The hotel corridors were mostly empty by the time that Erik started to make his way out of the hotel, casually dusting himself off to remove any remnants of the plaster and dust that had been dislodged by the imploding walls.

Your route is clear, Charles murmured into his head. And the front entrance of the hotel is as well, for the most part – don’t worry about the few that remain, I will take care of them. All the guests are huddled over around the back at the designated evacuation point, so you shouldn’t have any trouble getting back to me.

Erik allowed himself a smile at that and subtly sped up his walk, eager to get back to Charles.

Listen, Charles, he said hesitantly. About Shaw-

I know, my friend, Charles interrupted before Erik could continue. You need to go after him.

Erik’s breath caught.

Then you – then you understand? he questioned, hardly allowing himself to believe it. You understand why this must be done?

He heard Charles let out a mental sigh.

I understand why you must do this, he said carefully. And- he hesitated. And after seeing what I did within the minds of those two mutants – I must say that you are right. Erik blinked in surprise. This man – this Shaw – he is dangerous. He needs to be stopped.

Erik felt his heart swell.

Thank you, Charles, he said warmly. Thank you for understanding. This will not take long, I swear it. It will take a week at most and then after that I will return to you and we can do anything and go anywhere that you please.

We should be able to do that sooner than you expect, I should hope, Charles said crisply. After all, I plan to come with you.

Erik immediately slid to a stop.

What? he demanded, frowning.

He could almost see Charles roll his eyes.

Honestly, Erik, did you really expect me to let you go alone after seeing everything that happened today? Charles asked patiently. Erik, you were almost killed – several times. I shudder to think what would have happened had I not been there.

I would have been able to take care of myself! Erik growled, striding forward with irritation and quickly exiting through the door leading to the stairwell. As I have always done. You are not coming with me, Charles, and that is final.

You won’t be able to stop me, Charles said lightly, obviously not paying a sliver of attention to Erik’s annoyance. I’m in this now, Erik, for better or for worse. We’re a team, you and I. And I meant what I said – you are not alone, and you never will be.

Erik swallowed at that, but he shook his head stubbornly.

I won’t have you put yourself in danger for me, he said fiercely. This is not your fight.

There was a pause.

Oh my friend, Charles said softly. But don’t you see – it is. The moment you entered my life and caused me to fall for you it became my fight. Now that I have you I don’t intend to lose you quite so soon, you know.

Erik growled, frustrated.

We’ll discuss this more in person, he grumbled, coming to the end of the stairs and finally exiting into the lobby of the hotel. I want you to see how very much I dislike your plan.

Suits me fine, Charles said, sounding remarkably cheerful for someone who had just helped subdue two mutants in the midst of a violent altercation and was then planning on swanning off with his new lover of less than two days in order to take on said lover’s long-time nemesis.

You’re impossible, Erik grumbled, but couldn’t help the undercurrent on fondness that leaked through the connection between them.

Coming from you, darling, that’s quite the compliment, Charles returned smugly.

Smiling, Erik exited the hotel and tripped down the stone steps, his eyes already fixed on the car across the road where he could see Charles waiting for him inside. Charles turned as Erik came nearer, a broad, warm smile on his lips in welcome.