “You refused to see the same mistakes the damn soldiers were making.  You shot at me with Charles in the line of fire.  You shot at an innocent.  If I had deflected that bullet like I had intended to it would’ve hit Charles.”

Everyone turned back towards Charles, who only had eyes for Erik.

<<Darling…>>

<<I would do anything to protect you, Liebling.>>

“I couldn’t let that happen.  But what did you do?  You continued shooting. Like those innocent soldiers, who were shooting weapons of mass destruction at an island filled with other humans, but who cares, right, they were just Cubans.”

Hank moved behind Erik, not liking the sudden paleness he was seeing.  “We’re done here.”

“Everyone out…”  Charles took a step towards Erik, Sean moving out of his way.

“What were you even planning?”  Angel asked.  “Erik supposed to be on bed rest for weeks. Recovering is going to take months…”

“He needs to be brought in.  Detained and questioned.”

“You mean to lock him up?”  Sean asked bewildered. “But he’s our teammate.  He saved us from Shaw …”

“He’s dangerous!”

“You take him.”  Alex pulled back his shoulders, he could feel Angel’s wings vibrating next to him.  “You take us.”

<<No.  I will not allow her to take our children.>>

Sean looked at her in shock and pain.  “I thought you were our friend.”

<<Erik.  I will…>>

It was Beast that first realized the metal in the hallway stopped moving.  His hand tightened on Erik’s wrist, the other moving around his waist, prepping for the man to faint.  His blood pressure was too high, and body was about to give out.

<<I promised to protect you.  The school.  These kids. I can’t do that in a weakened state.  I need full use of my powers.>>

Raven grabbed Moira’s arm pulling her away from everyone else.  She could feel Janus’ whirlwinds, and had no doubt he was ready to use them.  She couldn’t help but think about the irony of the moment – Moira had done the one thing no one that possible.  She proved Erik’s point.  If she, who had worked with them, was willing to lock one of them up, who was next?

“ERIK NO!” Charles screamed as he reached out to his lover, pushing past Sean in haste.

Hank frowned at Charles’ frantic expression, and then he heard it … the sound of metal hitting the floor.  Followed by a second, third … with a growl he pulled Erik closer, using his larger paws to hold him up.

A cry of agonizing pain echoed through the hall, halting everyone in their tracks.  They all turned, staring in shock horror as a bloody wire was pulled from Erik’s chest and landed on the wooden floor.

Blood flowed through Hank’s fingers, as he yelled for Azazael.  In a flash the teleporter appeared grabbed patient and doctor and was gone.

Leaving behind 8 metal staples, 2 broken wires, and a pool of blood.

Part 10

***

Alex had snuck down the hallway and into the room, when he saw Raven stalking into the kitchen after her brother.  No one wanted to get in the middle of that sibling argument.  He slipped into the furthest bedroom, and gave Hank a half smile.

“How is he?”  He glanced over to the resting Erik in the chair.  Like the others, the shock of seeing their teammate coming back from the hospital hit home.  He was recovering from a gunshot wound.

“Resting at the moment.  I don’t like how high his blood pressure is.”  Hank frowned right down some notes in the medical files.  “We have to keep him calm.”  Alex’s snort was pretty much what the other mutant was thinking.  “Look lets be frank.”  He looked at the younger man.  “He’s got metal staples and wires in his chest… think about that.”

Alex frowned not quite understanding why that was important.  Then he realized what Erik’s mutation was.  “Damn.”

“He lashes out when pissed and also in fear, so if feels threatened.”  Hank ran a hand through his blue fur.

“He’ll use his power and it will pull on the healing wounds.  Yeah, got it.  Keep dad calm, which why haven’t we tied him to Charles?”

Hank chuckled.  “He has to deal with Raven.”

“If you two could whisper quieter some of us could get more sleep.”  Erik opened his eyes groggily glaring at the two of them.  “And I’m not your father.”

Alex gave him a smile and moved closer taking a seat on the coffee table.  “How you feeling?”

“Like I’ve been shot.”  He gave him an annoyed look.

Summers at least looked a bit embarrassed.  “Raven and Charles are having it out, so I figured I would keep you company.”

Erik shifted, cringing when his hand gave out from under him.  Alex held out his hand, giving Erik the leverage he needed to shift until he was sitting up.  He took a few breathes, trying to will the pain down.

Hank eyed the two of them, tempted to pull the oxygen tank over, but Erik seemed to settle down.  “I’m going to see about getting some of these scripts filled, Alex make sure he drinks more water and takes his pills in an hour.”

They watched as Hank left, then turned and looked at each other.

“Good he’s gone you can break me out.”

Alex held out his hands, shaking his head. “He’ll kill me.  And if he didn’t the disappointed look mom would give me, would just want me to kill myself.”

“Charles isn’t that scary.”

He gave him a look.

“Yeah okay, he does have the ‘I’m very disappointed look down’.”  Erik’s smirk, was enough to scare Alex even more.  “I’m not asking you to help me rob a bank, just walk over to the balcony.  I haven’t seen daylight or been outside in over a week.”

“Well that may have something to do with getting shot.”  Alex stood and held out both his hands, letting Erik use him as leverage to stand.  He easily shifted, taking a portion of the older man’s weight staying still until he was settled on his feet.  “You got this?”

He ignored the pain, instead taking a small step forward.  It was humiliating having Alex help him, like he was an old man, but at the moment he was grateful it was him and not the others.  Alex got the need to stand on your own, how showing weakness wasn’t an option.

It took ten minutes to get across the room, and onto the balcony.  Erik leaned against the balcony railing, taking in the fresh air.  He was sweating profusely and his body was shaking slightly, but damn the fresh air felt good.

“I can get the need for fresh air.”  Alex leaned his back against the railing keeping an eye on the patient.  He knew who would take the brunt of Charles’ anger if Erik was to fall and injure himself further.  He saw what happened on that beach, the desperation and fear had bled to all of them.

It was something none of them wanted to talk about.

But it was something Alex would never forget.

He felt Charles’ anguish.

It was when he knew that whatever was going on between the two men wasn’t a fling or scratching an itch.  That he understood.  You don’t spend time in prison, even juvenile prison and not get that.  His heart ached for Charles, and he was willing to do anything to fix it.  Thankfully Azazael stepped in and actually did do something, while the rest of them had just sat there like morons.

“So now what?”  He glanced over to the older man.  “I mean Shaw’s dead, which despite all the bluster, is a good thing.”

“I’m actually not sure.”  Erik answered shockingly honest.  “I’ve spent twenty years hunting that man down.  Hell for a moment there I probably would’ve taken over his organization.  He had some points, we are superior to humans and they will come after us.”

“But now?” He asked.

“Getting shot changed a few things.”  He looked over at Alex.  “It’s going to take me months to heal, and that is me likely pushing the envelope every chance I get.  I don’t have the energy to take over the world, at least not at the moment.”

He laughed, knowing full well Erik wasn’t kidding.

“So you’re playing house husband to Charles.”  Alex gave him a look, he knew Erik wasn’t a man to sit around and do nothing.

“He wants to open a school.”  Erik shifted until he was standing more upright, hands resting on the railing.  “And he should.  He’s right we need a place to hide.  A place where our kind will be safe, where they can learn to use their powers, to protect themselves and yes even others.  I know how out of control I was when I was a kid, I had spoons attached to me everywhere I went.”  Alex snorted.  “We don’t need humans using kids who can’t control their powers as an excuse to lock kids up.”

“So the world domination is on hold.”

“Don’t doubt for a second I wouldn’t bring the world to it’s knees if they ever came after Charles and his dreams of a school.”  Erik’s tone was dark and held conviction that gave Alex no doubt he would.  “So I’m going to do what Charles will hate, and make sure his school is protected.  There will need to be systems set up, surveillance in and around the school, and enough of a threat that if anyone shows up trying to bring harm to any of his kids, they’ll regret their life choices.”

“I can help you with that.”  Alex shifted sideways taking in Erik’s profile.  “Not every mutant is also going to appreciate Charles.”

“No.  Some will have had experiences with humans and will not like Charles’s naïve idealism.”  He agreed glancing at Alex.  “We need that.  You and me. We know what humans will do to us, hell we’ve seen what they do to their own kind.   We also have to watch out for other Shaws.  Mutants using mutants for their own gain, it’s not right.  And I hate to say I could’ve gone further down that path in my own extreme idealism.”

“You two balance each other.”

“I’m still not your dad.”  He gave him a dark glare.

“Sure thing, dad.”  Alex patted him on the shoulder.  “Want to go back inside?”

“How about a small walk around the hallway, then you can dump me in my chair and I’ll likely sleep like an old man for a few hours, and Charles will never know about the escape.”

Alex held out his arm, waiting patiently until Erik took it grumbling in German as he leaned against the younger mutant.  They made their way back into the room, and then out the door.

The coast was clear.

There was no need to talk as they made their way down the corridor, to the stairs.  Alex gave him a pointed look – they weren’t going down the stairs.  He knew exhaustion most be setting in, when Erik didn’t even contemplate it, just turned around to head back to his room.

They were almost home free.

When footsteps were heard coming up the stairs.

As they both turned, Alex knew instantly it wasn’t Hank or Charles.

He wouldn’t be that lucky.

Standing at the top of the stairs, was Moira.  Which meant only one thing, she was on her way to Erik’s room, as he was the only one staying in the section of the Mansion.

Alex stepped in front of Erik, ready to defend his friend.  As he mentally screamed for Charles, the light fixtures on the walls began to shake and bend.

“Fuck.”

 

Part One

Part Two

Part Three

Part Four

Part Five

Part Six

Part Seven

Part Eight

Part Nine

***

The two siblings stared at each other, neither quite sure what to say.  Charles wasn’t going to apologize for being with Erik, or for putting him first at this moment.  He wasn’t even sure what Raven was pissed about, and he had promised her years ago he would stay out of her head.

He sighed, took a few steps away from the door and waved his hand at her.  “Just say what’s on your mind.  Whatever it is, you’re practically vibrating to let it out.”

“You’re fucking Erik!”

“That is what you’re upset over?”  He shook his head in confusion.  “Yes, though I wouldn’t put it that crass.  We became lovers when we were recruiting other Mutants.  He’s got a beautiful mind, it calls to me.”

“So you’re doing it for his brain.”

“Well he’s also quite handsome.”  Still not sure exactly where this was going.

“What about all the girls?”

“What about them?”  Charles sighed, feeling a headache coming on.  He really hadn’t recovered from the stress of the past week.

“You flirted with them!”  As if that explained everything.

“Yes, ’cause flirting with a man, would get you arrested if you’re lucky, and in some areas killed.”  He glared at her like she was an idiot.  “I’ve always been like this, Raven.  I don’t care what the package is, male or female.  But I’m not stupid to flaunt it.”

“So, basically you’re a slut.”

“Well if that’s how you want to think of me.”  His voice rose, not appreciating his relationship with Erik being cheapened or any of his relationships cheapened to such a level.  “I like people.  But I don’t fuck everyone I flirt with.”  He emphasized the word just to make a point.  “What is really the problem here Raven.  That I’m Queer?  That it’s Erik?  Or that you didn’t know?”

“How could you not tell me?”

“It’s not like you gave me a lot of options.”  He stepped back, and turned to head down the hallway.  “I need tea to deal with this, and I don’t want your screaming to wake up Erik.”

“Oh, yes precious Erik.”

Raven actually took a step back at the power she suddenly felt coming off of her brother.  Charles turned – eyes narrowed, hand moving up to his forehead.  He took a calm breath, relaxed and then in a tone, she had never heard from him.

“You can be pissed at me Raven.  You can call me a slut.  You can rant and rave about how everything I’ve done has been wrong.  But I will not tolerate you attacking Erik at this moment.” He held up his hand stopping her retort.  “I know Erik isn’t perfect.  He has a lot of anger in him, and a lot of pain.  And some very extremist point of views.  I am not excusing or even agreeing with some of his actions, but I am starting to understand some of them.  But he’s recovering from a bullet wound to the chest!” He snapped, hand gesturing to his heart.  “Because he stepped in front of it to save me.  So, bitch at me.  Yell at me.  Hell, hit me.  But do not drag Erik into our fights because you’re upset he decided to fuck me instead of you.”

And with that he turned and stalked to the kitchen.  He had the kettle filled and on the stove, a cup on the counter, by the time she caught up with him.

“How did you know I made a move on him?”  She demanded, eyes narrowed.

“I didn’t read it in your mind if that’s what you’re getting pissy about.”  He put the teabag into the cup before turning to face her.  “He told me.  What do you think I was grabbing a bottle of champagne out of the fridge for when you confronted me in this very kitchen?”

“Moira.”

He stared at her incredulously.  “Really?  Whatever bloody hell gave you that impression?”

“She’s cute.”

“She’s technically was our boss or liaison.  She wasn’t even here most of the time.  I’m not even sure what’s going on with the CIA at the moment, and really don’t care.”  He grabbed the screaming kettle and poured the hot water, he poured in some sugar and milk, and with a sigh he turned back around, leaned against the counter holding his cup, while steeping the bag.  “Okay so you’re pissed you didn’t know Erik and I are in a relationship.  That’s cleared up, so what are still annoyed with.”

She glared at him.

“I’m not reading your mind!”  He snapped.  “But you’re very loud right now Raven, and I can feel you anger, you’re practically seething in it.”

“You do realize you almost killed Moira.”

“Yes.”  His shoulders slumped, it wasn’t his finest moment.  He strained the bag and tossed it in the sink, he was stalling and he knew it.  “I was angry my lover was dying in my arms, and there was nothing I could do.”

“It was his fault.”  She crossed her arms across his chest.  “He was going to kill all those people.”

“Actually he wasn’t.”

She startled at Charles softer voice.  He almost sounded disappointed.  Well he should be, Erik had betrayed all of them.

“How do you know?”  She demanded, pushing the issue.

“Because unlike everyone, he lets me in his head.”  He sipped his tea, and then took a seat at the table.  “What happened on the beach was a fuck up on everyone’s part.  Mine.  Erik.  The CIA.  Moira.  The Russians.  You can blame Erik, but reality it was the humans who fired at us, willing to kill anyone on that beach or beyond.”  He gave her a look, forcing her to stay silent.  “I’m not agreeing with what Erik did, nor do I think that all humans are evil.  This past week I’ve had to look at myself and my own beliefs.  I can’t be this naïve.  I want to open a school, bring our kind here to teach give them a safe place.  But I also need to protect them.  Erik sees the beauty in all mutations.  He thinks you’re gorgeous in your natural form, and would fight to allow you to be yourself.  While I preached that we should get along with humans, yet tell you to hide.  Neither of us is right nor wrong.”

“You balance each other.”  She sat across from him, suddenly talking with her brother.

“Yes.”  He smiled at her.  “I love him.  I know he loves me, but he’s had a hard life filled with pain.  We will never agree on what the right thing to do, but I think we can learn to listen to each other.  My fault was that I didn’t really listen to what he was saying about Shaw, his fault was he never looked beyond Shaw.”

“And now?”  Raven couldn’t help but wonder.

“Now I’m going to help him heal, and then we’ll likely fight over exactly how to build a school.  Alex, Sean and Hank will snicker behind our backs.  You will likely in time take his side.  But in the end I’m hoping we’ll all find our way.”

Raven reached over and took his hand.  “I’ll back you on occasion.”

“Thank you my dear.”  He chuckled and took another sip of his tea.  “Is this when we hug and make-up.”

Raven got out of her seat, and moved around the table to settled next to her brother pulling him into her arms.  “You’ve always protected me.”

“It’s time I let you grow up.”

“I am grown up.  It’s time you figured that out.”  She kissed him on the forehead. “He hurts you I kill him.”

Charles held her tightly, and then let her go.  “So catch me up on everything else.”

“We need a staff or something.”  She sat back down, giving her brother a look.  “Janus is the only one who can cook, and it’s not that spectacular.  And Charles, I’m living with mostly boys, they don’t clean up after themselves.”

“I’ll yell at the children, and see if we can bring back some of our original staff.  They dealt with us as kids, so maybe Hank in blue fur wouldn’t be too shocking.”  He finished his tea and washed the cup out.  “Is Janus out shopping?”

“He’s looking for Kosher foods.  I think Azazael is helping.”

Charles knew that tone, and he felt the rush of arousal from his sister.  He turned on his heel and looked at his sister with wide eyes.

“What?”  She gave him a pointed look.

“You and Azazael?”

“You really can’t bitch.”  She stood up from her seat, giving him a wink.  “By the way, you do have one major thing to deal with.”

He sighed, and it had to be soon.  The last thing he wanted or needed was for Moira to confront Erik.  He admired her, she was strong, willful, and fought her way through a man’s world.  He wouldn’t put it past her to take Erik head on, but what she didn’t realize – Erik didn’t care that she shot him, he was pissed she shot at him with Charles in the line of fire.  If she confronted him, he would see it as a threat to Charles, and that would not end well for her.