[XMFC] Learning to adapt

[guideshapelead]

After dinner is fast becoming Charles' favourite time of day. None of the children hang around long, preferring to disappear to their rooms or out into the grounds together. Almost always, he finds himself alone with Erik in the drawing room, lying together with a cup of tea. There are few things more relaxing, more blissful.

Tonight is no exception, Charles lying happily in Erik's arms on the sofa. He's not had a seizure for over a week, he's well fed, he's just about finished his evening cup of tea and he's comfortable with the man he loves. What could be more perfect?

Stretching for the side table when his mug is empty, Charles places the porcelain down and shifts himself closer into Erik's arms, sighing contentedly.

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[diecastking]

Erik is warm and comfortable, content to lie with Charles in his arms.

He smiles as Charles sets down his cup and pulls him closer.

"Happy, liebe?"

[guideshapelead]

//Perfectly// Charles answers silently, letting Erik into his emotions as strongly as the word that makes up his thoughts.

[diecastking]

Erik sinks into his mind, surrounding himself in Charles' feelings.

//I have never felt this close to anyone//

[guideshapelead]

//Me either// Charles agrees, lips seeking out Erik's own for a slow kiss.

[diecastking]

Erik kisses back, deepening the kiss and hands hesitating gripping Charles' arms.

He wants to turn the man to face him, to embrace him fully, but he won't move him without his permission.

[guideshapelead]

"It's okay," Charles whispers, making it completely explicit that he's happy to be moved.

//I trust you//

[diecastking]

With a smile against Charles' lips, he turns the man in his arms and runs his hands up under Charles' shirt.

He's thrilled with Charles' trust in him - and starts to consider where that trust might lead.

[guideshapelead]

Moaning softly, Charles presses his hands to Erik's sides, enjoying the feel of his lover's palms against his chest.

//I love you// he thinks, eyelids fluttering closed.

[diecastking]

//I love you//

Erik kisses Charles, his hands on skin, his thoughts simmering over in their intent now.

He wants Charles to know he wants him.

[guideshapelead]

Feeling just what Erik wants, Charles reaches for one of his lover's hands, guiding it slowly back down his body. He hesitates at his hip, before pulling himself together and pressing Erik's hand to his senseless thigh.

//I trust you// he repeats.

[diecastking]

Erik feels honoured to receive Charles' trust - and rewards it by moving his hand to the very sensitive skin of his lover's arse.

"Let's go to bed."

[guideshapelead]

"Bed sounds wonderful," Charles agrees, obediently wrapping his arms around Erik's neck as he prepares to be carried. He appreciates that demanding independence right now would most likely ruin the mood.

[diecastking]

Erik does lift Charles up, kissing him again, before setting him down in his wheelchair.

And then lifting the wheelchair up in his arms with a grin, and a little help from his power.

[guideshapelead]

Laughing, Charles forces himself to relax into his chair as it hovers above the ground. He can't deny that it's mildly disconcerting, but he trusts that Erik won't let him fall.

[diecastking]

Erik leans forward to kiss Charles' cheek and then manoeuvres the chair through the doors of the drawing room and towards their bedroom. "Let's hope your chariot doesn't turn into a pumpkin, Charles."

[guideshapelead]

"Let's hope so. Pumpkins don't tend to come with wheels," Charles points out, watching the ground move by beneath him.

[diecastking]

Finally, in their bedroom, Erik sets down the chair and leans over Charles, capturing his lips with a kiss.

"Get ready for bed. I have a plan."

[guideshapelead]

"I wasn't planning on coming here to go to bed," Charles points out, but he does as he's told regardless. Moving himself onto the bed, he starts to undress himself.

[diecastking]

"I'll be right back," Erik promises and leaves the room, padding down the corridor and ransacking the guest bedrooms.

When he returns, his arms are piled high with pillows.

[guideshapelead]

Charles is stripped down to his underwear by the time Erik returns, and he can't hide the surprise on his face.

"Are you planning on building a fort?"

[diecastking]

Erik laughs aloud and sets his pillow collection down at the foot of the bed.

"Not exactly." He takes a moment to let his eyes wander hungrily over Charles' body, already feeling a surge of heat low in his belly. He doesn't think he'll ever get tired of looking at his beautiful lover.

[guideshapelead]

"You're overdressed," Charles points out, propping himself up on his elbows.

"Or I'm underdressed. But I think the former is more likely."

[diecastking]

Erik undoes the top button of his shirt, staying exactly where he is. His fingers hover over the next button before popping it open, eyes never leaving Charles'.

[guideshapelead]

"Are you going to hurry up of your own free will?" Charles questions, fingers already moving towards his temple. "Or do I need to force the matter?"

[diecastking]

Erik raises an eyebrow and works on the next button.

"Patience is a virtue..."