"Your graciousness is noted," Erik said mildly, pouring out a cup of coffee. The breakfast tray on his desk was Charles's work, he saw -- no mistaking the toast cut with military precision, the arrangement of pots and cups and a cloth napkin. Probably intended as a peace offering, or at least a sign that Charles was willing to open negotiations on their relationship.

He pretended to unfold the first of the day's newspapers, intent on ignoring the siblings. An Intelligence dossier on Charles was tucked under the pile of newspapers, securely bound with fine steel wire to ensure that neither Charles nor Mystique could tamper with it without leaving behind evidence. He cast the wire aside with a flick of his power and flipped open the brown folder. Xavier, Charles Francis.

"You're sure you're pregnant?" Raven murmured into Charles's ear, her voice pitched low and meant for Charles alone. Too bad for her that Erik's hearing was exceptionally sharp. "It's been less than a month."

"I know the signs of a successful mating," Charles whispered, his tone clinical and detached. "It's not my first pregnancy. Of course it doesn't mean that I'll successfully carry it to term."

Raven drew in a sharp breath. "What happened to your baby?"

"The child wasn't mutant."

Erik looked up. Charles's face was tranquil, his voice entirely devoid of emotion. But his fingers grasped Raven's hands tightly, the knuckles white with strain. Suddenly Erik could no longer bear to be in the same room as him, feeling himself crowded against the wall by Shaw's ghost and the reams of unspoken memories, demanding that he too remember his own.

Just before the door closed behind him, he heard Charles say, softly, "If it happens again, promise me you'll--"

Erik didn't wait to hear the rest.




END

Sorry I didn't follow your prompt exactly, anon. ^^