This is in the realm of fairy tale happy endings so just be warned, I milked it for all it's worth XD Don't we all wish for happy endings too? I mean I could totally do an angsty and sad ending but why should a good story have to always be tragic? My personal opinion on this is, I am a fan and at the same time I am a fanfiction writer. I would rather write something that pleases me personally and in a sense, pleases the fans of Cherik. So here you go, a fairy tale ending as always, for my beloved fandom 3 Thanks for taking the time to read everyone and that comes from the bottom of my heart!

We were actually in that meeting room for five straight hours. By the time I was done with him, his legs were shaking and he could barely stand up so I let him rest for an hour before we left the room. He was very embarrassed about his own moaning afterwards but I informed him the room was one of our sound proof rooms in the building. He needn't have worried. I led him to the Men's room where we could freshen up and after we had washed up, we went back to our own floor in Information Analysis. Some of his colleagues greeted Charles and welcomed him back while I headed off by myself back to my office. I hoped no one noticed the dizzy smile of happiness on my face. When Charles got back to our room at the end of the department, away from everyone else, I drew the blinds that covered my Plexiglas wall so I could see him. He smiled back at me but he immediately became serious and pulled up his emails and sorted through them, looking through some new reports. When the day was done, Charles went to the door to say goodbye since he had to leave early as scheduled.

"No Charles. I'm afraid you have to stay a bit more late. I still need you-"I told him blandly from my desk.

"Alright Sir. Do you have anything you need for me to do?"Charles asked, all serious and thinking of work.

"Yes. Come over here and look through these reports, why don't you?"I held the thick folder out to him.

"Yes, Sir!"Charles said and he stepped forward to get them. I suddenly held them out deliberately from his reach and he frowned, trying to go around the table to reach them. I then grabbed his waist so I can draw him close and caress his fine ass. Charles let out a small cry of surprise. I nuzzled my face to his chest as I held him, breathing deeply so I can smell him again.

"Oh..uhm, Sir-"Charles said in a small voice, his face red with embarrassment.

I lifted my head up, leering at him and speaking in a throaty voice."When we get back home later...be prepared-"

Charles shivered slightly at the prospect, reaching out to touch my shoulder gently and pull away from me. There was a faint smile on his lips. He took the report and headed back out to his desk, not saying a word but his heated eyes are on me. We worked for a few more hours and then I told him I was driving him back to my place. He did not hide the excitement he felt. We had violent, desperate sex again at my house, just about demolishing everything in our path and afterwards we grew tender again, our hips bucking up slow and deep against each other; mostly I just explored every inch of him with my kisses and my tongue. I just wanted to see him so aroused by the things I was doing to him and then we quietly lay back in bed after a few hours, both of us smiling and satisfied. Charles was sidled up against me, his chin resting on my chest, arms crossed beneath it and he regarded me with his gentle gaze. I reached out and smoothed the hair that fell on his forehead, just wanting this tender moment between us to last.

"And you didn't want to have sex at first-"I teased him.

"I wanted to take it slow, Erik! I forgot that when it comes to you, there is no such thing! When you want it, where you want it...you just take it. But I guess that's why I love you, for being so passionate and reckless-"

"What else do you love about me, Charles?"I asked him softly, just letting myself get lost in his eyes again as I stared at him.

"Everything that's good about you-"Charles responded softly back, tracing his fingers on my chest.

"What? Tell me-"

"I love your eyes. I know some of our colleagues find your stare kind of deep and penetrating. People are somehow intimidated by it but I love looking into your eyes. They are kind of like you; unpredictable and wonderful. Sometimes they look stormy gray...sometimes they are like a calm green but mostly when you look at me, I can feel this blue heat coming from your eyes-"

"Wow! That's some description, Charles-"

Charles made a small embarrassed sound and hid his face. I reached up to touch his cheek so he would look at me again.

"Well go on now! I love hearing all these desirable qualities you see in me! It makes me feel good about myself-"

Charles giggled quietly and he was still blushing, like he was so mortified that he had to tell me how he really sees me but he went on anyway.

"I think the first time I saw you again as a man, I fell in love with your face and your voice. You were different when I started in the company; I could only admire you from afar because you loathed me at the onset so I kept my distance. Then when we had a good look into each other's eyes one day and you became...I don't know, sort of softer towards me...I fell in love with you all over again-"

"I feel blessed that you love me even if you don't even know me. I was just a grieving boy. I never knew my actions could have so much significance in your life-"I said solemnly. Now I'm the one feeling embarrassed. Since we are talking about feelings I might as well tell him I love him, right? Unfortunately, I still felt too iffy about saying it just like that. I mean, I do love him and I'm sure he can feel it but that was one hurdle I had to get over myself. I can't find it in myself to say it yet. How can I explain it any better? It's like a muscle in the middle of my being that's atrophied from ill-use and it takes a while to come to life. That's how it's like for me. It's easy for me to say it to someone I didn't care about but this is Charles we are talking about! I'm scared to death of just saying that to him and then feeling awkward about it after.

"I was glad that you came to your senses because deep down, this is who you are Erik. You're kind and tender. You can be really sweet sometimes when you really mean it-"Charles said brightly. I sighed contentedly putting my arms around him and holding him close.

"Never thought I would be considered a sweet and tender man. Not words I would associate with myself-"I said with dry affection.

"You are to me!"Charles cried out and nuzzled and kissed my chest. We both broke out laughing and ended up kissing passionately afterwards. I really liked this about us. I admit this was similar from when I had my Woman du jour wanting sweet moments with me but it's somehow different with Charles because I am head over heels in love with him. So I can't understand why other people could not see what I see when I look at him. And the things Jean told me about Charles...I can see he wasn't the sociable sort, that was true but how come no one could see how beautiful he is? How come they can't see this kindness and thoughtfulness in him? Then it came to me. He was trying to hide it from everyone else, closed off and retreating to a world all on his own. I was concerned about this behavior of his. He didn't have any confidence in himself. He was brave only when it comes to me. Charles had helped me become a better person. He saved me from the fucked-up state I had become. It was high time I did the same for him.

At the office, I started treating him differently and I did not give a flying fuck what people thought of me after. All I cared about was that Charles was happy and if I can help it, I don't want to hurt him ever again.

"Charles, come over here-"I called out to him as I worked on my laptop, reviewing the new reports coming in and cross-checking the flow of information being shared by all the other departments so that I may organize a cohesive report which we will bring up with the board, then to our Merchants. Charles peeked in, smiling faintly and then he entered the room. I tell you, nothing looked sexier to me than seeing Charles wearing a suit and a tie. I care not for the corporate looking ladies that surrounded the office, with their sleek skirts and stilettos. I had to control this raging urge in me to grab him and render him senseless with lust on my table. He wore a navy blue suit and a black button down shirt underneath and he wore a dark gray silk tie today.

"I might be a while with this new report that came in. Why don't you buy us some Earl Grey Tea and some cake? You make the pick-"

Charles hesitated a moment."Um, Sir? How many cups of tea do you need me to-"

"Two. One for you and me. Get yourself a cake too-"I said with emphasis and a straight face but I was gleeful on the inside because Charles brightened at the fact that I asked him to bring me tea instead of coffee, knowing that I did not dare drink tea here at work because I considered it gay before. And I included him in my order this time. He still looked hesitant but he followed my orders and bought us tea and cake with my credit card. I wanted to do some naughty fun in the office with him and I have been thinking of something I wanted to do to him. I gave him a sly smile whenever he would glance over to me and then he would look away, looking flustered and acting shy. He saw that I had my naughty look on and he was worried over what I would do. He tried not to look at me anymore so he could focus on his work. But I was feeling so horny for him all over again. I just couldn't help myself! Seeing that handsome profile of his, his large blue eyes all serious and his sweet red lips drawn down as he concentrated, it made me want to go over there and just ravish him! I decided to go ahead with my plan and get it on with him in my office. I did not call out but instead, I used my IM and sent him a message to come on over. Charles entered the room his demeanor all serious and focused.

"Yes Sir?"

"Can you run the agenda by me? The one for tomorrow. I need to check on my schedule-"

"I sent it to you an hour ago, Sir-"

"Well I want you to read it to me anyway! I didn't look at your email-"I said dryly.

Charles looked mildly reproachful since I should be responsible enough to check my emails constantly for all the updates coming in. It was important in our line of work to be up to date and informed of new developments. I already read it actually but I just said an outright lie as an excuse to get him alone. He left the room momentarily so he could get a copy of the agenda on a tablet PC. I asked him to close the door since I wanted to discuss some other aspect of the new reports with him and he complied, eyeing me warily.

"At nine o' clock sharp, a meeting with the department officers and assistants for the new Merchant's portfolio-"Charles began.

"Good. I'll be available on that time. What's next?"

"A video conference call with the Sales Supervisors and Leads on the projected Sales analysis for the quarterly report at eleven am-"

"Ok, go on-"

"A run of the schematics for the new Merchant's portfolio in Meeting Room M at one pm-"

"Wait-"

"What is it, Sir?"

I pushed myself away from my table, while still remaining seated and I gestured for him to come closer.

"I can't have you reading the report just like that! You must be uncomfortable! Here, come on over-"I slapped my hands on my thighs, giving him a lewd smile and he actually frowned at me.

"Sir, we are all very busy here! I have no time for games-"

I rolled my eyes at him."Yes, yes! Just do as you're told, Xavier! Get over here or I'm going to go over there and I will do something that will make you scream out loud-"I said by way of a threat. Charles knew I meant it too. He sighed in resignation and finally sat on my lap as he held the tablet in his hands.

"Does this work for you, Sir?"Charles asked stiffly, a soft blush rising to his cheeks.

I nuzzled my face into his neck, breathing in his scent and I smiled up at him languidly."Continue. What's the content of the minutes of meeting for the Merchant's portfolio?"

Charles began reading off the highlights of the meeting while my hands started wandering up his thighs, close to his crotch. I kissed his throat hotly and I hoped he could feel me grinding up my hard-on against his bottom. Charles's body was actually getting hotter and his voice took on a trembling quality as he kept on reading. He let out a low moan as my hands started wandering into his pants and I was fondling him while I kissed his temple and his cheek.

"T-the issue being brought up with the analysts is the...ohhh God...is the lack of stability in our technology and the need for...for...Erik! Uhnnn!"Charles whimpered quietly, restless as my hands explored him. His head turned from side to side, his face reddening and burning with arousal. His hands shook as he struggled to read the minutes from the tablet. We could have gone even farther too if we weren't interrupted by someone clearing their throat with deliberate loudness.

"Ahem!"It was Emma. Charles suddenly jumped out of my lap as if he had sat on something that burned him and he hurriedly buttoned his pants, turning away from us and looking nervous and flustered. He nearly dropped the tablet PC as he zipped his fly up. Charles stood there awkwardly, his face so red with shame; his expression agonized. I thought he looked so cute when he was embarrassed like this. I languidly turned to Emma, unabashed to be caught out on my indecent actions. I lifted my eyebrow at her questioningly, albeit indignant with her for this interruption in my seduction of Charles.

"I did knock loudly, several times but you weren't responding. You both looked very, uh, engrossed-"Emma said by way of apology and then she turned to smile brightly at Charles.

"Glad to have you back, Mr Xavier! I see you are getting settled into your role with Mr Lehnsherr again. I do hope he's not working you to death. He can be quite the slave driver because he's so insatiably...driven-"Emma said silkily, seeming to enjoy Charles's state too.

"Um...I...um thank you!"Charles said in a nervous voice, his head bowed low. Emma stepped forward and surprised him when she smoothed the hair away from his face and helped him straighten up his tie.

"Oh look at you, you poor dear! You've been so thoroughly harassed! Now if you had been working for me, things would have been different-"Emma purred. Charles did not know what to say so he remained quiet, suffering his humiliation quietly. I sighed and put my hands behind my head, unruffled by her presence.

"So to what do I owe this interruption, Emma?"I drawled out.

"There's a new development with the Merchant's group. It seems they are pulling out of two projects due to the failing service levels-"

My face darkened at that."What?"

Emma nodded gravely."The sales reports did look stable and our percentages are high but there is something that we may have missed-"

I turned to face Charles, All brisk and business-like again so that he could get himself together."Charles, move the meeting to eight AM for tomorrow and I want you to send an email to all concerned parties about the change. Pull me up the files of the last four reports that came out of our department. I also need you to coordinate with Bobby on the current Sales analysis-"

Charles immediately collected himself and headed out the door."Yes, sir!"

'Surely, the fault wasn't from our group-"Emma said as I pulled up my own applications on my laptop that help me monitor the state of our projects and the general information about each of them. I looked up at her and shook my head.

"Something was missed. It wasn't from our end-"

Emma nodded at that and I advised her to check the reports she received on her end as well. She left the room promptly. We all ended up getting so busy that day, that all thought of kinky games was struck from my mind. We had to salvage this and find out what could have caused the Merchants to pull out if one data was missing. I remembered Charles reading off to me that there was a lack of stability in technology that we were supposed to look into. I called Charles over again and I had him bring me the report about IT.

"There! I got it!"I said under my breath when I found what had caused the problem. It was because of the poor website service that had been ongoing and IT had done nothing to fix the problem, causing prospective customers to lose interest and disregard the site offerings. I contacted a lot of groups involved, gathering data via phone and email, while I had Charles running all over the place sending reports to everyone concerned in our department using hard copies and printouts. He had been at the photocopy machine all day long working on this and at the same time, I had him comb through some previous data. By the time he sat back in his desk, he was exhausted. I had him stay anyway because I needed his help in organizing my findings. It was another long day at work for us both. I looked over at Charles and I could see him leaning back on his chair with his eyes closed. I could see his profile again, the shape of his neck and I realized that I'm still feeling so horny for him. I smiled faintly to myself and I spoke into the intercom, which I didn't even use before since I liked having people hear me shout for his name when I was the homophobic ass.

"Charles, come in here please-"

Charles regarded me from the glass, his brow furrowed and I tried to put on my best 'this is serious shit' face. He got up and went towards my table, cautious and skeptical."Sir?"

I gestured for him to sit in a chair before my desk and then I placed a copy of my own reports before him."Help me look these through. I had Emma set up an emergency meeting with the Merchants to explain what caused the problem and how we have worked to fix it. We'll advise them that we will re-establish a new portfolio on why they need this ongoing service-"

Charles visibly relaxed when he realized I meant to focus on work and that I was not planning anything raunchy. We both looked over the data and when Charles found an item that was missed I was the one that sent the emails to the groups that should be providing the information we needed. I let this go on for about an hour then I told Charles I will need to pick up a report that was sent to one of our fax machines outside and that he should continue poring over the reports. Charles murmured his assent but was too focused on the data to look up. I smiled to myself and then I looked about outside the office. Everyone had already gone and the cleaners were already at work. They didn't have much to clean really and would be gone soon. I told them not to clean the office at the end of the department and that they should leave immediately. I whistled to myself as I briskly went back to my office. I locked the main door to our room and then I entered my own office. Charles was still there studiously bent over the papers. I furtively walked over to my glass wall and drew down the blinds and then I sat back in my chair, just staring at Charles.

"Are you tired, Charles? You want to rest for a moment?"I asked him gently.

Charles wore his glasses today and he took them off to pinch at the bridge of his nose."I am a bit tired but we have to get this done. I know this is pretty serious-"

"I'm glad you stayed to help me-"

Charles gave me a soft smile, his eyes downcast."I'm only here to help you in any way I can-"He put his glasses on and avoided meeting my eyes.

Damn. Why does he keep making that adorable face? I want to wipe it off of him and reduce him to moans and make his expression grow sexually dark with lust. I tried to calmly tell him to come around to my side of the table because I wanted to show him something. I hoped he did not notice the slight trembling in my voice. Charles stood up and went close to me, unwittingly drawing close to my indecent fingers. He bent over the paper I wanted to show him and then I pounced and grabbed his waist, forcing him to sit on my lap. I smiled at him lewdly as he looked over to me in alarm.

"E-Erik?"

I started kissing his back and his neck as he squirmed and struggled weakly in my lap."Erik please! If...if we do that here, I won't be able to stop my moaning-"

I started to unbuckle his belt, kissing his shoulders as I did so."Exactly what I want-"

"But...but I'll be heard by other people!"Charles said in a low, petulant voice.

"I don't care if they hear us-"And that was the truth. I simply didn't care anymore. I don't care if people find out about us or if I am so aroused by him that I would recklessly take him in the office. I just want to drown myself in this lust and love I feel for him. From behind, I was already unbuttoning his suit coat and unbuttoning his shirt, my arms around him so that he would not be able to flee. My fingers sought for his nipples and I gently rub them and pinched at them, causing Charles to start up in shock at the sensations. I put an arm about his waist and using one hand, I started to remove his shoes from him, along with his socks. I then wrestled with him to remove his pants and his underwear over his protestations. I pushed his suit coat aside and it fell to the floor. I began to undo his tie and as I undid the knot, I held both ends; I used it as some form of restraint to draw him close and kiss him hungrily. He moaned into the kiss, trying to pull back but slowly, his struggles had stopped and he was reduced to a languorous puddle upon my lap, his eyes growing heavy and dreamy with arousal. He was blushing furiously again and that was one of the things I loved about his pale skin. When he feels any strong emotions, he cannot hide it from me. Down below, his stirring cock tells me that he's already aroused; his body was always so honest when it comes to his lust. I keep coming back to that, don't I? His honesty and openness; the things that drove me crazy insane with love for him in the first place.

He was so aroused that he was gasping and moaning at the same time, his trembling fingers holding on to my shoulders. He shifted on my lap to get into a proper position and I bet he could feel the rock-hard press of my erection in my pants. I was in pain, just trying to stop myself from coming. He now only wore his button-down shirt and his glasses, his back towards my table while I kissed him all over, sucking hard on his skin so that I would leave my kiss marks on him. His head lolled about in his arousal and I stopped kissing him a moment to stare at his face. When I had stopped, he was actually reaching for my collar and he was kissing me back, licking at my lips and biting my lower lip hard. His skin was so feverish and flushed as he nuzzled up against me. His moans quickened as he undulated his behind upon my cock. When he couldn't stand it anymore, he was the one reaching for my zipper to undo my pants, desperate to fuck. I let him continue as I wrap my arms around his shoulders and kissed his hair and his neck. He was able to free my cock and I grunted at the jolt of electric sensations. His palm was wrapped around my cock and he licked his lips as he positioned himself so I would enter him but I stopped him.

"Wait. I don't want to hurt you. Let's put something on first-"I rasped out. My hands were shaking as I rummaged in my cabinets for some KY I had handy while Charles clung onto me and kissed my neck and shoulders. When I had slathered some lubrication on, I slowly guided Charles onto my aching cock and I was subjected to a different kind of pain this time. Ah fuck! Still so tight and when I went in deep into him it felt like he was burning hot down there. I couldn't stop these loud moans coming from my throat and Charles tried to shush me and cover my mouth with his palm. I licked his palm in response instead and I chuckled, wincing as I bucked up into him slow. A trembling cry of pleasure escaped him and his eyes shut tight for a moment, feeling every inch of me as I stabbed into that pleasure gland in him. He braced himself against my chest as I undulated my hips upward, the strokes slow at first. Then I quickened, bucking up wildly into him that the chair made creaking noises, regardless if it was an expensive, ergonomic brand. He started making those cries again. The cries of someone steeped in so much pleasure that it hurts because it felt so good.

"Ahhh! Ahhh! Ahhh!" Charles howled out, eyes squeezing shut; face contorted as he endured my frantic thrusting.

His head was thrown back and his lower back arched and trembled as he got into it. I guided his back to lean on the table while I pummeled him so that it wouldn't be uncomfortable for him. His shoulders relaxed back onto the table, his ass still seated on my lap while my rigid cock slid in and out of him. He was getting so lost in the act that he didn't care if he pushed portfolios and folders away, sending papers flying elsewhere. His head rolled from side to side, sweat misting his furrowed brow. He savored every thrusting I gave him and he responded with more cries of lust. His glasses were actually steamed over that the surface had gone misty with his rising body heat. I wanted to see him go wild on top of me. I reached for his cock and gave him a hand job while I kept up with my bucking. That did it. He started to wail louder, his cries sounding anguished and crazed with lust.

"Yeah! Oh fuck me! Yeah!"He cried out, not caring if he was heard moaning in a pornographic way. His hips were frantically undulating; tightening the muscles in his backside so we can both really feel all these agonizingly pleasurable sensations. Oh God! I was losing it! I quickened my fisted hand on his slick and erect cock. He sobbed for more, his face growing blank in his lust as the need to release peaked and peaked in us both. My heart ached as it did its own ramming inside of my chest, protesting against the building pressure. I could hear his own heart clipping madly in his chest. He was biting down on his lips, licking his tongue over them and when we both couldn't endure it any longer, the dam broke and we both orgasmed. He came in my hand, my other hand still clutching at his hip as his body stuttered, his spasms overtaking him. His come dribbled down from my fingers and onto his belly. I came inside of him and I felt some of it trickling from his backside back onto my lap, my balls seizing up as I kept spending into him. We were gasping and breathless after. We both sagged back in place as the blood rush coursed through us and then our quickening hearts and racing pulses calmed down. I absently wiped at the sweat from my brow and stared down at him. He looked like he had fallen from some great height and he could not move, his chest still heaving; his face looked dreamy with his sexual satisfaction. His head was to the side and his glasses are now askew on his face, still misted over by the steam from his body. He still had on that black shirt, parted open so I can see his sweaty chest and his pert pink nipples. His shirt was probably soaked through with sweat at the back. His arms were still thrown back above him onto the table, bent at the elbows and his fists close to his ears. His cock was pressed up to his belly when I released it so that it glistened wetly under the lighting, still pink and throbbing from all the squeezing I had done upon it. He looked so enticing again, my lusty, winsome nerd.

He opened his blue eyes and his red face seemed to redden even more when he realized I had been staring down at him while he was like this. On top of that, he screamed out in his lust and he feared that someone may have heard us. He licked his lips quickly and he bit his lower lip. He had no idea that that act alone could spur me on for more. My cock stirred in him and he felt it.

"Oh God, Erik-"Charles said in a small, breathless voice.

I circled my hips seductively at his backside, jabbing into his still sensitive gland and he trembled. He looked like he was close to tears again, unsure of how to feel. A gasping sob escaped his sensuous lips.

"Erik...don't. You're driving me so crazy-"He shivered as he lay there, his shoulders hitching up along with his cock, which started to spasm and come alive again. He was probably still so sensitive but so aroused that he wanted it as badly as I did. I just wanted him so bad that I didn't care if I lost my mind and take him here until morning comes. I fucked him again, harder and more violent than the first time and he was wailing, his face going blank with lust again as he lost himself to the things I did to him in my office.

Not sure how we ended up on the floor but I lost consciousness at some point and I woke up to find him lying next to me, kissing my face and my lips; his gentle fingers smoothing over my brow. I reached for him rashly, kissed him hard and I clutched possessively at the back of his neck.

"I could eat you up all day long-"I told him huskily when I pulled back. He giggled at my words, his blue eyes rolling at how silly I was and he smiled that sweet endearing smile once more.

"You're insane, you know that?"Charles chided me softly.

I sighed contentedly and sat back up, my grin probably still lewd and looking ready for some more fun.

"We have to go, Erik. It's getting so late-"

I finally relented and we fixed the place up as best as we could, righted the portfolios and organized the reports again and then we both prepared to go back home. He was staying at my house temporarily so I took him back there. We had a very nice warm 'shower' together and then I lay contentedly next to him in bed, running my hand softly over his skin. That 'I love you' hovered inside of my throat once more. I was almost close to uttering it but I stopped myself again. I felt so stupid. Why can't I just say it out loud? I'm so in love with him but that was the one thing that was so hard for me to do. Charles had been nothing but understanding and thoughtful and so damned sexy that it should have been easy. I reached for his hand instead and we quietly regarded each other. He never asked for me to say it to him, perhaps because he understood it was hard for someone like me. We slept next to each other but that thought kept niggling at me. How could I begin to say to him that I love him and how to say it at the right time? I mean, it's like we are married already. It should have been easier-

"Both the Merchants will be here on the same schedule? What happened?"I asked Emma pointedly while we were all in the meeting room with the other Information Analysts. Emma ran a hand through her blond hair, unruffled.

"It seems the other Merchant decided to come in any way at the same time as the other. That was not my fault, Erik. You know I added your name to the email and I informed their offices of our schedule-"

"Christ! Nothing we can do about it now, is there? Yeah, I know it was not your fault and you did a great job in convincing them to come, Emma-"

"Noted-"Emma nodded back graciously and crossed her legs.

"I'll make the presentation for the first Merchant-"I told everyone and they heaved a sigh of relief at that.

"But what are we to do about the other problem? Who's going to make a presentation of the revised portfolio to the other Merchant?"Armando asked as he looked about at everyone at the table. All the heads of the department and the assistants are in there with me in the meeting room. I sat back in my chair, mulling over this and then my eyes fell on Charles, who was quietly looking through the reports again. I inclined my head towards Charles.

"My apprentice will do the other presentation-"I said steadily.

Everyone at that table was shocked, with Charles more so than the rest. His blue eyes were large enough but they grew even wider, trembling in their sockets.

"S-sir?"

"He knows the content of all of the reports. He has worked with me all night collating all the data. If the Merchants have any questions, he's sure to answer them-"

Emma frowned at me, shaking her head minutely."Erik, he's never done a presentation before! Are you sure? Forgive me but it's not a lack of confidence in Mr Xavier that prevents me from agreeing with your decision, but his inexperience might appear as a weakness to the Merchants and the executives who will attend the meeting-"

"I have faith in him. He's a smart young man and he can be outspoken when given the right...prodding-"I said smoothly as I smiled at everyone.

"Erik, this is a big deal! We are not playing around here. If we fuck this one over we are screwed!"Emma cried out in a rare show of emotion. She looked angry. She must've thought I was doing this to torture Charles when in fact, my intentions are deeper than that. I want Charles to have more confidence in himself and what better way to start than to throw him into what he knows best? He knows all of this by heart now and even when we are alone together, he had been the one that had presented all possible arguments over the problems in the reports. Charles suddenly stood up and he hesitated a moment, looking around at all of us.

"Excuse me!"Charles said in a trembling voice and hurried for the door awkwardly. I immediately stood up to bar his way.

"Where are you going?"I demanded, looking hard at him.

Charles looked down at his shoes and he would not look at me, trembling slightly as he stood there. It must have shocked everyone even more when I reached out and gently touched the nape of Charles's neck, caressing him.

"What are you afraid of? You know this like the back of your hand!"

Charles blushed furiously at my touch and looked up at me then. He was close to tears with his fear.

"I can't, Sir. I'm scared of speaking in front of other people-"Charles said in a small voice, bowing his head low again.

I reached for his shoulders and softly ran my hands over them."Look at me, Charles-"

I smiled at him affectionately and our colleagues are probably flipping over and wondering in awed silence why I am like this with Charles. I simply did not care.

"Charles, you're my apprentice. The business we work in is pretty cutthroat and requires assertion and confidence. If you are ever going to move ahead, the time is now. Stand up for yourself and face your fears. I believe in you, ok?"

Charles was shocked by the words coming from my mouth. Everyone was stunned silent and did not say anything for some time. I finally cleared my throat, turned Charles around to sit back in his seat and I returned to my chair, smiling at everyone confidently.

"So here's the plan. I will present the portfolio to our scheduled Client while Charles will present the other portfolio to our second Client. Emma, you'll serve as Charles's proxy and mediator in case he needs help-"

"Alright-"Emma said, her eyes narrowed down at me and probably thinking I had gone insane. An apprentice doing a portfolio presentation is unheard of! Everyone murmured their agreement, going along with my decisions since I'm the head of this project anyway. When we had all stood up to prepare for the presentation, Emma grasped my elbow and drew me to a corner.

"What the hell, Erik! How can you do this to him? Do you know what you're playing at? If he fails, it's going to be you that will be held accountable for this!"She hissed at me.

I just smiled at her and patted her shoulders while I pulled away."Trust me, I know what I'm doing-"

"And I thought you loved the guy-"

I just gave her a mysterious smile and let them continue with their preparation. Charles had to go over with Emma to discuss the schematics while I had Bobby at my side. We gathered all our data in our hard copies to be distributed later to the company executives and to the representatives of the Merchants group. We were all in the elevator, heading out to the floor where all the meeting rooms are and before we stepped out, I faced Charles. He was pale and he trembled slightly. His eyes are moist and full of fear. I thought at that point I should have said something to bolster his confidence, some words of encouragement that would make him brave enough to face this challenge I had given him. But I just gazed at his quiet apprehension. He could not back away from this one now.

When we were finally on the floor where the meeting rooms are, I suddenly reached for Charles's wrist and pulled him towards me. I gave him a brief hug and I whispered into his ear.

"I did this for your sake, Charles. When you're in there, just show them what you can do! I know you can do this-"

"Erik, I don't know-"Charles said in a choked voice. I pulled back and touched his cheek and Both Bobby and Emma exchanged looks. Bobby was immensely incredulous over the fact that I was audacious and reckless enough to touch Charles openly. I had been notorious as the Homophobic boss from hell and here I am, touching my own assistant with affection. He must have found it odd that we were also on first name terms in front of them too. But Emma was giving us both knowing looks, finally realizing why I was doing this to Charles. By the time we return to our floor, I'm sure the news about the things I had been doing to Charles would have spread all over. I don't really give a shit what they will think of me anymore. I'm the son of the owner of this company. I can do whatever the hell I want and bend the rules to suit me. And if I fell like letting everyone know who I really am, then they can shove it and choke on it if they don't like it!

Charles had noticed what I was doing too and tried to pull away but I reached for him again so our gazes would meet.

"I may not be in that room Charles but just remember what I told you before. Like the wind, ok?"I said softly.

Both Emma and Bobby did not get what I meant but Charles immediately understood. He tried not to cry and finally smiled up at me. He straightened up and took his portfolio and papers, giving me one last look of affection and he entered his own meeting room with Emma. Bobby was still looking mystified as he eyed me warily.

"Errr, you're not going to go and do that to me too, are you Sir?"

I suddenly laughed wryly at Bobby, shaking my head."Not on your life, Mr Drake! Let's hustle! I don't want to keep the Client waiting-"

"Sir, do you mind if I ask-"Bobby began but I pushed him on and grinned at him.

"Yes, he's my boyfriend Mr Drake-" I said dryly and Bobby looked like he got an electric shock, his mouth hanging open so far down it could have fallen down to the floor.

"Are we going to discuss more details about my love life, Mr Drake? I could give you a detailed play-by-play if you want but allow me the opportunity to get this meeting on before we do so!"I said sarcastically. Bobby shook himself and grinned at me good-naturedly, somewhat sheepish.

"No Sir-"

"Well let's get this done then! Time's already wasted with you jawing about!"I said crisply and Bobby just smiled and apologized. I'm surprised he wasn't even silently mocking me about it too, which was actually a good thing. We went into the meeting room and met up with the Merchant representatives. One of our executives was also there to oversee the presentation. We took about 30 minutes or so and when we were done, we were able to convince the Merchant to continue with the project presented in the portfolio after we informed them the percentage of sales will rise now that the site for the products and services being offered has improved. We had also informed them of the benefits covered by the project and why the product was relevant to their company. My father's executive congratulated us on salvaging the project and for a job well done. I looked over at Charles's meeting room door and it appears they were still not done so Bobby and I hung around the lobby to wait for them. When they came out, the Merchant representatives shook my hand and told me they will continue and it was an exceptional opportunity. By the looks of things, it seems Charles's presentation was a success. They kept praising the presenter and the detailed presentation and left. The second executive from my father's group came over and shook my hand as well.

"I was informed you made the decision to have your protégé make the presentation. Good call on that ballsy move! He's a very bright young man! He'll be going far in this business if you continue what you are doing! Congratulations!"

"Thank you, Sir!"

The man shook my hand paternally and patted my back at the same time."No, Thank you! I will inform your father of this! He'll be pleased to know your decision-making in this company reflects favorably of him-"

I thanked him again and the man finally left. I turned to face Emma, Bobby and Charles. Charles was flushed but otherwise, he looked pleased by all the praise he had received, obviously relieved that it was over. Emma put an arm around him.

"Lehnsherr, I can't believe you have this raw talent under your wing! He single-handedly pulled that presentation through-"

I smiled at Charles lovingly, our gazes locking."Never doubted him for a minute-"

We all headed back to our own floor and made our way into our offices. Bobby announced to everyone that the two projects were saved and everyone clapped and congratulated us. I pretended to be annoyed and told everyone to get back to work but the happy mood was not broken. Everyone was in high spirits because this was another win for our department. I headed into my own office and Charles followed, taking his place at his desk. He seemed to be in deep thought for a moment and then he stood up and knocked on my door.

"Mr Lehnsherr, Sir? May I speak with you?"

"Yes you may, Charles. Please sit down-"I gestured to the chair before my table and he sat down. He smiled at me hesitantly, those blue eyes so beguiling as they stared up at me affectionately.

"Sir, thank you...for what you did for me back there. I never knew I could do it but your encouragement really empowered me-"

"Just helping you along, Mr Xavier. You just needed the right push-"

"Well speaking of the right push, may I ask-"Charles peered at the door as if someone might suddenly enter and then he bent close to the table and spoke in a low voice.

"I know it's out of place for me to say this but is it that hard for you to tell me that you love me, Erik?"Charles said and arched one eyebrow at me, a faintly amused and hopeful smile on his face. I smiled at him complacently and leaned forwards, rolling my eyes as if what he said was trivial.

"Tsk, Charles! What does it matter if I say it or not if you know I feel it and that I've made it quite plain that you are the only one for me-"

Charles frowned at me."There you go again, Erik! Eating your own words! You made such a show of giving me that support and you forced me to face my own fears but you can't say these simple words to me!"

"Don't go comparing my situation with your own qualms! Just remember that I'm still your boss and you should still know your place in my office, Mr Xavier-"I said frostily but he did not notice the twinkle of amusement in my eye. Charles was taken aback by what I had said and narrowed his eyes at me. He did not say anything for a while.

"Fine! be that way!"Charles suddenly said haughtily and then he got up quickly from the chair. He looked mad enough to chew nails and I was practically enjoying the fact that he does value those words; he did want to hear me say them. He walked about around the front of his desk restlessly, wiping at his reddening face.

"Charles!"I called out dryly to him but he turned his blazing eyes at me from my view of him from the Plexiglas wall that divided our offices and he flung the main door to our office open. He stomped out angrily and I chuckled to myself. Oh you fool! You really do want me to give it to you, don't you?

I stood up and I watched him march off, as if he can't stand being near me at the moment and I called loudly for him at the doorway of our office.

"Mr Xavier! When I am speaking to you, you do not turn your back on me! Now stop right where you are!"

Everyone who was doing their work in front of their computers or talking on the phone suddenly stopped. Their eyes are on Charles, who had to stop in the middle of the department floor, fuming. His jaw was tightening and working angrily as he turned to face me. I sauntered over to him and gave him my most supercilious and haughty expression when I stopped before him. He met my eyes with a defiant and angry stare.

"What the hell, Xavier! How dare you walk out on me when I was about to tell you that I love you!"I said in that arrogant tone that I used on him before when I was the asshole Boss that made him suffer. Now the entire department grew stock still and icily silent at hearing me say the words. I could have heard a pin drop in that lengthy, shocked silence. These were the words that had meant so much to Charles and now...I've just announced to the entire department that I love him. Charles's face grew endearingly tender again, at first unsure of what he heard.

"S-sir? What did you just say?"Charles asked in a small voice, his blush rising instantly and his eyes growing round and moist, glimmering with his feelings.

"Are you deaf Xavier? I said I love you! Is it still not getting across to you? My God! You are still so slow!"I said gruffly but I was smiling at him lovingly now and I noticed that everyone else was starting to smile in understanding and approval. I grabbed him before he could say anything else and I kissed him passionately, right there on the floor in front of everyone else and they all broke out in hoots of encouragement and happy laughter. I finally pulled back so that Charles could catch his breath and he was smiling up at me tenderly, somehow embarrassed that we have made a scene in front of everyone and now they know about us. He pushed his glasses back, quietly flustered by the stares of his colleagues. I kept him in place as I embraced him, without shame or fear.

"I should have said that with more finesse, had you given me the chance. Let me start over. I love you, Charles. I love you so much I want the whole world to know it-" I whispered softly into his ear and Charles could not help it but he started to cry as I held him. He was left speechless and could only look up at me happily.

So there you have it, this was how Charles Xavier changed my life and made me more than I could ever be. I'm a changed man and if you ask me, I wouldn't want it any other way.

-THE END-