AN: Thanks to everyone who has supported so far - just a couple more chapters to go...

PART 14 – DISTRACTIONS

Genosha.

She glistens like a siren calling out to be avenged.

An island fortress of jungle wasteland, buried mines, and barbed wires.

No welcome here.

In the heartland like a gaping maw is the entrance to the underground facility calling to Erik like a siren - the steel entrance crumples beneath his command as easy to shred as paper.

This is easy.

Too easy.

Beside him Charles exhales, tension filling his small frame.

Erik!

Not even the helmet can block their growing bond, but the telepath's warning comes a fraction too late. Erik turns towards him seeing panic flaring in the smaller man's brilliant blue eyes. The ground shifts with the force of an earthquake.

Blackness.

Erik comes sharply to, his cheek stinging from the harsh slap, blinking rapidly he glowers up at his captor - only to exhale in surprise. "Logan?" He questions sharply. The warrior growls softly, leaning back and gesturing around them. The metal manipulator is lying where he fell. The soft sounds of the wild jungle echo around them. Where is Charles? The rest of the team - Emma, and Azazel, are still unconscious. The helmet he was wearing is gone.

"Charles..." Erik exhales and reaches out through the bond but there is nothing only painful static. Charles. They have taken him.

Overhead there is a rush of sound, and Erik automatically reaches out steadying the jet. "Some people just don't know how to fly," Logan sighs watching as the Blackbird is brought to a juddering halt. Gambit is the first to leap out racing towards them, "Logan you idiot! Why did you do that? You could have broken your neck from the fall!" Logan huffs quietly to himself, "Been there, done that."

The others rush out of the jet. "Where is he?" Raven demands fiercely, "Where is my brother?" In the distance there's a distinct crumpling sound. "Erik get yourself under control," Logan snarls, "We need to move." There is a sharp groan from Emma as she sits up clutching her head, beside her the others are stirring. Erik doesn't understand what is going on. If the enemy already knows they are here why just leave them? Why not simply kill them...and why take Charles?

Charles…

Erik reels from the sharp stinging blow, and has Logan pinned up against a tree before he even realises what he is doing. "Magneto get a grip," the warrior snarls back at him, "This whole operation is a trap. Stryker's been after Charles from the beginning."

Fierce dread curls in Erik's gut. Charles. He needed to find him. Now.

Emma catches his shoulder, "Erik this is just what they want - you distracted enough to charge straight into the jaws of hell to find him. We need to proceed with the plan." He wants to snarl at her, and tell her to go away. Of course it is a trap. That does not mean he is going to leave Charles in their hands.

"Please Erik," Raven pleads. Raven, Charles's sister. Charles would be most unhappy if she were hurt because Erik acted recklessly. Exhaling the metal manipulator runs a hand over his face calling on some deep untapped reserve of calm. Patience. Whoever has Charles has taken him for some purpose. Given the amount of time that has passed they cannot have gone far. There are footsteps leading right back into the tunnel, and Erik has a strong feeling that Charles is in there. Somewhere.

He turns to his team, "Emma, Azazel, I want you to coordinate with Janos and the others. Check their status, and if able continue with the plan. I will continue with the original objective." There is a woosh of air and lingering sulphur as Azazel tilts his head, and then vanishes. Erik frowns at the diamond hand that locks around his wrist. Emma's mouth twists into a wry frown as she shakes her head, "It's likely they've tried to break his control. There is no telling what state he will be in."

...break his control...

Erik closes his eyes briefly feeling more than ever the stinging gaping loss in his heart, the absence of his other half. Charles. Erik could not bear thinking what they might be doing to him. Right now.

Enough.

They were going retrieve Charles, and then Erik was going to destroy those who had dared to tear the telepath from his side.

Logan leads the way into the tunnel complex with Remy, Alex, Sean, and Hank a couple of steps behind him.

Raven stays close to Erik and Emma explaining quietly that Logan had returned a few hours earlier to the mansion with his memories intact, and Remy (Gambit) with him. Remy it seems was a survivour of experiments conducted by another branch of the CIA headed up by Stryker a few years ago. This same group had caused Logan's infusion with adamantium. The metal was not a natural part of the warrior's mutation. The original test facility had been destroyed by Logan, but there were already rumours of a much larger one based on an island that was supposed to be impenetrable.

With Raven's knowledge it had not been hard to work out that this surviving facility was Genosha, hidden for so many long years - why would information suddenly come to light about it? Clearly the Brotherhood had been led there. It turned out however that Stryker was not after Erik, or any of the Brotherhood, but Charles. The General had changed his game - clearly giving up on creating a warrior like Logan. What did the General want with Charles? Why had he not also taken Emma if it was because of his telepathy? Charles was more powerful than her true...but just what game was Stryker playing?

Remy drops back a little, and regards Emma in a moment of quiet introspection. "I know you," he announces softly, "You were there weren't you?" Emma stiffens, "I don't know what you mean." Remy blinks quietly and then nods, "Ah of course, my mistake - I'm sorry."

It is five minutes later that Emma holds up her hand. "Left - we are here," she announces and Erik regards the thick doors, wrenching them sharply open by crushing his fist. In the deafening silence they can make out a massive glistening dome. This version of Cerebro is ten times larger, than Hank's prototype.

Charles. Erik stops in the doorway.

"Yes," Stryker announces smugly as he distracts them all with the vision of Charles, locked into the machine, "You see this has been planned for some time, though the schedule has been accelerated." Hank's mind processes this, "You've modified the design," he realises instantly. Stryker glances at him, "Dr McCoy, it's a shame you got infected your brilliance will be a sore loss."

...your brillliance will be a sore loss.

Stryker is speaking as though he has already won. "What have you done?" Emma asks in pale horror, and the General smiles. "Ah my dear, I was wondering if we would meet again and is that Le Beau I see? Yes and Logan my dear friend. This is turning into quite a reunion."

Logan snarls and runs forwards - slamming straight into a crackling field of energy. A barrier - stopping Erik reaching Charles. His eyes scan the room intently searching for any faults. He senses the energy field now - raising from floor to ceiling.

Erik - he is stalling, Emma projects needlessly.

Stryker chuckles, "You never did quite understand did you?" Erik looks around as the others begin to slide to their knees all but Emma who has shifted into her diamond form. "You have to stop him Erik," she gasps. In that instance it clicks in the metal manipulator's mind.

You've modified the design...

Cerebro.

Charles had been the final piece in Stryker's plan. He was using the telepath to kill them all. "You set your own people up to die?" Erik asks in angry horror of the trap he has fallen into. Stryker smiles wistfully, "Sacrifices have to be made for the greater good. The infection destroyed at source, and those of you remaining don't have long left." Power crackles around them as the monstrous machine begins to power up. It will start with them here and who knew how far - how many people - Charles would reach.

Charles - Stryker would turn him into a weapon.

No.

Charles was so much more than that. Anger blazes in the metal manipulator's heart. No. He reaches out to the bond once more, and once more finds himself repulsed by a barrier. Something is blocking him reaching the telepath. His Guide. Guide. Yes. What had Charles told him?

I believe true focus lies between rage and serenity.

Erik had the rage so much of it but serenity? He closes his eyes and opens them to focus on the pale figure strapped into the machine. Charles. Charles was his balance, his serenity.

Focus.

He feels an intense calm steady him as he keeps his gaze fixed on the smaller man. Charles.

Emma gasps feeling the static build in the air, and even Stryker begins to look concerned as metal panels strain in their holdings, the energy field crackling like an angry wasp - louder and louder - till it snaps. Power crackles in the air, and arcs in a dazzling display around the metal manipulator who appears the very visage of calm.

Stryker yelps and stumbles back moving to draw his gun.

He crumples to the floor.

Beside him a small child, previously unseen begins to laugh. Erik stares. "You're too late," the child grins, "far too late." Emma frowns at the child, and suddenly lashes out with her fist. There is a sharp pained cry, and Erik realises that the boy is sitting in a wheelchair and how did he not see that before?

Lights flicker, and Erik feels the build up growing into an undeniable overload. On the table is the helmet. He grabs it and pulls it over McCoy's head. The scientist groans, and sits up rubbing his face. Around them the others twitch struggling for consciousness. Blood trails from Raven's nose - and no - Erik won't let her be killed by her brother. He ignores the headache building in his skull, concentrating fiercely on the blue furred scientist in front of him. "Hank you've got to shut it down," he orders. Luckily McCoy seems to recover quickly enough and moves to stand over the dials.

Erik shudders struggling to stay on his feet but struggles forwards, he reaches and clasps Charles's hand in his own. The smaller man's eyes are closed. Charles's mouth opens in a silent scream and he jerks twisting wildly his back arching horribly. Erik tightens his grip in rising panic, "McCoy!"

The scientist stills and shakes his head, "Erik I'm sorry - its too late. I can't shut down the power, they've set up a feedback loop."

No...no...no...

Erik presses his forehead against the telepath's, No Charles - stop - come back to me!

He shrugs off the diamond hand that grips his shoulder, and clutches the smaller man's hand tighter. He can taste iron, and sense the blood dripping from his nose but he cannot kill Charles not even to stop this. No. Not after everything they have been through not after three blissful days of growing understanding. No. Erik refuses to give up. He will not let him go. A determined frown creases his brow as he wills himself to remain conscious defying the searing agony tearing through his skull.

CHARLES! LET THEM GO! COME BACK TO ME!

CHARLES!

He has to find them all, he has to find the brilliant sparks of light.

CHARLES!

He wakens in a daze crimson obscures his vision and he struggles to gather his balance as the world teeters, and his mind aches from the sudden confinement of his body. The silence is too sudden too loud - and just where is he? He stumbles looking down in confusion at the arms wrapped round him in support.

He knows this man - this face staring intently into his own. He knows those metallic green eyes, and dazedly reaches up to trace the outline of that smooth chiselled jawline. "Hello Liebling," the man smiles tightly and how could he ever forget that voice? Swallowing Charles closes his eyes at the sickening lurch and sense of sudden dislocation. The arms holding him tighten, "I've got you," Erik murmurs calmly. In sickening disorientation and a vague numb horror Charles throws up, emptying his stomach beyond what little it contains.

Strength fills him - a cooling shield of energy around his frayed mind. He has the distant recognition of metal and Erik...but everything else is a vague shadow on the peripheral edges of his vision. He hears distant murmurings, and latches onto that deep soothing voice as an anchor.

Raven groans opening her eyes, and wipes the blood from her nose in disgust. She blinks and slowly the image in front of her begins to clear. Her head throbs but she can stand. Erik is supporting her brother who is pale as a ghost. She swallows wiping away sudden tears of sharp relief. Around her the others scramble to their feet, and she helps Alex up and moves to check on Hank. The scientist is engrossed in the smoking consoles so she figures he is fine, and gives Alex a hand in lifting Sean up. The younger boy gives a low groan as his eyes open, "Whoa...I am never drinking again..." he vows.

Logan growls as his wrist is caught by a diamond hand just inches from smashing Stryker's face in. Emma shakes her head, "Let me reintroduce myself." Remy flinches as Stryker arches off the floor, the General's body contorting to some imagined agony. The scream comes from Charles - shocking in the silence. Emma stills, and then as Remy watches McCoy hands the helmet over to Magneto who sets it carefully over the smaller man's head. The younger telepath quietens, and Erik gives a sharp nod. The diamond telepath's expression hardens once more into a terrifying frown as she leans over Stryker's body.

The General's eyes flicker open and fix on Magneto holding Xavier tucked close in the shelter of his arms. The metal manipulator's gaze is openly tender as he murmurs gentle assurances, one hand firmly resting in the nape of the smaller man's neck. Lehnsherr was grounding him. Stryker realises in astonishment, like electricity being earthed the metal manipulator was just as clearly stabilising the telepath from the sudden shock of being severed from Cerebro and thousands upon thousands of minds. Stryker closes his eyes as he feels Emma's familiar icy touch in his mind, and tastes the burnt ashes of failure.

Yes, she grins viciously down at him, your plan failed to take out a single mutant. How proud do you feel in wasting all those resources all that effort hmm? I imagine your funders are not going to be too happy with you, but don't worry I have something in mind to keep you busy...

The rest of the plan goes like clockwork.

Their bretheren are freed relatively swiftly. The battles are short and swift. The people here are merely scientists - not soldiers, and it is clear that Stryker bet everything on capturing Charles. Rage thrums in Erik's veins, and the horror of it is all that is keeping Charles on his feet. One by one they set their people free - and then its over they've done as much as they can. Emma turns to Erik a sharp expression in her eyes, "Go – get him out of here," she orders softly.

Azazel deposits them outside the shielded room, giving Erik a devilish smirk before vanishing again.

Stryker had risked everything on drawing them to Genosha. The island had been the bait - the honeytrap - to entice Erik and the rest of the Brotherhood. The General had believed that such a powerful incentive would be enough to at least temporarily draw Charles to the metal manipulator's side. He had been the true target all along. With Charles locked into Cerebro and drugged Stryker had planned to use him to destroy all mutants starting first with those on the island. Stryker's serum to subdue Charles had been carefully formulated over several years from experiments on his son. Jason. The child in the wheelchair whose own anger and twisted hatred had been skillfully turned against his own kind.

Terrifyingly Stryker's plan had almost succeeded. The serum had knocked Charles out, combined with Jason's power which blocked the bond to Erik leaving the telepath frighteningly vulnerable to suggestion. It had almost succeeded because in spite of everything Charles had instinctively obeyed Erik's command to stop. A bond of trust that went far deeper than words that Erik was still coming to understand. Charles trusted him, and Erik in turn owed the younger man his Guide everything. Charles had more than saved his life, he had saved Erik's soul, and prevented him from becoming the monster that Schmidt would have made him.

Lights so many lights, Charles sends drowsily. Erik gently lifts him up into his arms and the thick reinforced metal doors open at his command. As he crosses the threshold the younger man starts as though punched. "Shh…its alright Charles," Erik soothes carefully easing him down onto his feet, supporting him as wide blue eyes open in sharp accusation. "What have you done?" The younger man demands as he reaches a hand to test the strange sensation against his skull - the helmet. "Necessary – you were losing your mind," Erik responds gently. "You've – I can't-" Charles draws back in panic.

Erik catches him herding him against the wall as Charles sways and carefully lifts the helmet. The younger man stills, and Erik takes sharp note of the bruises on his pale face, cataloguing each and every one. "Hush Liebling let me help you," he orders drawing open Charles's torn shirt running his fingers carefully over the younger man's bruised chest. "What are you doing?" Charles asks wearily but is too exhausted to stop him. "Shh," Erik commands tilting his head up carefully assessing the cuts on his jaw.

The younger man is hurting, weary, and can barely keep his eyes open, and Erik's Sentinel instincts are roaring. God - he had almost lost him today. Erik only hoped he was up to the task to the belief the younger man had in him. "Charles," he exhales softly enveloping the smaller man in his arms in a fierce surge of protection. Stryker had been after Charles all along, and Erik had fallen for it.

He opens his eyes at the gentle brush of lips against his own. "Charles-" He begins, breaking off into a sharp gasp, as the unexpected pain in his shoulder bursts through him - and is eased - by the tentative press of elegant fingers against the darkening bruise and Charles's hesitant caress in his mind. The smaller man slowly presses him back against the bed and a look of frantic worry creases the younger man's features, his hands exploring Erik's bare skin for any further signs of discomfort. There is a nasty gash against his thigh and truly he hadn't paid any attention to his own injuries before now. The pain and discomfort are eroded away leaving behind a tantalizing warmth. He swallows another moan, and catches the younger man's wrists in his own.

Charles blinks and regards him quietly.

It is so hard to not give in to the urgent need to just take him. He needs to tend his mate pressed so alluringly against him - but the telepath is not exactly in his right mind. Erik clamps down fiercely on his own urgent need to complete the bond. "Come here," he commands softly and draws the younger man into his arms pressing his fingers against the taut muscles in the telepath's shoulders, easing him down against the sheets. Charles's blue eyes open rebelliously fighting sleep.

Erik leans forwards and kisses him softly, "Shh, I'm here Charles - rest."

Charles wakens to a vague awareness of lazy warmth, of safe calmness being projected from close by. He runs a confused hand through his wavy hair. The white blankets slip down his shoulders as he cautiously sits up. The room is familiar but no longer as spartan as it was. It has been decorated with flowing metallic pieces, that seem to vibrate with a soothing steady pulse of calmness. The platform is now truly a bed - the metal still bears its structural strength, yet is soft to touch.

The scent of warm toast draws his attention to the curving metal shelf jutting out from the wall. On a silver plate lie four neat rounds of toast, lightly buttered, with honey…just as he likes it…and a large mug of tea still steaming though the metal handle is cool to touch.

He reaches up, and observes the paper weighed down beneath the cup.

An elegantly handwritten note.

Charles,

Enjoy the tea – it should be edible - I made it myself.

Erik

Charles swallows his heart racing as he reads the note a second and third time before clenching it in his fist. Erik's handwriting is beautiful sharp and crisp lines efficient and bold - strong just like the man himself. Feeling sharp trepidation, and a startling urgent ache in his chest for the metal kinetic's presence, Charles distracts himself by exploring the room further. There hadn't really been much opportunity to look around before Genosha. In the time they had had to themselves he had been too distracted by Erik's presence to really pay much attention to their surroundings.

The walk in wardrobe has familiar rows of long black turtle neck jumpers and sleek polished black shoes, all lined up perfectly one after another. Really, Erik could always make a second career as a secret agent. Charles grabs a large white shirt for modesty wincing as he slips it over his ribs, noting the darkening bruises selfconsciously. He was going to be a mottled colour of yellows, blues, and greens before long.

Looking up his gaze is caught by small elegant sculptures - metal of course. There is a beautiful forest of trees each piece unique and a veritable piece of art. In quiet wonder Charles picks up a likeness of a weeping willow marvelling at the tiny fragile details of the veins on the leaves so delicate he was almost afraid to break it, feeling it radiate with a distinctive signature.

Erik. He had created this. These...

A tear slips down his face and Charles brushes it away in mild surprise. This entire room was Erik's canvas and he had created a work of art. He starts as strong arms enfold him from behind. His wrists are caught, and the tree plucked gently from his startled grip. "Charles," Erik greets softly his voice a sensuous pulse against his throat, "I see you got my message."

With a flush of self -consciousness Charles realises it is still clutched tightly in his left hand. He releases his death like grip upon it, swallowing uncertainly as the metal kinetic stretches out hand. The cup of steaming tea is set in front of him. "Drink," Erik chides softly. The ordering tone is beset by the hand that cups the back of Charles's neck, warm fingers stroking calm circular motions against his skin, slipping deftly beneath his shirt collar.

Charles almost chokes on his mouthful of tea, "What are you doing?" He demands wearily, freezing when warm laughter brushes the nape of his neck. "Relax," Erik orders plucking the cup from his grasp, drawing him down to a soft cushioned divan. "I don't nee-" the younger man begins to protest only to groan when the press of fingers deftly unknots a particularly painful twist in his shoulder muscles. "Shh," Erik instructs softly guiding him to sit between his legs, "You'll trust me to know what you need."

The warmth left in the metal kinetic's touch draws a lazy blissfulness in the younger man. "It's alright mein Liebling, relax," Erik's compulsion runs through him, his voice a deep warmth that draws Charles into a hazy unfocused state. "Hmm?" He blinks. "Eat," Erik instructs humming in satisfaction when Charles tentatively attempts to do so. He cannot manage it all and feels strangely aggrieved, but Erik is pleased at what he has managed, "Hush, you know you'll only make yourself ill if you push yourself too hard."

For several peaceful minutes Charles is quiet, enjoying the possessive motions of Erik's fingers cording through his hair until there is a sharp nip of teeth against his throat. He jerks forwards scrambling to his feet. "Erik?" He demands warily taking sharp note of the metal manipulator's lidded gaze. The taller man rises with slow predatory certainty to loom over him, and slowly so slowly reach out to run his fingers along Charles's jawline and down beneath the shirt collar to where a new red mark lies upon his skin. "Erik...?" Charles asks again warily seeing the determined decision in the taller man's features.

"I won't let you be taken from me again Liebling. We've run out of time," Erik responds possessively.

We've run out of time.

The words ignite like sparking fires in the smaller man's mind - wakening his Sentinel nature. "Erik no we don't know what will happen," he protests shoving the taller man back, stepping away when the metal manipulator attempts to close the distance between them. "No?" Erik grins in response, his blood begining to ignite as he begins to circle the smaller man. Charles warily counters his motions.

Alpha's did not submit without a fight, and Erik would settle for nothing less.

He moves sharply forwards and Charles darts out of his reach but refuses to let himself be backed into a corner. "I know exactly what is going to happen Charles," Erik's grin deepens, "and just how this is going to end." The younger man swallows, "Erik wait-" Metal snakes behind Erik now like a group of hovering adders - glistening ropes awaiting the metal kinetic's bidding.

Charles's eyes widen. "I am done waiting Charles," Erik reveals, "I need you by my side. We want the same things." The younger man shakes his head, "I am sorry but we do not Erik-" he breaks off with a startled yelp as metal slides around his ankles - and up his legs - pinning him in place. "Oh but we do Charles," Erik presses stalking forwards, "I can feel just how much you want me to claim you." He cups the back of Charles's neck, pulling him into a searing tortuous kiss. For several moments he leans helplessly into Erik's touch, a delicious moan escaping his lips, shivering as nimble fingers work the white shirt down his shoulders tangling his arms in the sleeves, and Erik's lips move to caress that pale throat, working teasingly over his pulse point. The younger man groans.

I will bind you forever to my side.

"Ngh...Erik..." Charles struggles to get his arms free fighting the heat beginning to overwhelm his senses. "Let me help you," Erik teases reaching to tear the white shirt free - it falls in a discarded heap upon the floor. Charles plants his hands on the taller man's chest. "You've lost your mind," he gasps. "Hmm, you would know..." the taller man smirks and slowly sinks down to kneel before him. The younger man shivers held paralysed by that green eyed gaze. He starts as more metal slinks over his wrists binding them behind his back. He is bound - helpless - as Erik's fingers slide teasingly against the evidence of his clear lust forcing a ragged groan from his lips.

The metal manipulator's gaze flickers over the delicious sight of the smaller man so beautiful and malleable like metal - naked - before him, and Erik knows just how to tame his beautiful wild GuiSen.

Charles gasps, his resistance faltering as Erik's tongue works over his errection. "I can't - Erik," he shudders, and the taller man's lips form a wide smile before suddenly engulfing him. He tugs desperately on the metal binding his wrists and feels the taller man's sharp intake of breath. Ah yes...you can feel that, but it left the younger man with little advantage. The ropes curve further up his arms and he exhales sharply at the coolness gasping and shuddering as pleasure wracks his frame - he is left wrecked, close to collapse but for the restraints now supporting him.

With a savage smirk Erik rises to his feet, and pulls him into a fierce claiming kiss and Charles can taste himself on those smug lips. He groans, his mind stuttering to a halt, needing, wanting - he pulls frantically but his wrists remain ensnared. Erik's grin deepens and he steps back, just out of Charles's reach raising his arms above his head - the black poloneck he is wearing lands on the floor.

Those muscles...Charles feels suddenly lightheaded.

Erik's trousers swiftly follow the poloneck and then they are equally naked.

Erik leans forwards stroking the younger man's cheek, "Charles I won't let you become something you would despise." He murmurs softly, "We will face this together. You are so beautiful Liebling, let me make you mine." The younger man is held spellbound as the taller man walks backwards, sitting down on the edge of the bed. The bindings holding Charles retreat - and he is free.

Game set.

"It's your choice Charles," Erik grins and leans slowly back - displaying himself - and oh that is not fair.

Slowly - fighting himself trying to break the hypnosis Charles walks hesitantly forwards, his eyes flickering over Erik's glorious errection. Yes, Erik thrums encouragingly, and Charles gives in to the powerful urge to sink to his knees. Strong fingers curl gently in the crook of his neck guiding his head down. The shuddering groan that emerges from Erik's lips banishes all reason. His lips close around Erik's length, taking him fully into his mouth. This is familiar - he can give Erik pleasure in this. As he chokes slightly Erik tugs his head back easing the pressure, letting him become accustomed to the sensation. Waiting till he is close before tugging the smaller man's head up and delighting in the sight of his own pre-cum on those cherry lips.

He lifts Charles up into his lap running his hands over his shivering shoulders, and slowly begins to teases him open. A crazed moan escapes the telepath's lips as Erik sends a light jolt of electricity sparking over his skin, and swiftly presses Charles down onto his back - nipping and teasing his skin. The metal manipulator carefully leans forwards resting his weight over the younger man, and pins his wrists above his head - holding him still for several moments letting the situation sink in. It did not take Charles's Sentinel long to reawaken and then he was trying to break away - a wild desperate light blazing in his blue eyes, beautiful so beautiful as he struggles.

Then they are grappling rolling over onto the bed, as the younger man kicks out freeing his wrists, and his fist catches Erik on the jaw. A dazzling vision of a familiar scuffle ignites in Erik's mind - Cuba and Charles is as beautiful in his resistance as he was then. The younger man stills caught off guard as the memory hits him, along with it the familiar aching want - need - to be taken...to just -

No.

Charles attempts to twist away only Erik's teeth nip against his throat once more this time with sharper intent creating a mark. A claim. Charles moans blood pounding in his ears, and tries to tear free again but this time his wrists are pinned with unyielding strength.

Erik waits with predatory patience; he is the one in control; he is alpha.

Relax Charles, I will catch you. I won't let you fall.

Charles closes his eyes and Erik presses his lips down kissing him deeply in savage claim. Stealing his breath. Charles is just where Erik wants him and he carefully settles him, drawing his thighs further apart.

Look at me Liebling open your eyes, he commands softly waiting till those beautiful blue eyes open. He is taking rapier note of every twitch of emotion- everything - in the younger man's face as he carefully aligns himself. Pressing slowly against his entrance - noting Charles's sharp ragged breath. Entering him marking the sharp pained gasp as he slides slowly deeper and the startled hitch of breath as he rocks gently backwards - pushing forwards again to draw another ragged moan. Another moan of pain - rocking - guiding him beyond that. Erik presses harder then rocking faster burying himself to the hilt and Charles is shuddering beneath him, biting back joyous pained sobs.

Its all right Liebling, let go.

Tears slipping down his face as Erik holds him.

Close now so close.

Charles looks so much more perfect than Erik could ever have imagined in this moment as he sinks against him - pressing into him harder, and Charles arches against him, mentally singing his name.

…Erik…

Charles is gasping groaning moaning softly arching forwards, his fingers digging into the metal manipulator's back as a blaze of fierce energy builds between them.

Erik is gasping as he is hit by a powerful siren song of want - needs - desire - raging - need - pleasure - echoing and building in the back of his own mind. The mental link flares with the depths of passion igniting between them. Harder faster pinning Charles down and those finger nails digging into Erik's back - unexpected - infinitely distracting.

Knotting.

Charles stills feeling it - Erik expanding inside him and wild panic flares in his eyes. "No!" He gasps - but it is already too late. They are locked together, their bodies joined. He scrambles trying to shift their positions and this moment of final resistance drives Erik over the edge - he sinks his teeth sharply into the younger man's throat. Charles cries out, shuddering - arching and Erik presses into him hard trapping the smaller man beneath his body feeling sharp satisfaction as the knot expands further.

Close now.

There is no escape - for either of them.

Gasping for breath and for a moment seeing only infinite whiteness a blinding ecstatic light enveloping them both, and binding them soul deep together. Charles groans as it brightens into a permanently forged blazing purple-silver connection, as he is held by Erik pinned beneath him with nowhere to run or hide - captured and capturing.

Shared sensations of his seed spilling into and the warmth of the sticky liquid against his skin - again and again.

There is no Erik without Charles - no Charles without Erik. No turning back now, and Charles…Charles is his.

Yes, the younger mans drowsy agreement floors Erik. The first to open his eyes, he regards the devastation around them. Metal trappings are reduced to melted puddles on the floor, boxes and draw doors are ajar - and loose sheets of paper scatter the ground as though a mini tornado has been set loose.

Charles is lain beneath him a rare peaceful innocence in his relaxed features that stokes the warm possessive protectiveness in Erik. He can feel the hazy drift of the younger man's thoughts - could reach and focus on them, but he is exhausted, and Erik won't wake him. No. Let him rest for now. There was enough time for later.

Yes later - Erik was going to build a kingdom, and Charles was going to rule by his side. There would be no more Strykers, Erik would not suffer Charles to be taken from him. Anyone who tried to harm his Guide would pay the price. Genosha. A people and place to begin. A haven for mutants - a sanctuary where Charles could build his school, and shape the dreams of the young.

Erik would forge a nation, but Charles would be its soul.