Chapter Text
“You’ve been radiating joy all day, my friend,” Charles says in way of greeting as he finds Erik lounging by the pond watching Nina introduce Wanda to her animal friends.
Erik looks up at Charles with a smile. “I have twins, Charles, isn’t that wonderful?”
Charles smiles back. “Twins?”
“Pietro and Wanda,” he hums with contentment. “Pietro told me last night that he’s my son.”
“And?”
“And,” Erik continues, voice softer, “I’ve never been happier, Charles. He’s amazing, and Wanda is fantastic too. Nina and Lorna are smiling again and Anya is spending the rest of the day with Magda.” He furrows his brow slightly. “Did you know?”
Charles nods. “I did indeed, but Peter asked me not to tell you and to let him tell you in his own time. I think that worked out for the best, don’t you?”
Erik hums in agreement. “Did you know when you asked him to break me out of the Pentagon?”
Charles laughs. “No, Erik, I did not. The only one who might have was Logan.” Charles smirks. “But if you want to ask Logan, you’ll have to wait about fifty years I’m afraid.”
Erik shakes his head and chuckles. “We’ll see if I remember to ask him then.”
The two sit comfortably in silence as they observe the students and teachers milling about the grounds. The silver blur that is Pietro races across the grounds. Several students are playing a game of frisbee up in the sky.
“You could stay, you know,” Charles murmurs, eyes still on his students. “Nothing here has to change.”
Erik sighs. “Maybe nothing here, but out there,” Erik gestures vaguely in the direction of the road, “out there our brothers and sisters are still being discriminated against. I can’t sit here and do nothing, Charles.”
“Are you saying that I do nothing?”
“That’s not what I meant and you know it.”
Charles laughs and pats Erik on the shoulder. “I know, my friend. But at the very least I think you should ask Lorna if she would like to stay.” Charles grins. “Perhaps if one or more of your children stay here you’ll be more likely to visit.”
“I can’t understand why you would want me to, after everything.”
Charles’ grin turns wistful. “You are still my friend, Erik, and I have a feeling that you always will be. Despite any differences between us.”