Work Text:
Erik is on the couch, reading one of his novels, and Charles walks into the room, eyes bright blue and lips the colour of cherries. He looks up, and his heart melts. It’s been happening more and more as the days go on. He’ll look at Charles, and his world shrinks to just the two of them.
At least until he’s drawn back to reality. The cruel, harsh reality that he’s in love with this man, and that there’s nothing he can do that won’t ruin the trust he’s built with him. But this time the warning bell doesn’t sound, and when Charles comes close, Erik sits up and kisses him.
That’s when it hits him, hard. His face is stricken, and his head falls forward into his hands. Idiot. His mind is scathing. You utter imbecile, what have you done?!
“I’m so sorry Charles. I never meant to…” He trails off mid-apology, fingers twisting in his hair.
He hears, rather than sees, Charles slip to his knees in front of him.
“Erik?” His voice is hesitant, and Erik looks up, face full of pain and self-loathing and unable to meet the other’s eyes
“I’m sorry. I understand that you don’t feel the same. I just… I couldn’t-” The normally eloquent man stumbles over the apology again, heart twisting in his chest.
“Erik, do you… love me?” There’s a hint of curiosity now, and Erik’s green eyes meet Charles’ blue.
“Yes. But I promise you, I won’t do it again.”
“And if I want you to do it again?”
Erik’s brain stutters to a stop.
“You- You what?”
In response, Charles leans close, pressing his lips to Erik’s. He won’t admit to the broken sound that escapes his mouth as he reaches up, pulling Charles closer into the kiss. He breaks the kiss, staring at the other man in wonder. I love you.
“Charles?”
“I love you, too, Erik.” Charles smiles with his entire face, and it makes all the worry disappear from Erik’s mind.