The events that happened next could have been contrived by no one else but fate itself. Erik was not able to meet Azazel for breakfast because he slept in with Charles on his bed, hugging his young lover to himself possessively. He had not been meeting with Azazel these last few days because he was delaying doing so. It was late in the morning already but the both of them are not worried, especially since it was a weekend and they could spend as much time as they want together. Erik nuzzled his face into the crook of Charles's neck. Charles giggled softly, reaching up to hold Erik's hands in his.

"Hmm, sorry. Did I wake you?"Erik murmured against his skin. Charles still kept his eyes closed as he turned around and pressed himself against Erik's chest. He let out a sigh of contentment.

"Can we stay like this forever, Erik?"

Erik chuckled at that and planted a kiss on his forehead."As tempting as that sounds, circumstances beyond my control might not make that feasible-"

Charles pretended to pout and pushed Erik away from himself. He started to get out of bed but Erik grabbed at his ass. Charles laughed and slapped his hand away.

"Hey, come back here! You don't have school, right?"

Charles picked up his underwear and his pants and headed for the bathroom."No. But I do have an appointment with Dr Grey. I had to move my appointment because I skipped meeting with her a week ago-"

Erik did not say anything but sidled his face against the pillow Charles had used, smelling his warmth and scent in it. He could hear water running in the bathroom, then the shower. Sounds of Charles brushing his teeth and a rustling of fabric. Charles stepped out of the bathroom and saw that Erik was still in bed. Charles was bare-chested and his hair was still wet from the shower, combing through his dark brown locks with his fingers.

"Aren't you going to meet your friend today? You mentioned last night that you were to get papers from him-"

Erik made a tired sound. He did not really want to go and get those papers. He wanted to stay a while longer with Charles. If he left to pick them up now, he would have to make arrangements to leave the country soon after. Vic was still probably tracking him down for Shaw. He knew that Shaw may be locked up in jail awaiting his arraignment but he understood the danger of dawdling like this would bring. Some part of him stayed because of Charles and the other half of him seemed to be waiting for Shaw to make a move. It still troubled him that Shaw did not reveal anything about him to the police. He thought the reason for this might be because Shaw wanted to get him using his network of thugs and criminal friends and not add Erik's murder on his charges or anything that would implicate him. He didn't think Shaw would chase after Charles because he had his sights on him for revenge. He had no idea that Shaw's escape was being accomplished by Vic right at that moment. Erik threw the sheet away and got up from bed.

"It's not too important, Charles. You have to go to your therapist. I'll meet you here later. I'm going to meet up with Azazel now-"

Charles looked skeptical."He must have left already. You don't have a cell phone with you and you don't even call him. How do you communicate?"

"I know the owner of the restaurant. He must have left a message for me there. And it's better this way. I don't want to carry any communication devices with me as much as possible. Vic might find a way to trace me-"

Charles's expression became grim."You mean to say he might still be looking for you?"

"Yeah. I don't want him to find me and ruin what we have here-"Erik went to him and hugged him again and Charles hugged him back, somehow looking worried.

"I'm sorry if I caused you to worry all of the sudden. It will be ok, Charles. As long as I keep my head low-"

Charles nodded against his chest, concerned for him but not saying anything further. Erik parted with him and helped him with his shirt. They kissed briefly, then Charles said his goodbye and afterwards Erik went to take a shower by himself. Had he met up with Azazel in time, had Charles not set up an appointment for the weekend with his therapist, things might not have taken a turn for the worst, because Erik would have known that Vic was looking for him, which would have prevented any harm from coming to Charles. But that is the way fate moves things around and anyone in it's way would be powerless to stop it.

Azazel met up with Erik again and had informed him while they were at the restaurant that all his documents had pushed through and Erik could leave the country after without any trouble. He pushed a brown envelope across the table towards Erik, containing his passport and other documents specifying his citizenship. Erik took it with a mild look of distaste on his face. He wasn't enthusiastic about leaving Charles and leaving everything he had ever known behind.

"What's the matter?" Azazel asked after sipping his black coffee.

"Do you remember me telling you about Charles?"

Azazel snorted. He still found it astounding that Erik was seeing another man and not a woman. He even told him he was in love with this Charles and wanted to take him with him in Germany. It was crazy but if that was Erik's thing, it was none of his business.

"Yes, yes! Is he the one holding you back? Because we can always go through with the arrangement I have for you-"

Erik looked up at Azazel intently. He was not sure he wanted to go through with that idea at all. He shook his head and checked his passport from the envelope.

"No. I can wait. I can be painfully patient, given my training-"

"Question is, would your friend be willing to wait?"

Erik shrugged. He didn't want to hold back Charles from achieving his goals. He has to finish college first and move on with his life. Erik did not think being around him was healthy for Charles. It would do him good if he was parted from him so he can focus on what's important. Perhaps after that, if circumstances make it, they could meet again.

"By the way, Vic asked around for me and we met-"Azazel said with an air of nonchalance.

Erik was about to sip his tea and then he sat quite still, his eyes going wide. He slowly put his cup down and stared at Azazel. He could not hide the terror he felt. He felt his blood run cold and the temperature in the room seemed to have dropped for him. He wanted to punch Azazel out for this news.

"Azazel, why the hell are you telling me this just now?"Erik said in a low, unsteady voice.

Azazel looked unfazed, pushing his cup away from himself."I put a word out I left the country. But he found me. He asked for you. I lied of course. I didn't tell him anything helpful. I wasn't able to tell you soon because it was just recent and we weren't able to meet these past few days. I left a coded message with our friend here at the restaurant but it seems he wasn't around when you came. You also refused to get a disposable cell phone, which would have made things easier-"He was looking at Erik pointedly as he said this.

Erik had grown pale and he looked visibly shaken. He did not think Azazel understood how bad things could get if Vic found him. He was sure the other had found him already and was watching his movements remotely. He knew disposable cell phones do not have any GPS that could be tracked but he did not want to risk it.

"They know you're involved in hiding me. I'm sorry. I've endangered you-"

"I know! But don't worry about me. Worry about yourself. You and I both know that they can't touch me, not with the connections that I have-"

Erik hastily stood up, wanting to find Charles immediately to warn him. It was a good thing Charles has his bodyguard. He had read up about this guy from Charles's laptop when he visited Charles in his room and knew that the guy was an expert in his field. He can keep Charles safe but they had to be warned and he had to stay as far away as possible from Charles. Azazel stopped him.

"Ease up! Don't wig out on me now, Erik. I know Vic might have put tabs on us right this moment, but don't let on that you know. If he thought you knew and bolted, who knows what they would do?"

Erik sat back in his chair heavily. He leaned forward on the table. "I don't know Charles's phone number. Is there a way for us to warn him?"

Azazel shrugged."I don't have my cell phone with me today too. I have my laptop in a car nearby. Perhaps I can contact that computer chick that works with Logan-"

Erik nodded at this. He wanted to go back to the hotel but he knew Vic might already be there. He didn't have any idea that Vic found a way to get Shaw out of prison. He helped Shaw escape during a prison transfer, which Vic had actually set up by hacking into the prison records and having a memo signed for the transfer...and they are already lying in wait for Erik at the hotel.

Erik and Azazel both walked back to Azazel's car and Azazel tried to contact Rogue on her laptop but she was not responding yet. Erik looked about the vehicle for anything that might be useful to them.

"Do you have a piece in here? Anything we can use?"

Azazel felt around under his seat and handed a semi-automatic gun over to Erik. Erik checked the clip and racked the gun, testing the heft and finding it satisfactory. Azazel regarded him grimly.

"You know I hate getting involved in something violent so you are on your own in this-"

Erik nodded in understanding. He stuffed the documents underneath his shirt, tucking it in the waist of his pants. Azazel cursed under his breath.

"That chick ain't offline but she must be asleep or something-"

He continued to type briskly on his laptop. "So do you have some type of plan, Erik?"

"None whatsoever-"

Dr Jean Grey laughed silently into her palm as Charles recounted the story of how 'David' met his friends and his body guard. Charles found himself growing fond of her that the sessions felt more like they were having a conversation as friends, less like a patient to doctor situation. He openly informed her of everything that had been happening to him, minus the detailed parts of his sexual relationship with Erik, nor did he reveal David's real name to her.

"On a professional level, would you say that I have utterly and completely lost my mind?"Charles chuckled as he sat crossed legged before Dr Grey, drinking tea with her in her office.

Dr Grey put her own cup down and smiled languidly at Charles as she cupped her chin into her palm, arms propped up on her desk.

"On a professional level...the actions you have been executing appear to be the symptoms of one falling in love-"

Charles laughed out loud at that and leaned confidentially on Dr Grey's table."So there is such a thing...of love being some sort of condition-"

Dr Grey sighed and kept on smiling at him."I suppose so...I seem to be suffering the same condition myself-"

Charles's eyes widened at that. "Are you telling me Dr Grey that you are also in love with someone?"

Now it was his therapist's turn to chuckle."Was it not obvious? Initially I had my reservations about it, believe you me, but I am seeing this man and I have grown fond of him. He might appear callous to most but he is quite sensitive and funny. I like that in a man-"

"Well whoever he is, I only hope he makes you happy, Dr Grey. Or else he will answer to me-"

"Oh I thought you would have an idea about the person I was talking about. He is your body guard after all-"

Charles nearly choked on the tea he was sipping but man

aged to control himself and splutter out one word."WHAT?"

Dr Grey looked on at him innocently, still smiling."I am seeing James Howlett. He goes by Logan as his operative name. He came here once to inquire about you and he was quite clumsy and awkward at first but I thought it was adorable. Of course I told him that I strongly uphold our patient to doctor confidentiality so he asked other questions instead, indirect ones, mind you. As we continued to talk, I found him to be fascinating, especially when he asked me out to get a cup of coffee. He got me laughing at his natural charm the more we spent time together-"

"That hairy ape being charming? I can hardly imagine it!"Charles suddenly uttered and then he put a hand to his mouth when he realized he was being rude but Dr Grey did not seem to mind. She was laughing softly and good-naturedly at his outburst that it made him flush with embarrassment.

"I'm sorry, Dr Grey-"

"Oh don't worry about it. I know Logan can be rough around the edges, but I think that is what makes me fond of him all the more. When we accept another person's flaw, we tend to see them as perfect and overlook the negative because we don't see this part of their personality in terms of being a separate piece but rather, as part of the whole package. That is what endears them to us and makes us love them as they are-"

Charles swallowed thickly. He felt the same about Erik so he understood what Dr Grey meant. They talked a bit more over the subject of Logan. It appears Dr Grey and Logan have been seeing each other at night and that they frequently talk on the phone. It made Charles determine that Logan must not be working alone and had another person working with him for body guard duty. Logan was probably outside in a car, guarding him. Charles then shared his dilemma of 'David' leaving the country soon and wanted to know Dr Grey's thoughts on having a long distance relationship with him.

"You did say he was willing to wait for you-"

"But things change. What if, he meets someone else? What if he grows tired of me? What do I do then?"Charles felt foolish that he would think like this, feeling like a needy and overly attached lover but he could not help himself.

"Charles, I don't know David personally but if he loves you enough and is willing to work things out, even with this distance between you, then he will come back to you. If he doesn't, then life goes on and you move forward and meet someone else. No relationship is completely ideal, Charles. You have to give your trust and make sacrifices when you are in such a position. I'd like to say this, not as a professional opinion but a personal one-"

Charles nodded slowly, knowing that what Dr Grey had said hit home. He had grown thoughtful over this as he made his way back to the hotel. He was to meet Erik in his bedroom. Perhaps once he got there, they could discuss the state of their relationship and make plans over it. He was deliberating with himself on whether he should head up to his room first or to Erik's room when he arrived at the hotel. Usually he would stop by his room first to drop off his things. He decided to go straight to Erik's room this time. Had he decided to go to his room first, he would have known that Erik was waiting there for him. He put the spare key Erik had given him into the lock and turned it. He entered hastily and closed the door and when he turned around, the muzzle of a gun greeted him as it pressed up to the middle of his forehead.

"Well, well. Looky here? If it isn't college boy coming for a visit-"Shaw said malignantly and grabbed at his neck hard, pressing him up against the wall. Charles felt himself go through a state of numb shock, his face growing pale and his body feeling as if it had been doused with ice water. He looked up at Shaw's face for the first time, his eyes wide and frightened. He recognized Shaw's voice so he knew this was Shaw. The man had reddish brown hair, a snub nose, thin leering lips and furious eyes. The man suddenly slapped him in the face, causing him to cry out and fall down to the floor. With a trembling hand, Charles reached for his cheek, rubbing it slowly and looking up at Shaw again. He noticed that in the room was another man. He was big like Cain, with a closed-cropped haircut and a beard similar to mutton-chops on his cheeks and he was leaning against the wall, smiling snidely. This must be Vic. Charles vaguely felt regret that he did not have Logan following him into the hotel. He was such an idiot, thinking so little of the dangers that would befall him. Logan had probably headed back to his own apartment by now, thinking he was safe and sound in the hotel, not knowing he was in trouble.

"I get it now. It's all coming together. I've been silent all this time, waiting in prison, thinking things through. I got caught 'cause of that fucking traitor Erik and I was wondering to myself, how come you did not tell the cops anything about Erik? Hmm? Then it hit me. He did not consider you as his fuck machine, like how he was trying to play it out back in the country house. He has feelings for you. I'm right aren't I?"

Charles could not speak; his throat had closed up with his fear, sweat basting his forehead coldly as he regarded Shaw. Shaw suddenly lashed out and slapped his face harder, causing the back of his head to rap back against the door painfully.

"Answer me, you little queer!" Shaw shouted down at him, his expression wrathful.

Blood flowed from the side of Charles's lip, his head spun; causing his sight to dim momentarily and he willed himself not to pass out because Shaw might hurt him even more. Charles shook his head by way of response, his throat still feeling tight and closed up. He was so afraid but he didn't want to say anything to this monster.

"Liar!"Shaw growled out and this time he swept the hand holding the gun to the side of Charles's head, causing him to see stars and to nearly black out. Shaw grabbed at the collar of his shirt, dragging him forward, his breathing harsh and ragged.

"We know dear ol' Erik is still back at the restaurant. While we wait for that asshole to come up, we might as well pass the time getting to know each other, eh? For starters, I have always been curious to know what the fuss is about your hole. Why do both my men, Cain and Erik want you so bad? What is it about you that made them that way? There's only one way to find out, right?"

Charles froze up at those words and then a sick horror ran through him as he struggled from Shaw's grip. Shaw violently grabbed him and forced him towards the bed, trying to undress him. Charles finally found his voice and screamed but Shaw slapped him again, cutting his cries off. Tears coursed down Charles's cheeks as he lay on his side and Shaw continued to take his clothes off. Charles tried to fight him off but each time he fought, Shaw hit him, bruising his face and causing his nose and his lip to bleed. Charles's heart was thudding mightily in his chest, right up to his temples and a cold revulsion ran through his stomach. He was calling out for Erik repeatedly in his head, willing Erik to save him somehow. Both these men are stronger than him. They would probably beat him up and violate him at the same time and he would be powerless to stop them. Maybe it would be better if Erik did not see him being treated like this but he knew that at any moment, Erik would be entering the door and they would probably shoot Erik to death. Charles cried tears of frustration that he and Erik would end up like this. Erik did not have an idea that Shaw had escaped and was in his room. Shaw was almost done removing his clothes, moving on top of him and then there was a click at the door lock and the knob suddenly turned. Both Shaw and Vic looked at each other, nodding. Vic had screwed his silencer over his gun while Shaw gave Charles a quick slap, sibilantly whispering that he should keep quiet.

A tense silence passed in the room as both men watched the door and brought their guns up. Shaw and Vic had discussed this earlier. He did not intend to kill Erik on the spot. He intended to subject him to the worst torture imaginable, maybe have him watch as he raped his little queer and probably mutilate both their bodies and throw everything in a sewer. He was smiling insolently to himself as he grabbed a naked Charles, one arm hooked tightly about his neck to hold him in place as they waited. And then...a young lady with a large pushcart stared over at them, open-mouthed as she threw the door open. From the way she was dressed, it appeared she was the hotel's cleaning lady. She was still out the door with her cart. She was staring at them in shock at first and all the men were staring after her in the same fashion. This was something completely unexpected. Then the young lady found her voice and was making these small shrill screams of fear.

"Shut up you bitch or I'll do you in!" Shaw shouted at her. She immediately obeyed and pressed herself on the opposite wall. Christ, with her screaming like that she had probably alerted the tenants and guests of the hotel that something was amiss. They had to move fast. Shaw cursed under his breath and gestured for her to come in. She was still trembling and refused to follow him at first.

"If you don't come in I'll blast this boy's brains out and this is going to be on you! Get in here!"

The girl did not want to see Charles hurt so she pushed her cart in and closed the door behind her. Shaw suddenly kicked at a nearby lamp in anger and threw Charles on the floor closest to the desk. Charles huddled himself against the desk, looking up at Shaw in horror, hoping that he does not involve this girl in his revenge.

"Fuck! This is turning into a fucking mess!"Shaw muttered as he rubbed his fingers between the bridge of his nose. The girl just stood there, trembling and afraid. She was looking around the room and then she was looking down at Charles, seeming to be worried for him as well.

"Young man, just stay down, ok? Are you alright?"

Shaw was getting annoyed with her. She appeared to be the nosy, meddling type. He walked over to her and pointed his gun at her.

"You just shut the fuck up and stay out of this while I figure out how to deal with you!"Shaw growled at her and she finally looked away and moved back to her cart, keeping silent. Shaw glared at her with narrowed eyes. The body count will be piling up for the day. He'd have to kill this woman as well because she had seen his face. He was deciding on whether to shoot her now when another unexpected thing happened. It all happened so quickly. Both he and Vic were standing close to the wall and the both of them are in discussion over their next course of action when suddenly a blast of explosion at their backs threw them forward and they fell to the floor, stunned. A fine mist of blasted cement and a rain of rubble fell on all of them. All of the sudden, the wall behind them was obliterated and they were exposed to the city outside. The woman instantly sprang into action and grabbed at Charles, her expression was no longer frightened. It was all an act. She was calm and determined as she moved. She had a gun strapped to her inner thigh underneath her skirt and she took it out, pointing it at the fallen men while she was leading Charles out of the room. Both Shaw and Vic tried to fire at her and she was firing back while she pushed Charles out of harm's way. Both she and Charles collapsed out in the hallway, even under a hail of bullets, both of them miraculously unharmed. The cloud of cement and smoke must have helped, plus the strewn furniture. Charles only had a fleeting glance of the room and then through the fading smoke, he saw Erik emerge out of the service cart and he was shooting at Shaw and Vic. More shooting was coming from the room but Charles was not able to see anything anymore. The young woman was leading him away to safety. She kicked at one of the doors down the hall and she grabbed at a bed sheet on a bed and wrapped it around Charles as they hurried away.

"W-who are you?"

The woman smiled at him familiarly."I work with Logan. My code name's Rogue-"So this was his other body guard.

Charles stopped walking and was pointing back the way they came from."W-we have to go back! Erik's in trouble! I saw him-"He did not care that he had mentioned Erik's name. He just wanted to be sure that Erik will not be hurt.

"Don't worry about him. He knows what he's doing. I'm sure he's ok-"

Everything that occurred after his near violation happened so fast. He thought he was going to die but Erik saved him by alerting Logan and Rogue to his situation, appearing to be working with them. Erik somehow knew he was in trouble. Charles wept quietly and hoped Erik would be alright.

Shaw coughed out weakly, clutching at his wounds as he lay on the rubble-strewn carpet in a pool of his own blood. Vic was lying face down on the other end of the room, already dead. There was another shooter from outside, the one who blasted a hole through the wall and he shot Vic numerous times. He must be one of Erik's cohorts. His downfall was that the element of surprise was already gone. They had hoped that Erik would have no idea that he had escaped because he did it on the same day and that he knew where Erik was staying because Vic had hacked into the hotel's system and found out where Erik's room was. He had been so smug in the knowledge that he had one over Erik, never realizing the other was way ahead of him. He was able to shoot Erik in the shoulder but Erik had dealt him more damage. He was mortally wounded. The exchange of gunfire happened very quickly, ending in a matter of minutes. Shaw's plotting and scheming had come to nothing. Erik still won. Erik looked down at him grimly, pointing a gun to his head.

"H-how did you know?"Shaw rasped out, choking on some of his own blood. He spat it out and looked up with glassy eyes at Erik.

"I didn't. I expected other men and Vic. I didn't know you escaped prison. I guess it's just your luck, huh?"

"Fucker-"Shaw mumbled and lay back his head, momentarily closing his eyes.

"You hurt Charles. That's the last time you are going to do that-"Erik promised with finality and pulled back the safety on his gun, aiming it at Shaw's head. Shaw managed to chuckle bitterly, clinging to what little life was left in him to get his last words through.

"Go ahead, you motherfucker! My colleagues know about you. You think you've won? You think...you think this is the end? You are so wrong-"

"I know that. So I'm going under the radar. As for you, I'm sending you down to hell first. Say hi to Cain and Janos for me-"

"Don't!"Logan called out from his position at the damaged wall but he was too late. Erik shot Shaw right in the middle of his forehead. Although at first, a neat red hole formed, the blood started to trickle out and Shaw knew nothing more but darkness. Erik tucked his gun into his belt and stepped away from Shaw's corpse. Shaw may threaten him even as he died but Erik knew it was finally over. No one will hurt Charles anymore. He finally felt relieved. They won't go after Charles. They may chase after him but that does not matter anymore. He was turning away and walking towards the door. From outside, he could already hear the sound of the police sirens. They are about to arrive on the scene but by then, everything was over. He heard Logan disengage the safety of his gun, racking it deftly from behind him. Erik stood still.

"Where do you think you're going? I know who you are now, Erik. You think I'm just going to let you walk out of here just like that?"

Erik let out a small sigh and turned to face Logan, holding his gaze."So what now, Logan?"

Logan still had his gun aimed at Erik and then he walked a few feet towards him. Both he and Erik stared at each other, long and hard. Erik could have had a shooting match with him to try and escape but he didn't. He waited to see what Logan would do, if he was going to detain him so that the police can come around and arrest him. Logan in turn, was still deliberating with himself over something. He didn't know the full story but he knew the gist of it and he was able to put some pieces together. Erik was one of Shaw's colleagues who had assisted in the abduction of Charles Xavier. Somehow, while Erik and Charles were left alone together up in their hideout, the two had developed feelings for each other and that finally caused Erik to turn on his colleagues to try and save Charles from harm. Everything that he had done was because of his affections for the young man. Even now, he had risked exposing himself to Logan all because Charles was more important to him than anything else. Rogue was contacted by one of Erik's associates who remained unnamed and they had informed him and Rogue that Charles was in danger because Charles was not in his room when Erik came there first to try and intercept Charles. Logan then asked how he came by this knowledge, unable to believe why 'David' would have anything to do with Shaw that Erik finally divulged the secret of his identity.

They then thought up of a plan to try and save Charles from Vic's clutches, not knowing that Shaw was there. They had to move quickly; otherwise it might be too late for Charles. Everything happened as they had planned it, with both of the kidnappers dead and Charles safe with Rogue. Logan had contacted the police earlier, asking specifically for Detective Summers. They were probably storming into the hotel now, securing the perimeter. It would be next to impossible for Erik to leave the premises without being seen. Logan nodded to himself, coming to a decision. Erik was not a bad man, but he was a dangerous man and he would probably be better off in the custody of the police. Still, everything that he did, he did out of love for that boy. He brought his gun down and put it back in his holster, giving Erik a lop-sided smile.

"Hell, go do what you want! I didn't see you anywhere here-"

Erik looked flummoxed at first; his disbelief at what he heard was stamped across his face. Logan was letting him go? Erik hesitated at first but Logan did not make a move to try and stop him. Erik then stepped towards the blasted wall, looking over his shoulder one final time. It hurt him that he could not speak to Charles one final time but this was for the best. They nodded to each other in understanding and then he made his escape. Erik edged around the narrow ledge of the wall, scaling it carefully and then he was gone. Logan left the scene to go and look for Charles and Rogue first. The tenants did not dare step out of their rooms because of the shooting but the hotel security is probably scrambling to get things in order. They were sitting quietly in Charles's room. Logan closed the door behind him and saw that Charles was already dressed and that Rogue was talking with him to try and calm him down. Charles instantly sprang from the bed and went to Logan, his expression fraught with worry.

"Where's Erik? What happened? Is he ok?"Charles said quickly, anxious to know what happened to Erik, immediately understanding that Logan must have figured out who Erik is by now that he had dropped all pretenses about his identity. Logan lifted a hand up and patted his shoulder.

"Kid, we gotta talk about something-"

"What?"

"He's ok. I let him leave. The police are coming. Let's just keep things simple so they won't ask too much from us. We'll tell them that Shaw and this Vic guy probably murdered David and that the true nature of their coming here was to get you. Rogue and I managed to stop them before they can hurt you-"

"But...but Erik! Where did he go? He didn't even speak to me-"

"Charles, he didn't have time. He didn't tell me where he was going and he had to go or the police might figure out something about him. It's better this way. This Shaw guy talked about colleagues that would go after him. If they saw his face on the news had he remained here, he'd be in deep shit. You don't want that to happen, right? You want Erik alive and free-"

Charles could not prevent the fresh flow of tears from his eyes. He pressed a trembling hand to his face. He wasn't even able to speak to Erik anymore. He had wanted to say a proper goodbye, for them to at least spend a few more days together but it was not meant to be. Erik would probably make arrangements to leave the country tonight. Logan looked satisfied that he was looking appropriately aggrieved. Charles understood that Logan had let Erik escape on purpose. He wiped at his face and managed to give Logan a sad smile.

"Thank you, for what you did-"

Logan waved a hand his way."Don't mention it!"

There was a knock at the door. Rogue stood up and opened open it and standing outside are Mr Nate Grey and his security along with the police. Mr Nate Grey had his arms crossed in front of himself and was looking at Logan testily.

"I have a very strong feeling that the explosion we heard earlier on the third floor is somehow connected with you, Mr Logan. What is it with you and my hotel? Why are you intent on demolishing it so?"

Charles and Rogue glanced over at Logan as the other looked on at the men on the other side of the door sheepishly, rubbing the back of his head in his embarrassment. He had a lot of explaining to do on this one and he was sure he will not be welcome to visit the Grey Manor ever again.

They were all questioned separately by Detective Summers and his team and since they had kept it simple, they had their story straight by the time they were interviewed. Logan had mentioned that while in conversation with Charles's former kidnappers, he had found out that they had killed David Weyland, Charles's 'tutor' but that they did not know what Shaw had done with his body. Charles told Detective Summers that Shaw meant to take his revenge by kidnapping him again but Logan and Rogue were able to stop them in time, dispatching the kidnappers in the process.

"On behalf of the department I would like to apologize for what happened. It seems Shaw had people working on the outside as well as the inside and they hacked into the prison server systems, causing an unauthorized transfer to look legitimate and this allowed Shaw to escape. We were not aware at that time. I had no wish to put you in this position again, Charles-" Detective Summers said as he sat before Charles while getting his statement. Charles's face was bruised and swelling in places, his shoulders are slumped down and he looked to be grieving for the death of his tutor, on top of the ordeal that he went through.

"Believe me, I don't want to be back here as well-"

"According to Mr James Howlett's statement, Shaw and his associate had murdered your tutor, David Weyland, who was residing in the Grey Manor a floor above you. I would like to offer my condolences. I heard you were close with your tutor-"

Charles let out a tired sigh and put his hands to his face, his expression crumpling. He wanted to cry but he just felt too husked out. He'd been crying his eyes out while they were at the manor, then in the car and then here at the station as they waited to be questioned. When a medical examiner tended to him he was subdued. Still, he could not stop thinking about Erik or worrying for his safety.

"Yes-"

"They never mentioned to you where they might have...placed his body? I'm sorry to put you through this but there is one person unaccounted for and I would like to get any clue or information that might help us find him-"

"No-"

Detective Summers looked on at Charles in pity. All the time that they had been talking, Charles had been brief, occasionally tears would flow down his cheeks as he spoke. He had been through so much already. It was with a heavy heart that he had to talk to the young man again. They still have no information on the other kidnapper at large but this Erik had helped Charles escape so he did not think that man would have any intention of kidnapping Charles, being that he had been benevolent enough to help Charles escape in the first place. Still, he was a criminal and he would need to be brought in, should Detective Summers garner more information to help in the development of this case.

"Don't worry, Charles. I'll do anything in my power to help find Mr Weyland. I cannot assure you on...what his state would be once we find him but my team and I will work on this so we can at least find out what happened to him-"

"Thank you, Detective Summers, I'd appreciate that-"

Detective Summers nodded in understanding. He asked a few more questions and then he let Charles go. Logan and Rogue had to stay because the research team for the case had not finished processing evidence and details from them yet. There was the matter of an extra gun that was used in the scene but it was missing. The bullets had no fingerprints on them. Logan claimed he borrowed it from a colleague and that it had fallen down the city during the scuffle. Logan and Rogue knew exactly what to say and played dumb at certain points to prevent further questioning and from the way things are going, Detective Summers realized this case might be harder to wrap up, what with a few holes and details missing.

Charles went back to the hotel and went to his room. He could not go back to Erik's room because it was barricaded and it was blasted open, with yellow police tape over it. He wanted to look at the state of the room but he had been at the police station for a long time and he was worn out and too soul-weary to do anything else. He locked his room and lay in his bed. He slept a dreamless sleep. He was that tired. He was brought awake early in the morning by his parents, who came to pick him up from the hotel and to take him back home where he will be safe. Rogue and Logan were with them. Charles was still too numb and too confused over what had happened that he allowed himself to be herded about. Both his mother and father packed his belongings and Logan and Rogue were both at his side. Brian Xavier wrote a check for all the damages for Mr Nate Grey and they made sure everything was in order when they left.

He was silent all the while that he was back in his residence; with the University giving him another leave so that he could recover from what had happened. All his friends visited him in during this point, offering their condolences for 'David'. Moira was hugging him as they all sat in the living room where Charles spoke with them.

"I know nothing we can say would help Charles but just know that we are here for you, ok?"Moira said warmly and held him tight. Sean and Alex sat quietly on one of the sofas while Hank and Raven sat opposite from them. Charles reached for Moira's arm and gave her a wan smile.

"Thanks Moira. I guess I just need time-"

"Charles if you need anything from school, just tell me. I'll bring what you need-"Hank offered in a quiet voice and Charles nodded at that.

"So you won't be back in school for a few more weeks then?"Raven said, looking on at him with sympathy. She had thought that he and David were such a cute couple and she recently just met the man so his sudden demise was a shock to her. Charles uttered a soft yes and sidled up against Moira, just allowing himself to be comforted. He was glad of the fact that Erik was at least safe and he knew where Erik was. Erik had promised to wait for him and had told him they would meet again. This gave him a measure of hope and he played along with everyone's assumptions.

A few weeks after when he got back to the university, a man with jet black unruly hair and a pointy, well groomed beard on his chin called out to Charles from his car while Charles was being escorted by Logan and Rogue. He allowed himself to be followed by his body guards now, due to the wishes of his parents. The man was wearing a black suit. Both Logan and Rogue looked at the man warily. Charles frowned at the man.

"Yes?"

The man smiled insolently at Logan and Rogue."Whoa, calm your tits! You should know me by now. We kinda had a heart to heart while we had an online chat, Miss Anna Marie-"

Rogue glowered at him."No one calls me that!"

The man looked unperturbed as he kept on sitting inside of his idling car. Logan was looking at him impassively.

"Who the hell are you?"

"An unnamed messenger. I would prefer you don't know my name, but I suppose Mr Xavier knows me. I have a message from our mutual friend, Erik-"

Charles's eyes widened and he leaned closer to the car, not caring that Rogue was tense and cautious when he did that."What is it?"

The man quirked his eyebrow and looked at both Logan and Rogue."Should I be saying this in front of your body guards?"

"I don't care if they hear it!"Charles said impatiently, his eyes intent on Azazel. He just wanted to hear news of Erik, any word that might let him know anything. The man nodded in understanding.

"Very well. He said he wanted to say goodbye...one final time. He said you should not go looking for him because this is for the best. Being around him will just endanger your life and he wanted you to know he is doing this...because he loves you-"

Charles's heart was breaking inside of his chest at those words. His expression became pained as he pressed his lips together, trying to control himself and then failing, tears slid down his cheeks and he shook his head weakly, refusing to accept Erik's message."No," He said in a small voice.

Azazel's expression softened and he became sympathetic. A weird smile formed on his lips."I will miss him myself. I do like frequenting that little restaurant below the hotel that we go to. The croissants there are excellent; I just might go back to sample them once in a while-"

Charles suddenly felt as if his throat had closed up and he could not breathe. He did not care for Azazel's last words. He suddenly turned and ran away from both his guards and Azazel. He did not care where he was going; he just needed to be away from them. Logan and Rogue followed him as he ran; politely trying to keep their distance but still keeping him in their sights. Charles stopped near the University Park and wiped at his eyes furiously, forcing himself to control his feelings. Why did Erik have to turn him away? Was all that for nothing, everything that happened between them? He walked slowly, his feet somehow leading him to Hank's dorm as Rogue and Logan still followed on. Charles knew Hank would be back there and he was after he knocked urgently on the other's door.

"Charles?"Hank asked curiously while Logan and Rogue remained in the hall way of the dormitory. Charles looked like he had been crying and his expression was wounded. Hank immediately understood Charles wanted to unload on him and as a friend he opened his door wide and urged Charles in and listened. Charles finally told him the truth. Everything that happened when he was kidnapped, David's true identity and even telling Hank how ardent Erik was as a lover; how he felt so loved in Erik's arms and felt so complete and then Azazel's message from Erik, breaking off things between them. Hank listened with an open mind this time and finally understood why Charles behaved the way he did all this time. Charles was hunched over as he sat on the edge of Hank's bed dejectedly.

"How could he do this to me, Hank? Not a word for weeks and then he sends someone else just to break off with me like that? I feel like I meant so little to him that he could do this so easily-"

"He said he loved you that was why he was doing this, right?"Hank said softly but Charles's face crumpled in frustration at that.

"No! Those are just words! They mean nothing now!"

They both fell silent for a moment and then Hank reached out and squeezed at Charles's shoulders reassuringly. "I'm sorry that that happened Charles, but I think Erik knows better and he just wanted to keep you safe this time. He is doing this for you, that's all I can see of his actions. I know it's hard to take right now but give it time and then maybe-"

Charles shook his head weakly."No! I won't let it end just like that!"

Hank looked at him warily."What are you planning to do? Follow him in Germany?"

Charles let out a heavy sigh and then he put his face to his hands. What was he going to do?

He headed back to the Grey Manor a few days after to pick up a few of his things that he had left because Mr Nate contacted him about it. He had everything in a duffle bag and he was about to go out when he noticed that a piece of paper was slid under the door. He looked down at it curiously and then he picked it up and read what was written.

You should really try the croissants at the restaurant today, they are quite fresh.

Charles narrowed his eyes at those words and realized Azazel was hinting at something, perhaps he wanted to tell him more information that he needed to know. Charles did not know why he felt his heart quicken all of the sudden. He hurried out and he had his body guards in tow. They had waited for him at the elevators. He stopped a moment when they got to the first floor and spoke to them.

"Please, can you give me a moment by myself? Maybe you can wait for me in the car?"

Logan and Rogue exchanged looks but they nodded in understanding and let him go off. Charles went straight to the restaurant and spoke with the restaurant receptionist who informed him he was expected at table 3. Azazel was sitting there, waiting for him. Azazel raised a hand in greeting and Charles sat before him, his face dead serious.

"Ah, I'm glad you don't have your two guard dogs in tow. Your cocker spaniel has quite a bark on her-"

Charles did not even smile at his small joke. He waited for what he had to say. Azazel got the message and cleared his throat.

"How far are you willing to take this with Erik Lehnsherr, Mr Xavier? Are you willing to drop everything here to be with him?"

"Why are you asking me that? Are you intending to help me with him?"

"Yes. Listen, Erik is lovesick over you. Do you have any idea how deep it runs? Whenever we meet, you always manage to creep up in our conversations and you put a smile to his face, when you come to his mind. That's how smitten he is with you. When I last spoke to him, relaying that message was the hardest thing he had to do. It hurt him that he did not see you one last time and it broke his heart that he had to end things between you like this. As his friend, I've already offered him assistance but he refused to put you in this position but I am offering it to you now-"

Charles was all ears and he propped his arms on the table."What do you have in mind?"

"It looks legitimate-"Hank said as he pushed his glasses up his nose, studying the document Charles presented to him.

"It is legitimate! At first I can't believe it when I read it but then Azazel told me he forged my handwriting and sent that letter of intent to Ludwig-Maximilians-University in Munich for me to continue my studies in Neuro-Cognitive Psychology . I was instantly accepted due to my exceptional GPA. He said Erik is there in Munich! I can be close to him! He gave me Erik's address-"

"Have you told your parents yet about the university?"

"Yes, but I don't think they are ready to accept the fact that I'm completely flying the coop across the world-"Charles did not want to tell them about his relationship with Erik. He did not think they would be ready for that just yet. He'd have to give it a few years.

"Charles, are you sure about this? I mean, you'll be leaving a lot behind. I know you are doing this because of him. What if he's not the same? Consider the possibility that he might reject you, what then?"

Charles bit his lower lip, looking nervous but resolute."I have to take a chance. I just...I just have to see him and know for sure if it was all worth it-"

Hank sighed and shrugged."I can't stop you in what you want to do, might as well I should support you-"

Charles managed to smile at that."Thank you Hank. Will you tell the others about me and Erik? I don't want them to know about it yet. Can you tell them when I have left? You know Moira, she's going to try and stop me, and I don't think Sean will approve when he finds out who Erik really is-"

"I will Charles, don't worry about it-"

Hank smiled at him gently and Charles reached out and hugged him tightly. He was leaving everything for Erik and he sure as hell hoped that Erik would at try and hear him out, to speak with him at least. He deserved that much from him. Azazel said that while he was taking care of Erik's passport and documents, he had been doing the same for Charles on the side without Erik's knowledge. Everything was ready. He just needed to clear things up with his parents. He also said his good bye to his two body guards by relieving them of their duty to him. Logan was openly glad that he did not have to follow Charles to Germany. He did not want to leave Dr Grey behind, not with the budding romance between them. He met up with them a final time at a restaurant where he treated them and Dr Grey was also there. Hugs and handshakes were passed around and they were able to laugh and have an engaging conversation over Logan's faux pas and how Logan and Rogue met and became partners. Charles also told Dr Grey the truth about him and Erik. He had to come clean with some of the people that he knew would accept his relationship with Erik. He was still not sure about Moira and the rest. He wanted badly to tell them but he wanted to make sure if he was going to have a future with Erik first before he did that.

"I'm surprised you are letting me leave without a protest, Mr Logan-"

Logan eyed Dr Grey affectionately."Kid, when it comes to love, it's true what they say. You gotta take a chance or you'll never know how it could have gone-"

Rogue laughed at his words."He didn't use to think like that Charles. You have no idea how boring, unromantic and smelly he used to be before-"

"Shut up, Rogue!"Logan hissed at her and everyone at the table laughed.

He met up with his parents before he boarded his plane and he could see how worried his mother was for him. He reached out to her and hugged her gently.

"Mom, I'll be ok, don't worry about me-"

Sharon could not prevent herself from openly sobbing. She stopped to respond to him in a clotted voice."How can I not? After everything that has happened to you and now you are moving far from my reach, how can you tell me not to worry? I just want you to be safe and happy Charles. If I can only keep you with me, like when you were younger-"

"Mom, I'm a grown man now. You have to let me go. And you are right, I can't stop you from worrying. But I can't let the terrible things that have happened to stop me from living and moving forward. I have to take charge of myself and break away from all of that. This is the only way i can do it-"

"I'm...I'm just so scared for you, Charles-"

Charles embraced her tighter and kissed her cheek."Mom, please. Don't cry. I love you. I told a friend once we can't live in fear and I'm telling you the same thing, ok?"

Sharon finally nodded reluctantly, kissing him back and his dad patted his shoulder, telling him to always be cautious and safe. Underneath his gruff manner, he was saddened that Charles was leaving. But this was what his son wanted and he was accepted at a prestigious school. He knew this was a good opportunity for Charles so he gave him his blessing. Charles surprised him by hugging him fiercely and Brian softened and hugged him back. Charles let out a shaky breath, giving them both a final nod and he marched off into the ramp leading to his plane. With each step, Charles grew confident that Erik will give him a chance because he knew what he had to say to convince him to change his mind about their relationship.

The evening as usual was chilly in the city and Erik found himself reminiscing those nights with Charles to warm him up and then he suddenly felt sad at the thought of him. Some nights he would look over one picture of Charles that he kept in his wallet. He was that much of a sentimental fool; he could not help it. He walked slowly up the path to this small house he bought for himself and he climbed the porch steps, pushing his door open and then he was startled when something suddenly brushed up against his shoulder. He was about to respond defensively but to his shock, it was Charles, pushing through the door next to him and Charles forced himself into his home ahead of him.

"Charles?"

Erik was staring at him with wide, disbelieving eyes. How was it possible that he was here? He could only think of one person that made this all possible. Azazel. He tried to regain his composure but Charles cut him off before he could say anything.

"Hear me out first and close the damned door! I'm not leaving until we talk!"

"Ever so stubborn, aren't we?"Erik said blandly and did as he was told. He hoped his walk was steady. He may not look like it but he was trembling on the inside at the excitement he felt at having Charles here before him. He almost wanted to burst into tears, to hug Charles to himself and kiss him senseless and make love to him but he shouldn't encourage him. No. He did all of this to keep Charles safe and now the fool was at his home and had traveled all the way here to try and continue their affair. Erik decided he was going to flat out discourage him. He could say some hurtful words that might drive him away. Anything, even if it would hurt Charles's feelings.

"Charles, what makes you think your coming here would make any difference? I thought-"

As he was talking, Charles calmly took off his coat, carelessly folding it, placing it on a nearby table and then he walked over to Erik and reached for his cheeks, gently holding onto them even as Erik tried to undo is hold.

"Do you remember that story you told me? About that old man and his pet raven?"

Erik narrowed his eyes at him, wondering what Charles was intending to say by bringing that up. Perhaps he wanted to remind him of how sad that had been and that he did not want him to end up like that. Erik wanted to say something snide and mean but stopped himself out of curiosity. He did not undo Charles's hold on him.

"What about it?"

"I think you missed something vital about it. You were focused on the poor old man. Didn't you want to understand what that bird was trying to tell the old man?"

"What?"

"That prison was their only refuge...the only place they had peace, closed off from the chaos of he world. That prison was their home where they were truly happy and free and the bird was trying to save the old man from all the ugliness that the world would bring. That was why he did not want the old man to go. But the old man had no choice, he had to leave and the bird, knowing he cannot save the old man, pined away for him and died. I'd like to compare our love to that prison, Erik. I'm trying to lead you back in-"

Erik could not say anything at first. His throat suddenly felt tight. He knew if he spoke, he might not prevent his voice from shaking. He listened quietly to Charles's imploring words.

"I know I can't stop the dangers that would come our way nor can I stop the ugly ways humans can be but at least, we will be together. Our love may be the only thing that could hold us together to face it Erik. If you turn away from me and leave me, I might as well be dead like that bird. There's no point in what we had endured together if we just ended it like this. So please...please come back inside with me-"Charles said unsteadily, his voice choked over with tears as he held Erik's gaze, pouring all his feelings into it. Erik was losing a battle of wills even before he began. How can he turn Charles away now?

Charles would sacrifice everything just for him, a lowly former thug from a kidnap and ransom group and he had come so far, leaving everything behind and put his life at risk. For him. He didn't deserve something this good and true. Erik felt a tear slide down his cheek and he was not able to stop it from falling. Erik reached for Charles's hands that still held his cheeks and he sobbed quietly. Both of them are crying like fools.

"Charles I don't deserve someone like you! I don't want to see you hurt-"

"I'll take my chances, thank you very much!"

Erik broke away from him, eyeing him balefully but affectionately at the same time, still crying as he did so. He felt so heady and mixed up with so much emotions and only Charles could do this to him.

"Goddamned stubborn asshole!"

"Well you're the same! So that settles it. I am staying with you and you are staying with me! And you can't get out of this one, mister!"Charles said with an air of mock annoyance and then he hugged Erik and kissed him passionately.

Erik reached up possessively and clutched the back of his head with one hand while his other hand was at Charles's waist, holding him tight as the kissing grew deep and frantic, like how they were before. Erik broke away from him, suddenly concerned.

"Do you have your body guards with you? I know Azazel had a hand in you being here but how-"

"No, I no longer need their services. I got permission from my parents to go here and my letter of intention was approved to take up part of my course at the local university. So I will be continuing my studies here in Munich and you will be my tutor-"

"Wait a second, can't you go and study by yourself? I don't think you need me anymore because I have given you a study plan to follow-"Erik teased.

"Oh but I do need you. That incentive approach really got stuck with me. I'd like to continue with that type of reward system, especially after the big exams-"

Erik laughed at that and then he carried Charles in his arms into his bedroom and lay him on his bed.

"I've been so hungry for you, my beauty. I don't think you have any idea what you are getting into-"

Charles already had his legs wrapped around Erik's waist and was raining kisses on his throat and his face. He reached down and gave Erik's cock a hard, throttling squeeze, making him moan. "I think I do and I want it! I want you so bad-"

They almost tore at each other's clothing as they kept kissing each other hungrily, rolling about the bed restlessly and growing frenzied as they grinded up against each other. Erik gave him that delicious gnashing kiss that drove him over the edge, made him tremble hotly in giddy excitement for more. Charles felt as if he was going to lose his mind if he did not get this wrenching hunger for Erik released from himself. Erik primed him first, making him sob with the unbearable lust and heat of it all. The fucking grew furious as they nearly demolished the room trying to kiss and suck and lick at each other, explore each other's bodies covetously. Charles wanted no one else but Erik to take him like this. It wasn't just because the orgasms with Erik were addictive. It was because he was receiving the best fuck of his life from someone he loved deeply that made it so special. After they finished, Erik was sitting with his back to the headboard, a bed sheet covering his lower half while Charles lay against his chest, wearing his white robe. He wrapped his arms around Charles lovingly as he kissed the side of his head gently.

"Can we stay like this forever, Erik?" Charles asked the same question he had asked him before, looking up at him affectionately.

"If you want that Charles. If you want that, then yes-"Erik said softly and kept holding onto him.

Several months after, Hank received a letter from Charles, typical of him to do something so old fashioned when he could have sent him a missive via email. The letter was for everyone in their group: Hank, Moira, Sean, Alex and Raven. He was telling them he was doing ok and that his tutor was really driving him up the wall but he still loved him. Moira and the rest were aware of who Erik Lehnsherr was after Hank told them the story and Charles himself spoke to them on the phone. Moira took it hard at first but she finally got around it. Charles was informing them that he passed his finals with flying colors and he enclosed a picture of himself with Erik as they stood in front of their house. Charles was wearing a light tan coat over a dark blue suit coat and a blue button-down shirt. His pale skin was rosy and aglow; his smile was wide and extremely happy. His bright blue eyes were twinkling as he stood next to Erik, who wore a brown leather jacket and a turtleneck. Erik's real hair color was a light brown and it was showing through now. His smile looked reserved but the loving way he was looking at Charles was evident in the picture. Written below the picture were the words 'From Stockholm to Lima'.

"Anyone have a clue about this?" Hank asked as he pointed at the words.

"What in the world does that mean?" Sean asked curiously as they all looked down at the picture.

"They're in Germany, right?" Raven added as she frowned down at the picture.

"Maybe it's some sort of code word only for the both of them. Who knows?" Alex shrugged as the picture was handed to him.

Moira took the picture next and stared at it for some time.

"You might have a point there, Alex. It must mean something deep to the both of them-"

"What then?"

"That they still love each other so much after all this time-"Moira said gently and smiled up at all of them.

If Charles was there, he would have agreed with her whole-heartedly.