XMFC/Kiss and Control

[guideshapelead]

The next morning, Charles is awake far earlier than he normally would be, for once not having to be woken up by Erik's insistence. He's quiet and distant throughout breakfast, and with no classes first thing he quickly withdraws himself to his study.

It doesn't matter what Erik or anyone else says, he's still in turmoil over what he had almost done to Emma. He no longer trusts his own control. His powers have never truly scared him before now.

Comments

[diecastking]

//This evening// Erik promises.

[guideshapelead]

Charles cheers up a little as the afternoon goes on, busy enough to keep himself distracted from his mental turmoil, and knowing that he and Erik will address his issues properly later on.

By the time dinner is finished with, Charles is managing to smile genuinely again.

[diecastking]

Erik is pleased that Charles is smiling again and amuses himself by discretely moving teaspoons to stick to Charles' chair.

He idly wonders how many he could hold there at once and wonders if Charles would consider that appropriate training.

[guideshapelead]

//What are you doing?// Charles asks as he notices the spoons clinging to his chair. He's actually laughing as he watches.

[diecastking]

Erik tries to stifle his laughter. It does not match his "stern teacher" image.

And then adds three more spoons.

//Training//

[guideshapelead]

//I already know you can move teaspoons, Erik// Charles points out.

//That's not exactly training//

[diecastking]

Erik starts adding dessert spoons along the handles, drawing the attention of some of the children.

//But how many spoons exactly?//

[guideshapelead]

//Erik, you're sending a bad example to the children// Charles points out, powers not meant to be used at the dinner table.

//If you're so desperate to train, we should move somewhere private.//

[diecastking]

With a quick gesture, Erik returns all the spoons to the table and gets to his feet.

//After you//

[guideshapelead]

Charles leads the way from the dining room, pausing in the hallway beyond.

"Where should we go?"

[diecastking]

//Drawing Room?// They won't be disturbed there, the entire school knowing it's off-limits.

[guideshapelead]

Charles nods, but is slow to start moving himself in that direction. He's trying to put this training session off, now that he knows there's nothing standing in the way.

[diecastking]

Erik feels Charles' reluctance and waits patiently, holding the door for him.

//I am looking forward to this//

[guideshapelead]

//I wish I could say the same...//

It's not that Charles isn't looking forward to training with Erik, more that he's anxious for what he may or may not do.

[diecastking]

//Then you will just have to trust me//

Erik sits on the sofa, leaning back against the cushions. He has complete faith in Charles' ability.

[guideshapelead]

Charles rolls his chair to the edge of the sofa, staying where he is rather than moving onto the sofa at Erik's side. He wants to be able to get away quickly, just in case.

[diecastking]

Erik looks into Charles' eyes.

"I'm ready when you are."

[guideshapelead]

"What are you expecting me to do?" Charles asks back. He doesn't know what he's meant to be training.

[diecastking]

"What do you need?" Erik asks curiously.

He has always tried to move larger objects, but he knows he could use work on multiple objects and complex shaping. But what do telepaths do?

"Would you like to start with movement? Memory?"

[guideshapelead]

"Movement," Charles answers, if only because he really doesn't want to playing around with anyone's memories, particularly Erik's.

[diecastking]

Erik nods and throws up his walls. The ones he used to keep Emma out when she kidnapped him at New Year. The walls that kept Charles and the children safe.

It's strange without Charles touching his mind, but absence makes the heart grow fonder.

[guideshapelead]

Charles feels the separation just as keenly, frowning at the sense of loss he feels. Hesitantly, he reaches for those walls, but doesn't press too hard at them.

He knows Erik wants him to try and tear them down, but it feels... rude. Wrong.

[diecastking]

Erik feels the brush of Charles against his mind, but keeps him out. He needs to provoke Charles into acting.

In a split second, he lunges for Charles' chair, his knife flying from his belt to his hand.

[guideshapelead]

"Erik, what are you doing?!" Charles yells, hands going to the wheels of his chair on instinct to try and move himself backwards.

//Stop// The command breaks through Erik's walls, panicked.

[diecastking]

The command half-works: Erik's arm spasms, the knife falling, but he still hits the chair and knocks Charles backwards a few inches.

Erik rolls onto his back and tries to catch his breath.

"A good first effort, liebe."