A/N: So here goes my first multi-chaptered X-men fiction, this one starts off canon but will end up au. I just want to thank the fandom for all the positive reviews and favourites from my drabble Serenity in Rage (shameless self plug over now). It was thanks to that that I have the courage to put this up so soon.

Beta reader: Louise Hargadon – she is Awesome! please go check out her stuff.

Disclaimer: If your confusing me with Stan Lee then we have a problem. Two lines are from 30 Seconds to Mars's- Hurricane, if you can tell me which ones they are you get cookies XP.

Warnings: This will include SLASH in later chapters! don't like then don't read. Will also have dark!Charles so if that's not your thing click back, or if you don't, don't complain when he 'turns'. We all good now?

"thoughts"

Peace Was Never An Option

Chapter One:In the beginning there was light.

"Would you kill to save a life?"

Charles raises his head from the chess game that had been his point of focus, and now fixes his gaze upon his friend.

"I..." he pauses, searching for the right words. "Maybe. Depending on who's life it would be that I'm saving." He finds he has to make a concious effort to answer him as his equal, not simply with the placating words that he would have used with Raven, Moira or the children if they had asked the same question.

He studies Erik, who appears to be contemplating the game board.

"Would you kill to prove you're right?" Charles doesn't ask Erik the same question, because that answer is laughingly obvious. To his surprise, the taller man leans back from the board and seems to think through his answer before speaking.

"Depends on who I would be killing," he finally answers. Charles knows that it is the truth, without having to look into Erik's mind.

They are the different sides of the same coin. Charles knows this. Erik has seen the worst of the world, and he has seen some of the best. He walks in the light, while Erik embraces the darkness. Even with these vast differences between them, that they are more alike than the others know.

When he had been approached by Agent McTaggert, Charles had never expected to meet anyone like Erik. Finding other mutants was amazing enough - but finding an equal? That was something he had not expected in his entire lifetime.

"Charles?" Erik's voice startles Charles from his thoughts.

"My apologies, my mind wandered without my permission," Charles answers with a smile.

"They must have been very interesting thoughts then, to make your mind wonder so, Telepath," Erik tells him. There is an amused smirk on his face, and Charles knows that his words are not as harsh as they seem.

"I was thinking about you. Well, us, really," Charles explains. The only response that he gets is the lifting of one slender eyebrow. "I mean - when I started on this project, I never thought that I would meet someone like you." He curses himself internally for the stutter at the beginning of that sentence. Of course, Erik knows what he means - why does Charles feel the need to explain himself?

"Someone like me?" Erik repeats. The question has an edge to it that lets Charles know he's treading on very dangerous ground.

Charles is sure to hold his eyes on the others as he answers. "An equal in every way."

Only because he is watching so intently, he sees Erik relax ever so slightly. Charles has to hold a sigh back of relief. He has successfully manoeuvred around one of the many minefields that was just part and parcel of the maelstrom of his closest friend's mind. He may have known Raven longer, but Charles knows that there are things about him that she can never understand, but Erik can. Besides, Raven is more like his sister now, the relationships he has with the two of them can never be compared.

"May I ask you a question Erik?" Charles asks. He feels the exact same trepidation and nervousness as he would imagine one felt when they were about to jump from a third storey window.

"You just did, but you may ask another," Erik replies. There is true amusement in his voice now.

Charles takes a deep breath and asks, "Will you let me in your mind?" He stares at the floor now, and feels so, so stupid for asking. After all, Erik has already shown his dislike of Charles' abilities when used on him.

"Is there something specific that you're looking for, Charles?" Erik asks. While neither a 'yes' or a 'no', the reply gives Charles some hope.

"I want to try something, if I may. I believe that it could help you with your powers," Charles answers. He looks at the other mutant now. Erik's eyes catch his own, and suddenly they are locked as if looking away from each other is impossible. Granted, Charles' definition of that word is rapidly changing with the people that he shares his home.

"Very well."

The words are positive, but the tension is back in Erik's frame. Charles' hand lifts up but, instead of touching his own temple this time, his fingers come to rest on Erik's.

'Use your powers for me, I want to see something' Charles doesn't bother speaking aloud. Erik simply starts to manipulate the knife that he always carries on him, leaving it floating in the air. Charles' mind is overwhelmed by the memories that this simple act brings forth. There are memories of rage and pain - but further down, almost hidden, there are also feelings of joy and pride in his control and power. "Thank you, friend'.

With a sense of reluctance, Charles lowers his hand and breaks the link between them.

"Did you find what you were looking for Charles?" Erik's words are calm, but there is a hidden meaning there that Charles cannot, for the life of him, figure out.

"I did," Charles replies, deliberately not giving anything away. "May we try something different in the morning with your training?" He can't help the smile that is slowly creeping across his face.

"And this has to do with what you saw in my mind?" Erik asks, not bothering to hide the scepticism in his tone.

"It does," Charles answers. Why these verbal duels entertain Erik so much is beyond him.

"That's all I am going to get from you isn't it?" Erik asks, as he stands up and shakes his head with a wry smile. "I'll see you in the morning, my friend. I hope that it's worth it."

Erik leaves the room with the same feline grace as he had entered, as though he hadn't had as much, or more to drink as Charles has.

When Charles is absolutely sure that Erik's out of hearing range that he replies softly, "Oh it will be Erik."

A/N: Reviews please? The more reviews I get the quicker I update.