"Charles?" Moira knocked at the side of Charles's door as he sat in his office.

Charles looked up and turned his gaze to her. His eyes looked hazy; he was lost in thought again that he did not notice she was standing there for some time looking in at him. Moira rolled her eyes at him affectionately and gestured with her head towards his desk.

"Line one for you. We were wondering why you didn't answer. You've been daydreaming again-" Moira said with a testy smile on her lips, an auburn eyebrow arched up. Moira Mactaggert was one of his colleagues that teach Advanced Physics at school. She was a lissome yet stern woman with small features, large expressive brown eyes and red hair that always seemed in place, wearing severe formal wear most of the time whenever Charles saw her. Most people said they are a perfect match but Charles always begged to differ.

Charles ran a hand through his hair and smiled at her diffidently. Moira had grown to have feelings for Charles but he was closed off for some reason, not returning any of the tender gestures she had tried to show him and then when she met his sister Raven and they talked, she found out why Charles was the way he is. His heart already belonged to someone else and this someone was actually making Charles wait. What was disheartening about it was that he was still waiting for that person, even though this promise had been made back when they were teenagers. It was sort of sad and sweet at the same time, but Moira had thought that at some point, Charles would grow tired of waiting and he would drop this romantic notion that his first love would come back to him.

"Thank you, Moira-" Charles said and nodded her way. He picked up the phone, giving her another soft smile and then she left. Of course he knew she had feelings for him but he did not know if he could ever return it. He could only see her as his close friend. After all these years, Erik still holds his heart. He sighed and pressed the call button to receive the call.

"Hello, Charles Xavier speaking-"

"Good day, Professor! My name is Azazel-" The man across the line said in a deep, somewhat throaty voice.

Charles chuckled but not unkindly."Would that be your first name or last name?"

"Both. I am simply called Azazel. I would like to extend my compliments to the current status of your school-"

Charles knew what he meant. Grimalkin University is the top school of the state and holds that title for almost five years now. He was proud of the accomplishment their school had obtained for this duration. Recently, their school had received top awards from the College Affiliates Association.

"I'm flattered on behalf of the university board then. But I believe you should be speaking to the head of the board of trustees, Mr Warren Worthington III or perhaps our principal, Scott Summers-"

"No, you are the man responsible for these radical changes that helped shaped your school. And please, do not deny this. I have knowledge of the fact that you have a direct influence in these improvements-"

Although the man could not see him, Charles frowned and lifted an eyebrow at what the man said. He did have some part in these 'improvements' but they would not have come to fruition if not for the willing participation of all the people concerned in the school's development.

"I assure you, whatever role I may have had, it was minimal compared to what our trustees have done to ensure the quality of education here at the university-"

"Ah, I was informed that you would be the type to shy away from the limelight-"

Charles smiled, his amusement carrying into his voice. "Who would have told you such a thing? Would that be someone I know?"

"I have my...sources. Professor, let me cut to the chase. I have a proposition for you. I would like to have you on board as a consultant for the school I am developing in a different state. It's a fairly large scale project and I need someone with your expertise to help in my own school's development. I understand it might be hard to part with Grimalkin; I am merely trying to achieve the same status as what your school has...if you are willing I would like to hire you for a brief period. But, if you would like to stay and be part of this new school I am building, you would be more than welcome to do so-"

"I'm not sure the board here at Grimalkin would agree to that-"

"I have already spoken with Mr Worthington and Mr Summers. They said I should ask you directly. If you want, you may consult with them on this first-"

That silenced Charles. So he had already spoken with them. But why did they say nothing to him about this matter? That was rather...odd. What was even odder is that the board seems to have given him the free will to decide whether he should go or not. It made him fascinated with the man and his school.

"So what is your answer?" Azazel asked.

"I really should say no, but I am curious about this school you are developing-" Charles said truthfully.

"Would it help you in making a decision if I give you a grand tour of the school first? I would very much like to show it to you. It's a private boarding school actually, but I believe it needs a more special touch before I open it out to the public-"

Charles thought about it, reaching out to touch a finger to his lips and smiling. Why not? He not only wanted to see the school, he wanted to meet Mr Azazel in person. His voice sort of reminded him of Erik for some reason.

"Alright, we can set up a meeting. But would it be alright if I bring some of my colleagues with me? I would prefer to have someone in my company from Grimalkin University, should I make any decision at all to join your school-"

"Who do you intend to bring?" Azazel queried.

"My close friends, Ms Moira Mactaggert and Mr Armando Munoz-"

There was a long silence on the other end of the phone, making Charles wonder if Azazel had ended the call but he heard a slight rustle over the other end and he heard that throaty voice across the line.

"Of course. If you need someone to consult with when you make a decision once you see my school, you may go ahead and do so-"

"Very good! We could set up a meeting during the weekends; I would have a lot of free time then-"

"May I ask something, Professor?"

"Yes?"

"I have heard that before Grimalkin became a university, it was a high school...and that you attended the very same school. Pardon me for bringing this up but I heard that you did not exactly have an ideal environment during that period. I heard you were bullied back then. Would that be the reason why you came back to Grimalkin to help change the system of your school?"

That stunned Charles, making his eyes go wide. This Azazel person did a lot of research on him. Now more than ever, he wanted to meet the man. He took the phone away from his ear and stared down at the handset, frowning. Then he brought the phone back to his ear.

"No," Charles said softly. "The reason I came back to Grimalkin...is that it holds a lot of memories for me, whether they were good or bad-"

The man's voice also grew soft on the other end. "I see-"

Both of them are suddenly silent for a moment, listening to each other, for the slightest sound...the soft breathing. Then Azazel spoke again.

"It has been a pleasure speaking with you, Professor. I will email you the rest of the details of our meeting. Do not worry about your transportation. I will send someone to pick you up-"

"Thank you! Until then...goodbye-" Charles said, his voice still soft. Then Azazel said his own soft goodbye and the line grew silent. His heart was suddenly beating a little faster than he wanted it to be. He had a strange feeling that the man he was speaking to on the other end...was Erik. Charles brought the phone back to its base and then he stared out of the window, reminiscing what brought him back to this place.

He attended college and he was one of the youngest to be accepted there but it seems in college, life was a little bit easier. The environment was completely different from what he thought it would be. He met new friends and he had his moments of ups and downs but he never stopped thinking of Erik, of that brief time they had together. He was still so in love with Erik back then. He held on to the things that reminded him of Erik; he held on to their memories together and those lusty moments they shared on his bed. He thought that, even though it was only fleeting, as fleeting as a shooting star that passes through the dark blue skies, it was brighter and hotter than anything he would ever encounter. So he immersed himself in his studies and he graduated ahead of his peers again, with honors and achievements above those of what his predecessors had done. He would have gone to the big city and would have gone to bigger and better things. But no. He decided to go back to his small town and he had taken up a teaching position in Grimalkin, joining the ranks of his previous teachers who were still teaching there. When he returned, some changes had taken place, some things stayed the same.

Principal Summers and Ms Jean Grey had married, in fact, Charles had returned briefly to attend their wedding. Mr Logan had purchased Erik's house and now resides there but he still attends Grimalkin as the Phys Ed teacher, even to this day. Ms Emma Frost, Ororo Munroe, Mr Kurt Wagner and Ms Anna Marie are still teaching in Grimalkin as well but Mr Warren Worthington III had taken up the position as the head of the board of Trustees of their school. It would be several years after but Sean Cassidy joined the staff at school and became the art teacher, replacing Mr Worthington who, even though he was a board member, continued teaching art and still holds his photography club meetings with students. Both Hank and Raven continued to date exclusively and then they became engaged, but Hank went off to study in medical school while Raven attended another university. They are still together and are intending to marry when Hank graduates. It seems Raven did end up with a nerd after all. Hank and Charles had a brief falling out before when he found out about Erik and Charles being together but he was quick to forgive since he was dating Raven back then. It would have been awkward if they continued with any enmity and Hank admitted he wasn't one to hold a grudge over something Charles had reason to keep a secret for. He understood Charles's situation and Hank told him he valued their friendship.

It made Charles ashamed he thought so little of Hank. He was more understanding than he had let on. As for their bullies, Shaw was sent off to the Brotherhood Reform school for a short period of time, but because his parents are rich and they could afford it, Shaw was moved to a more prestigious school in the city...he ended up becoming addicted to drugs and was sent off to rehab, that was the last they had heard of him. Victor Creed and Janos Quested were able to finish high school but they had entered into some shady business and were frequently in and out of jail. Both had moved off into the city. Alex Summers was also still residing in their town. He manages his own local car business. Angel Salvadore also runs her own clothing store while Cain Marko went off to become a professional baseball player. Bobby Drake and Kitty Pryde ended up marrying as well and both still reside in town, with Bobby Drake taking up the family business. Years were passing by and Charles waited for Erik...but he never came back.

It truly did feel as if a distance was being placed between them, as Charles struggled to find a way to be with Erik again. He was the one who sought out Erik. When he heard Erik was in Germany, he headed out there only to find out Erik had left and had returned to the U.S. but he did not know where. Charles had this horrible thought that Erik was actually avoiding him and all that he had been doing to get back with him was just in vain. Charles did his best to go through the motions but thoughts of Erik were never far from him. He waited for anything. A phone call, a letter...a sign. Charles sometimes felt like giving up, but he found himself still feeling this tiny tug of hope in his heart that he and Erik would one day meet. Yet, there were things that caused him to doubt. What if Erik found someone else? Maybe that would be the reason why Erik did not come back to him. Or Erik might have been too caught up in his own life he forgot about Charles. Or maybe Erik had ended up failing in his dreams that he could not face him. It would have been so sad if all those memories he cherished between the both of them would have been all for nothing. It hurt to feel and think this way but he would be a fool if he kept on waiting like this. So he decided to finally move on but he could not find another man like Erik. He was too afraid to fall for anyone again so he just went on with his life, enjoying the company of his beloved students and friends, not caring if life passed him by, that there was no one to share any affection with.

He did date other people for a short time. Surprisingly, he dated women but he did not feel that same thing he felt when it was him and Erik. There was just something missing. So he began to date men, but there was still that same feeling that something was lacking. He stopped afterwards and Raven was teasing him that he must be trying to be celibate or something. He did not know how to explain to her that it was hard to move on because of what he and Erik had. It had taken his entire being deeply that he could not move on just like that. And now this phone call came. This phone call that seemed to shake something deep inside of him...this was the very same feeling he had between him and Erik; this nervous, fluttery excitement that only the other could make him feel. The day found him venturing back to the old teacher's lounge. His underwater painting with fishes and dolphins was still there. It was slightly fading so experts were brought in to seal it with some sort of material to help preserve it. He stared at that painting for a long time until night time found him still there, sitting on one of the chairs before that painting, his eyes glazed over with memories of him and Erik. It all started here, when he was painting this mural. He felt a tear slowly trace its way down his cheek and he was startled that he was crying. He had not cried in the longest time.

"What are you doing here, Charles?" It was Mr Rasputin. He was still head of the maintenance but his position was much higher than it used to be, he was now relegated to the maintenance paper work. His work was more on inventory, billing and house holding. He was wearing a suit and he looked much older but he was still bigger than Charles. Charles felt like he was that young man back in high school again, self-absorbed and naive. Charles quickly wiped at his eyes, sniffing quietly and smiled at Mr Rasputin.

"Oh Mr Rasputin, I did not notice you there-"

He stood up and Mr Rasputin came closer to him and they are both looking up at his mural painting. "I see you've been walking down memory lane-"

Mr Rasputin smiled at him gently. "It's good to look back into the past sometimes. It's there for us to learn from, to remember the things we have done, be they good or bad; to learn from our mistakes that it makes us look forward to the future to do better-"

Charles nodded in agreement, not hiding the fact that he was wiping his eyes again.

"Something about the past haunts you, Charles?"

"Yes, Mr Rasputin-"

Of course, everyone in school and all the people back then knew about him and Erik, but he was off to college before the gossip could touch base and grow worse and spread out to their community. Erik had also left the night of the prom so there was nothing to stoke the fire. It died before it could burn up anything. The years had gone by and the ways people think about such type of relationships have changed. It was sad that it took years before people learned to be more accepting and open-minded.

"Well if it's come out to haunt you...I suppose you have to face it and prepare for what it has brought with it-" Mr Rasputin said as he stared at Charles's face kindly.

"Yes, I know, Mr Rasputin. It's just that...it scares the hell out of me-"

Mr Rasputin reached out and placed an arm around him in a fatherly way. Charles seemed to return to being the boy back then that he had to protect from the bullies.

"You'll know what to do when the time comes-"

Charles nodded quietly. He was glad that he had Mr Rasputin's support, even though Mr Rasputin did not know what he and Erik had between them.

Later in the night, Charles was back in his own house. He lived separately from his parents, even though they begged him to go back now that Raven was away finishing a double major in college. Charles had declined because he wanted to have his privacy and he felt that the past might make them act awkwardly with each other again. He had told his parents that he and Erik were together before and although they did not react with anger, he was saddened by the disappointment in their eyes.

He admitted this to them back when he was in college and he visited during a holiday. That had been a terrible Christmas day. The only reason he brought it up then was because his mother discovered Erik's belongings still in his bedroom, along with his 'secret' album and that she put it all in a box and her curiosity brought up the question as to why they would be there. So he told them the truth. Charles took Erik's belongings with him when he left the Xavier residence for good and he was looking at them now when he drew the box out of its hiding place.

It was Erik's leather jacket, the black one with the red piping in the collar. Although it was worn down by age and disuse, causing the leather to stiffen, it was still wearable. This jacket had a tear on its arm, that Erik had to buy another leather jacket and Charles kept the old one. Charles sometimes put the jacket on or hugged it to himself, remembering Erik as he shut his eyes tight. He rummaged through the box, finding Erik's old shirts and pants, the books he left with his name written on them, his notebooks, the notes they passed on to each other in class.

The most important thing in that box was the album he had put away that has only two pictures on it. He opened the album to the first page and there was the artwork Erik had done for him, protected by a film sheet and next to that colored drawing of himself, was the sketch he made of Erik's face. He drew Erik's face from memory while he was in his first year of college and he had their pictures placed side by side in that album. His mother found it in Charles's room when he left it there for safe keeping. That was why she asked then why they would be there and the way her face looked back then when she said it made him tell her the truth.

"Is it you?" Charles asked softly as he stared at their pictures together. They had no photographs of them being together back when they were young. This was the only picture he had of them both. Charles closed the album and hugged it to himself and he was crying again. He felt confused and afraid of the feelings running through him. He was hoping it was Erik but at the same time...he was almost wishing it wasn't because he did not know what he would do when they met again.

Moira and Armando were both standing before Charles as they waited for the arrival of their transportation that will take them to the new school that Azazel had proposed for Charles to see. They were asked to bring their overnight baggage. They are before the gates of Grimalkin University on a Saturday morning and there are barely any people about, except for those students attending their weekend classes.

"It's rather exciting, isn't it? Mr Azazel had been rather secretive in his description of the school but it makes me want to see it even more-" Charles said as he slung his backpack to his shoulder and he grinned at both of his friends. Moira tipped her head to the side, smiling at him. Charles as usual looked gorgeous, wearing a pale blue button-down shirt and over this he wore a dark blue cardigan. He had on dark gray pants and a light tan, double buttoned jacket. His dark brown hair was cut neatly and parted to the side, blue eyes bright and shining. His excitement was infectious.

"And it was gracious of you to invite me and Moira, it almost feels like a holiday to me," Armando said in his accented, yet clear voice. He wore a contrasting printed, gray-green jacket over a warm orange vest; it complemented his dark skin well.

Moira shrugged and then she heard the arrival of a car and looked around. It was a black limousine. At first she did not think it was their transportation, that it just parked there by chance but the driver came out, wearing the standard driver's uniform and had asked for Professor Charles Xavier and company. Moira's eyes widened and she looked up at Charles.

"That is quite a vehicle! I haven't ridden in one of these before!" Armando said appreciatively as he looked at the car they will be using. Charles introduced himself and his group and the driver began to gather their belongings and opened the car door so that they might get in. The interior was dark and richly plush, smelling of a new car smell. The driver advised them to help themselves to the amenities at the back and to enjoy the ride. Moira immediately tinkered with the mini fridge and the drinks section and she took out a cherry cola, while Armando helped himself to the food section and heaped a small plate with the hors d'oeuvres and various finger foods prepared for them.

"Oh my goodness! This Azazel fellow must be loaded!" Moira exclaimed as she ate a French macaron and made a small squeal of delight at how delicious it was. She drank some of the cherry cola to wash it off. Charles did not partake of any of the food but he continued to smile at them. The drive was long but it was comfortable. The limousine had Wi-Fi and a large flat screen where they were able to watch movies as they ate and Charles began to use one of the Ipads that was left for their use if they wanted to go online. They had a conversation over who Azazel could be and they discussed of things about Grimalkin. The drive ended when the limousine went through a long, grassy driveway. They entered a wrought iron gate and when they got out, they stood before an amazingly large, sprawling estate.

"This is the school?" Moira asked out loud as she looked up at the place, admiring the old-fashioned setting. There was an attendant at the door waiting for them while other attendants were taking their belongings out of the car and into the estate. When they entered, it was even more luxuriant on the inside. The ceilings were high, the halls wide and the interior was colored in pale shades of brown and there was a lot of ornamental wood inlay. The furniture was of the antique kind. They were led up to the individual rooms they will be staying in at. Charles was led to his own room and he thanked the attendant who left his belongings close by the bed. This felt more like a luxurious trip than a short tour of a school. Moira knocked on his door and she entered his room, smiling at him.

"I am so glad you invited me here, Charles! This place is just wonderful! I hate to hear myself say this but you should definitely accept a position here. If you don't, I would love to offer my services if this Azazel fellow would be willing-" Moira said excitedly and then she sat on the edge of his bed. Charles did not need to do any unpacking since they will be just staying overnight but he sat back on the bed with her and put an arm around her.

"Well that would depend on how our meeting with Mr Azazel would go. I must admit, this place is rather enticing and he was right when he told me the planning to be done for this would be of a grand scale-"

"What do you think about it so far?"

"I see a lot of possibilities already. I actually find myself thinking of floor plans and what teaching system I could devise. Mr Azazel said he intended for this place to be a private boarding school-"

Moira sighed and placed her head on Charles's shoulders. There was a knock on the door and Armando came in.

"Charles, the attendant told me we are to meet Mr Azazel downstairs in the main room. He is waiting for us-"

Charles's shoulders stiffened suddenly. He was finally going to meet with Mr Azazel, finding out who he really is. His voice had touched a nerve in Charles. He wanted to confirm that the voice belonged to Erik and that Azazel really is Erik. They all began to go downstairs and they entered the main room. A man stood there with his back towards them. The man wore all black and his hair was longish and black. When he turned to look at them, Charles's shoulders slumped. It was not Erik. It was someone else.

"Professor! We finally meet-" Azazel began and he held his hand out to shake Charles's hand in a firm grip, then he shook Moira and Armando's hands as well. He gestured to the sofa.

"Please, let us all sit-"

Charles and his friends followed suit and Charles introduced Moira and Armando to Azazel.

"How do you find your stay here so far, Professor Xavier? I take it you found a lot of potential with this place-"

"Indeed, I did find it interesting. This estate is just captivating-"

"Isn't it? I should all give you that tour later. There are a lot of rooms here. One part of this place could be set up with a dormitory, the other half will be for the classrooms and I wanted this place to have all kinds of school amenities with a more relaxed setting-"

"Exactly what I was thinking-" Charles agreed and they continued to discuss the other plans that could be set up for the school. Mr Azazel then asked them to walk with him as they toured around some of the rooms. Charles hated to admit it but he was falling in love with the place as they continued. It aroused his interest in such a way that it made him want to be part of this school's development as well. They walked around the outer grounds and Azazel was saying he wanted a basketball and a baseball field set up in this part of the area when Charles suddenly thought of something. Mr Azazel's voice. He realized the man sounded different when he spoke on the phone. Charles found it odd but perhaps, he was one of those people whose speaking voice is different when on the phone than when in person. Mr Azazel then advised them that dinner will be served shortly and that they should get back to the estate.

The meal was sumptuous and it was quite a large course, enough to serve at a party of twelve than just four people. Charles was not able to eat much but Moira and Armando helped themselves to the fine meal served before them. Charles was sitting close to Azazel and he was staring at the man's face.

"May I say something, Mr Azazel?" Charles began as he leaned close on the table.

"Yes, what is it?"

"You sound so different over the phone when we spoke-" Charles said as he watched Azazel's face intently.

Azazel smiled and reached for his glass of wine."I always have that effect on people-"

"I see. May I ask again how you found out about my past?"

"I hired investigators, of course. And since your school has such prestige, I wanted to know all about the people involved and how to achieve that same status for my own school-"

"So you know I had a relationship with another student. And it was with a boy-"

Azazel suddenly stopped as he was bringing a forkful of meat to his lips. He put the fork down and his face was slightly creased with worry.

"Professor, I do know of that but that is a personal matter I hope will not cause any friction between us. I do not care for your sexual orientation. I only want to know that you have the expertise and the mindset to help build my school-"

Charles smiled at him kindly. "If you don't have a problem with it, then all is well between us-"

Azazel's smile returned. "Am I to take it that means you are up for the position I am offering you?"

Charles gave a low laugh at that and nodded. He reached for his glass of wine and held it out to Azazel. They toasted in their agreement.

"I would love to help in your school's development. A position as consultant is not at all too bad-"

"If you find it is to your liking, would I be able to entice you into a better position at my school? Say as a principal?"

"Oh, you are really tempting me to stay for good, Mr Azazel!" Charles chuckled.

"Yes, I do want you to stay-" Azazel said smiling back at him again.

"Give me time to think on that part then-"

"Alright, but I hope to get an answer from you soon-"

They all went out to the porch to enjoy the cool night air and they discuss various academic topics and the other top schools in and outside of the country, mainly the topic was of the different systems that worked for each school. After which, the group all went into their own bedrooms to retire for the night, Charles took a late night bath in the bathroom within his own room and then he wore a white shirt and a button down cardigan sweater. He recalled seeing a library downstairs but that the group had skipped going into it earlier, as Azazel lead them only to the rooms he had thought of note.

Charles had been itching to go to that library to see the books because he had always been drawn to read voraciously. He quietly closed his door, carrying his shoes in one hand and then he tiptoed down the stairs and sought out the library after he put on his shoes. He wanted to be able to read in private. The room was dark and slightly chilly. He turned on the light, his eyes brightening at the sight of all the numerous books on the shelves and he saw the fireplace. He went immediately to the fireplace to start up a fire. All the implements needed are there and there are fresh coals upon the hearth already.

Once he got the fire started, he wiped his hands with his handkerchief and stood up to go to the book shelves when he got the shock of his life, nearly collapsing to his knees at what he saw. There was a man sitting in one of the high-backed chairs. He found it disturbing that the man was sitting in the dark earlier, making no sound whatsoever that Charles was not able to see him when he had entered. But of course, he knew Charles would be coming here in the library so he waited for him in the dark. This man was wearing a black turtleneck, dark gray pants and leather shoes. He was also wearing a dark brown leather jacket and he was looking at Charles with wonder, his chin resting in one palm, while his other arm was placed on the arm rest of the chair. His face. There was no mistaking that face. Although the years have passed, he still looked handsome. His coppery light brown hair was neatly cut and parted to the side, his blue-green gaze still deep and penetrating. It was Erik Lehnsherr.

Charles brought up a trembling hand to run through his hair. He was still in shock. His throat felt dry but he was able to ask him a question.

"You were the one I spoke to on the phone. Am I right, Erik?"

"Yes," Erik said. His face was strangely devoid of expression except for the wonder that was still in his eyes, like he himself could not believe that Charles was here before him. Charles straightened up and even though the other did not ask him, he sat on the chair across from Erik still narrowing his eyes up at the other. He was in turmoil. He felt excitement, anger, fear and sorrow all at once inside of himself. He had no way to describe how he was feeling. The anger was the strongest feeling above all else and so he responded in this manner first.

"Fourteen fucking years, Erik. Can you explain why it took you this long before you cared to face me at all?" Charles said unsteadily, trying to control himself not to scream out loud in his vehemence.

Erik did not say anything for the longest time. He just kept on looking at Charles quietly. He let out a slow breath and when he spoke, his voice was a low murmur.

"There is no excuse for what I have done. I wanted to see you so that I may personally tell you, I'm sorry-"

Charles could not contain himself any longer. He got up from the chair and went over to Erik, who warily stood up and was waiting for Charles to cut the gap of distance between them. Charles lifted his fists up and began to hit Erik's chest repeatedly, his face twisted up in anger, tears flooding from his eyes as he cried. Erik did not stop him and let him continue. He also started to cry silently as he looked at Charles with regret, his face crumpled in pain, not because of what Charles was doing but because of the pain he saw on Charles's expression. It was unbearable to look at but he faced it and bore Charles's rage.

"You asshole! I waited for you! I waited and waited! I was losing hope that I would ever see you again! Do you know what you've done to me? Do you?" Charles shouted up at him. He felt like a teenager again, acting rashly in his anger and was screaming out immature words. He stopped hitting Erik and he lifted his hands up to cover his face. He sobbed uncontrollably. Erik gently reached out and put his arms around Charles but the other was too angry to care for Erik's tender approach. He pushed away Erik's arms from himself and he glared up at Erik through his tears.

"Don't touch me! Don't you dare fucking touch me!" Charles cried out and he nearly fell backwards when he pushed out against Erik again but Erik reached for him and drew him close, holding onto him. Charles struggled from his grip but the son of a bitch was strong. He held Charles in a tight embrace and tried to soothe him once more.

"Can I appeal to the professor in you to listen to me for a moment? Just give me some time to explain myself-"

"Let me go, please-" Charles said in a muffled voice against Erik's chest. Erik gently released him and Charles ran his hands through his hair again and calmed himself. He let out a breath and then he went to the chair from across Erik and sat back quietly.

"Well go on then. Tell me what happened to you-" Charles said derisively as he raised an angry eyebrow at Erik, crossing his arms in front of himself and crossing his legs as well.

"I'm sorry I hurt you, Charles. But I just want you to know...through all these years, I never stopped thinking about you and I don't think I will ever meet anyone like you-" Erik said quietly as he looked on at Charles. Charles could not believe that Erik felt the exact same sentiment he felt. Charles chose not to respond. He kept to his silence as he listened for Erik to explain himself.

"The last you know of my whereabouts, Mom and I moved to a different state. She got me into a good school and I studied hard, like you wanted me to. You know, every time I look at a book, or even when I am studying by myself, I think of no one else but you. You were my inspiration for everything I had ever done...up to this very moment. I got into a good college and I struggled to get a good job. I thought at first, I'd crawl bleeding on my knees begging for a job because no one would seem to want to hire me. I did get into menial jobs, then I saved up some money and I was able to go to Germany and I earned enough money there because I got a better offer-"

"I followed you there," Charles said softly as he kept his eyes down then he looked up and he saw the tears trembling in Erik's eyes, his face agonized.

"Y-You did?"

"Yes, but I was too late. You were already gone when I arrived-"

"How did you know I was there?"

"Let's just say I have my own sources-" Charles said with a mild contempt in his voice. Erik smiled ironically at that but he continued with what he was saying.

"I was able to start up a small capital as I worked here and everywhere, trying to learn the ropes of the business I was trying to venture into. You know about Magneto Communications, Charles?"

"Yes, I do-" It was one of the top companies known for satellite technology and mobile communications.

"I own that company-"

Charles's eyes grew wide at that. Magneto Communications was listed as number one in the Fortune 500. He did not know the specifics but he knew another name was listed as the owner of that company. Erik lifted a hand up, knowing exactly what he was thinking.

"Max Eisenhardt shadows for me. He is actually my CEO. I did that so no one would find out about me yet. I was trying to build myself, making it so I would be worthy of you-"

Worthy of me? Charles could not believe what he was hearing.

"Charles, at first I thought there was no chance of us getting back together after I had achieved my goal. I know it's been too long and I thought you must have moved on by then. I had an investigator track you and follow you around throughout these last few years. I knew you dated other people. I felt like I had lost hope then when the investigator told me. If you must know, I started to date other people myself but it was just not the same. Something was missing-"

Charles felt a tug inside of his heart because again, Erik was feeling the very same emotions he had encountered.

"When I found out that you stopped seeing other people, I felt hope rise inside of me again. I thought it must be impossible that you would still be waiting after all this time, but you've just confirmed it when you told me you waited. You waited for me-" The gravity of what Charles had done through the years came crashing through to him and he began to cry, putting a hand to his face and when he brought it down, he continued to wipe the tears in his eyes.

"I know I sound ridiculous and foolish for even wanting to get back with you, but I do. Like I told you before, whatever we had, it's deeper than any feeling I had ever felt...even if we knew each other for just a short time. I felt so empty all these years without you, Charles. I want you, I want you by my side-" Erik said in a throaty voice, shaking with emotion, his face looking up at Charles hopefully.

Charles looked away, his lashes downcast. He could not bear looking at Erik just yet. He felt like if he looked into Erik's eyes again, his own emotions would fly out all over the place.

"So this school was all a ruse to get me here-" Charles began.

Erik's eyes widened. "No, Charles! This school is my gift for you. This school belongs to you, to do as you want with it-"

Charles finally lifted his head up, looking at Erik indignantly. "Oh, so you think you can bribe me just like that!"

"This isn't a bribe. It's a gift. Listen; do you remember what you told me before, up at the hiking trail? That you believed in what I could do and that I will make it big someday and all this time... I believed in myself because of what you said to me back then...that you believed in me and that you will wait for me. And I did this, so you can be a part of what I have achieved-"

"You remembered that?"

"Of course I do! Jesus, we're not eight year old children back then, Charles! I wanted to keep that promise we made to each other no matter what because I love you. I still love you and I never stopped feeling this way for you even now-"

"Erik!" Charles said tightly. He felt like he was going to lose it, he was going to lose whatever self-control he still had. Tears were brimming in his eyes and he could not look at Erik anymore. When he spoke his own voice was shaking.

"Erik, I didn't need for you to make it big before you faced me again. All I ever wanted was to have you back with me. I don't care if you were working at some menial job as long as we were together-"

Erik went to Charles then, he himself was weeping at the words Charles had said and then he kneeled before Charles and pressed his face against Charles's knees. Charles gently reached out and held the back of his head. Erik was still crying and Charles just ran his hands through his hair, soothing him.

"Look at the both of us, crying like idiots!" Charles said as he wiped furiously at his own eyes. Erik finally lifted his head and gave him a weak smile.

"We had so much against us back then and now the thing that kept us apart was my own ambition to be better, to be the best there is that no one would ever put me down-"

Charles kept on holding the back of Erik's head, caressing it. "So what happens next, Erik?"

Erik kept on looking up at Charles; he was silent for a moment. "Well, it's all up to you, Charles. Do you still want to be with me? We don't have anything that could stop us now. There are no more people who will gossip and look down on our relationship; no other people who will get between us; no more pretending; no more ambition or aspirations to get in the way. There's just you and me now-"

Erik was slowly running his hand at the side of Charles's leg, making heat race up between his legs and goose bumps form on his skin. Charles shivered slightly at the touch, a blush playing about his cheeks.

"Erik, things are still...different. I'm not the young man you used to know-" Charles said quietly but he was getting turned on. Erik could still move him to arousal like this, only he could do that to him.

Erik was starting to kneel up straight, his face inches from Charles's own. He gently nuzzled his face to his hair as Charles bent his head down, trying to avoid being kissed by Erik.

"I could always relearn your body, Charles. We have all the time in the world to learn about each other again-" Erik whispered softly and then he was reaching out to touch Charles between the legs. He instantly felt Charles's hard on as the other gasped out at the sudden touch. Charles pushed his hand away with trembling fingers. He turned his body to the side, trying to avoid Erik's advances. He felt embarrassed that he did not look his best. He wasn't prepared for this moment. Erik was caressing his shoulders; kissing the side of his neck and making him start in his seat at the sudden burning touch of Erik's lips upon his skin.

"Erik, I can't-" Charles moaned softly as he turned his face away when Erik attempted to kiss his lips. Erik was nuzzling his face to Charles's skin, his breathing even and hot against Charles. Charles could feel his own body growing hotter, just with Erik's nearness. Erik was taking his leather jacket off and he let it fall to the carpeted floor. He was reaching for Charles, caressing him through his clothes.

"I missed you, Charles. I've been aching so badly for you-" Erik moaned next to Charles's cheek when he attempted to kiss him again. Charles was restlessly struggling against Erik but he was losing it. Erik was starting to drive him insane with this wretched wanting, this need to make love whenever it was just the two of them alone together. Charles hesitantly lifted his face, licking slowly at his red lips and biting down on it, his eyes heavy-lidded as he gazed at Erik's lips. Erik reached for his chin so he would not turn away and he placed a soft peck on those red lips that had always captivated him, then he was nibbling at Charles's lower lip, testing its fullness and making Charles moan and open his mouth wider, waiting for his tongue to slide in. Erik licked his lower lip first as if he was tasting Charles, then Erik finally kissed him, his tongue slid into Charles's hot mouth. Charles could not help himself as he pulled Erik closer; he embraced Erik and ran his hands through Erik's silky hair. He missed Erik so much; he had been hungering to touch him like this once more. Erik broke their kiss a moment to pull Charles's cardigan off and after he threw it away somewhere, Charles moaned, frantically reaching for him to kiss him with that same hungry passion that he used to have. Erik moaned into his mouth as well and pulled back suddenly, smiling at him.

"See? You remember how it feels like-" Erik rasped out.

Charles's eyes trembled as he held Erik's gaze, his face crimson. Erik slowly started to unbutton his shirt, letting it slide down to the back of the chair. He was blushing and feeling embarrassed but he desperately wanted to make love to Erik. He'd been denied for so long. He looked away again, biting his lower lip once more and lifting both arms up to cross them over his chest. Erik reached up to stop him.

"Don't feel ashamed, Charles. I want your body the way it is-"

The tears just kept on falling from Charles's eyes, like he had no control over them, lifting his gaze up to meet Erik's eyes that are full of longing. Erik kissed his cheeks, as if trying to kiss the tears away and then Erik was lifting Charles off of the chair, startling him but he allowed himself to be carried. Erik brought him over to the couch and then he took off his own turtleneck shirt, letting it fall to the floor. Erik was still undeniably so handsome. Charles could not stop himself from gaping up at Erik's face and his body. Erik gave him a huge grin.

"I think my other dream is about to come true-"

"What is it?" Charles asked smiling back up at him hesitantly.

"To have sex with you in a library-" Erik said seriously,then he started laughing that Charles could not help but laugh along with him. That broke the awkwardness he felt. He reached for Erik's shoulders, pulling him close.

"But Mr Lehnsherr, I'm a stiff old fellow now. I don't know if I can give you the same pleasure I gave you before-" Charles said with a naughty smile.

"Oh but I think you are still soft...beautiful...and I know one part of you that's stiff in the right way-" Erik said in a throaty voice and he was touching Charles's erection again, making Charles moan and shiver in his arousal. Charles drew Erik closer, blushing hotly and whispering in his ear.

"Do we have something to-"

Before he could finish, Erik was pulling a tube of lubricant from one of the tables, waving it in the air and smiling indecently. Charles could not help but giggle.

"So you planned ahead, eh? How could you be so sure the night was going to end with us doing this?" Charles joked.

Erik's smile faltered. "I didn't. If you had not forgiven me, I don't know how this night would have gone-"

Charles grew solemn at that. Erik looked away, his dark lashes brushing softly at his cheeks when he closed his eyes. Charles sighed and reached for Erik's face, telling him to open his eyes.

"Erik, I would not have been able to prevent myself from forgiving you, either way. I can't bear being parted from you again...now that I found you-"

Erik could no longer control what he felt at that moment. He reached for Charles's shoulders again and embraced him tightly and then he was kissing him, his eyes shutting tight and his expression growing intense with his feelings. Charles seemed to smile into the kiss as they continued. He reached for Erik's neck and he ran his hand right up to Erik's hair and his other arm was around Erik's shoulder. Erik broke off the kiss again and he was breathing raggedly as he hurried to take off Charles's pants. Charles helped him and then he lifted himself up so Erik could slide his pants off of him. Charles was also moaning as if he could not stand it anymore. He was also reaching for Erik's pants while Erik struggled to take his shoes off. He took off Charles's shoes for him and once they were both naked Erik was pushing him down into the couch, moving on top of him. Charles felt that same nervous, giddy excitement as he looked up at Erik. Nothing had felt more right than having Erik be the one to make love to him like this. Erik delved down and kissed him hungrily, like he was kissing him again for the first time, discovering his lips and finding what would drive him to arousal. Charles clung to him, feeling Erik's hot skin against his and making his own skin grow fevered, just with this. Charles was restless again as he pressed his body right up against Erik as they kept on kissing. Erik's hands were moving over his body, feeling for the skin between his chest, fingers brushing hotly over his nipples and making him moan and buck up into Erik, his legs tightening at the sides of Erik's thighs. Charles broke the kiss to let out a soft cry, turning his head to the side, eyes heavy with want. Erik started kissing his throat, his shoulders.

"Oh God!" Charles cried out with a trembling moan when Erik reached for his cock and started to run his palm over it. Charles sobbed out as Erik kept on touching him and kissing him. The hunger was running deep within him, drawing up something so intense, awakening his nerve endings and his senses. It was like he was coming alive again. How could one man move him in such a way? He could not stop weeping as Erik kept on doing these delicious things to him. Erik was pulling back and was bending down, kissing his belly, his inner thighs, his face coming close to Charles's throbbing sex. Erik stopped to look up at him, worried.

"What's wrong, Charles?"

Charles shook his head softly, trying to smile through his tears. "It just feels so good to have you touching me like this again-"

Erik looked at him gently, caressing his hip. "And I will keep making you feel good, every time you want me to from now on-" Erik then smiled up at him wickedly, licking his lips and then he bore down quickly and he started to suck Charles's cock, making Charles cry out in a delighted shock. He reached for Erik's head with one hand, restlessly running his hand through it, his other hand he had brought up to his face, pressing the back of his hand to his trembling lips. Erik still knew exactly how to please him. Erik's sucking grew faster and harder as Charles's moans grew frantic. Charles was quickening, his hips moving on their own and pushing up for more. He shuddered violently when he came, crying out loud and not caring if he was heard by anyone. He was still recovering from that pleasuring when Erik suddenly started to turn him on his side and then Erik was preparing to enter him, disregarding any preliminaries. He slathered the lubrication on himself and he slid slowly into Charles. Charles bit his lower lip and he was raggedly moaning, eyes shut tight as he let Erik in.

"Charles, I need you now-" Erik groaned as he thrusted all of himself into Charles's hole. Charles let out a surprised cry at the suddenness of it, feeling a searing heat rush beneath. Through his gritted teeth, he started to breathe out quickly, eyes squinting down and causing tears to flow from his eyes. The sweat stood out on his skin, making it gleam in the bare light that shone down on them. Erik was panting against his shoulder and then he bit down on it, hard. Charles grunted in shock but he let Erik continue. Erik was desperate to have him, almost driven insane with the need to take him. He was ramming up in such a mad, frenzied way up into Charles, it almost felt like a violation but it wasn't. Charles's own hunger for Erik made the act feel undeniably good, intensely arousing. Charles was moaning out wantonly as he undulated against Erik. He turn his face towards Erik and Erik bent down to kiss his lips fiercely. The couch was shaking crazily as they went on fucking. Charles orgasmed again, unable to hold himself back any longer. He already came but Erik kept on with his frantic pounding. Charles sobbed and felt like he was losing all control, lost in the intensity of Erik's lust. Erik was reaching for his cock again and was aggressively thrusting his fist up and down on it. Charles let out a stuttery moan, reaching down for Erik's hand and then pulling his hand back and placing it on Erik's hip,as if he did not know what to do anymore. All these maddening sensations was breaking away at his mind. It was too much but he just couldn't stop like Erik couldn't stop. His mouth opened slightly and he let out a sighing cry as he climaxed again. Erik roughly pulled away and pushed him down onto the couch. Charles kept on sobbing as Erik lifted both his legs, folding it against his chest and then he guided himself back into Charles, his eyes glazed over with his crazed lust and he slid right up into Charles's depth again.

"Charles!" Erik moaned out, his eyes looked agonized, as if he was the one hurting.

"Yes, go on!" Charles groaned and he threw his arms around Erik, drawing him close. Erik pressed his face up to Charles's own and he gave him a sloppy and frantic kiss. At the same time, Erik's hips continued to circle up against Charles's behind frenetically, furious in his need to release and nearly losing the rhythm. Erik's own nearing orgasm was building up, pushing him right up to the edge of an intense sensation he'd been desperate to feel once more. He let out a strangled cry when he did come; it gushed hotly into Charles and he felt his entire body quake as he poured it all into him and then he collapsed on top of Charles, releasing his legs and lying on top of the other, the heat and sweat between them mingling. Erik could feel Charles's heart pounding against his chest, meeting the wild beating of his own heart. Charles gently kept wrapping his arms around Erik, crying softly.

"I love you, I love you so much, Erik-" Charles said with feeling.

Erik felt his own tears sliding down his eyes. He propped himself up on top of Charles and their eyes met, gazing upon each other tenderly. He kissed Charles softly this time and then they sat back and held onto each other. They let the calm come over them as they gently touched and kissed.

"I think I would like to do this to you, all night long-" Erik said as he nuzzled his face to Charles's shoulder, making Charles giggle again. Erik gazed at Charles's face. He was still beautiful, as he would always remember him to be. His face seemed to have changed; his skin appeared to glow and light up with some inner light, making the blue of his eyes and the red of his lips stand out even more. Erik reached out and caressed his cheek.

"But I think it would be more proper if I take you on a bed. I had Azazel prepare a bedroom for us. Just in case-"

"Who is this Azazel?"

"Oh, he's my Personal assistant. He went along with my plans so that I could set up a meeting between you and me-"

"Why didn't you just come to me, Erik?" Charles asked curiously.

"Well, I wasn't sure of your state of mind. I wasn't sure if you would really even still want to meet me after all these years. I wanted to catch you unaware so that you won't be able to say no to me or avoid me-"

"I see-"

"Now come on, I want us to continue making love or my balls will be aching again-" Erik said solemnly, causing Charles to chuckle. Erik had put on his pants but Charles was still searching for his underwear when Erik suddenly wrapped him up in a comforter and carried him in his arms, making Charles giggle nervously and look up at Erik, startled.

"E-Erik! What are you doing?"

"I'm going to carry you over to the bedroom like a blushing bride. And no need for clothes, you won't be needing them anyway-"

Charles laughed delightedly at that. Erik carried him out of the room, wrapped up in that comforter and he climbed up the stairs, barefoot, all the while Charles was trying to giggle silently as he held on to Erik.

"Did you have Azazel sprinkle roses and light up candles for our first night together again?" Charles asked sweetly, teasing Erik.

Erik snorted at that. "I just told him to set up a bedroom for us. No need for that over-the-top stuff. I just want a moment between you and me-"

Charles sighed happily and rubbed his face against Erik's ear, breathing in his smell. When they got to the bedroom, it was surrounded by hundreds of vases filled with red roses and the bed was set up with silk and lace and some soft lighting was turned on to illuminate the room. Thankfully, there were no roses strewn over the bed. And no candles either. Charles rolled his eyes at Erik, making a face.

"You were saying?"

Erik put him down and ran a hand over his face. "Azazel!" He muttered in his annoyance. Charles just laughed and then, giving Erik a coy smile, he let the comforter fall off from his body and he began to climb up the bed. He lay there in a suggestive position and he turned to give Erik a sultry gaze.

"Well what are you waiting for? Come over here and take me! We've wasted too much time as it is-"

Erik grinned at him hugely and he was shoving his pants down and jumping on the bed hurriedly, making Charles whoop out with joy and giggle as Erik attacked him with kisses and they continued with their intense lovemaking.

Everyone could see how happy Charles was, now that he and Erik are back together. To celebrate their reunion, Erik and Charles invited all their family and friends back up to the hiking trail and a small party was set up. Charles looked around the long table contentedly as he watched Raven and Hank sitting close together, holding hands. Raven had been showing her engagement ring to her other friends when they met earlier. Next to Raven was Angel, who sat next to Kitty and Bobby, they were expecting their first child and Kitty had told Charles she wanted her child to attend Charles's new school when he or she grows up. Charles assured her a place would be reserved for them then. Sean was also there taking photos of everyone. On the other end of the table, Principal Summers and Jean were tending to their toddler, Rachel who was trying to run off down the hiking trail and Anna Marie was trying to help them. Mr Worthington sat next to Ms Frost, who seemed to be in deep discussion over something. Ms Ororo Monroe and Mr Kurt Wagner were already eating and laughing over a private joke they have between them. Mr Logan was also there, sitting next to Erik's Mother and they were recalling the time when Mr Logan was their tenant and remembering the trouble Erik had been up to. Mr Rasputin was sitting next to Alex Summers and they were talking with Armando and Moira. Azazel was also there, tending to the barbecue. Surprisingly, Charles's mother and his father also agreed to come, just when Charles thought they would probably decline. There was still some awkwardness between them but like Raven said, they are taking baby steps before completely accepting Charles's relationship with Erik.

"Hey, I'm going to take a picture of you two! Smile!" Sean cried out as he lifted a polaroid camera, preparing to take their picture.

Charles was starting to smile but Erik drew him closer first, startling him momentarily. He put his arms around Charles and then Sean took their picture. Charles gestured to Sean.

"Sean, may I have that photo please? I would like to keep it-" Charles said and Sean handed it over, smiling. Charles looked at their first photograph together, smiling down at it wistfully. He almost felt like crying. He looked up at Sean gratefully.

"Thank you! You can take another photograph of us if you like-"

Sean chuckled and he did take another photo of them. He was going to compile all the pictures into one of his collections. Charles and Erik had a chance to talk with everyone else, catching up on things and he was glad that everyone was accepting their relationship openly. Moira was smiling at Charles softly from a distance, knowing that it was good that he finally found the man he had been waiting for. She could only hope that she would find something as special as this. When the night drew on, Charles and Erik decided to leave the others to go back to their spot together where Erik showed Charles the sea of stars. They sat down for some time, not saying anything to each other. They just stared up at the starry skies looked over at Erik, giving him a sweet smile and then he took out something from the bag he was carrying. It was his secret album.

"Erik, I want to show you something-"

"Is it something indecent?" Erik asked hopefully and Charles elbowed him. Erik feigned getting hurt by it and began to laugh.

"No, you horny bastard! We have time for that later. I want you to look at this album-" Charles could not help but smile and roll his eyes at Erik's silly ways.

Erik took the album. It was of a dark blue leather and it looked slightly aged. He opened it to the first page and he saw their drawings together, where Charles had put it side by side. Erik stared at his own drawing in stunned silence. When he looked up at Charles, there were tears welling in his eyes.

"W-When did you make this?" He was pointing to the drawing of himself.

Charles looked down shyly, a soft blush playing about his cheeks. " I was in college and I was remembering how you looked like and I thought I would like to draw you, so I put our drawings together after-"

Erik drew in a shaky breath and tried to turn the other pages but he noticed they were empty.

"I was supposed to fill them with our memories together, back when I was in college. But I never got around to that because...because you had to go away-" Charles said softly as he gazed at Erik's face. Erik was crying now as he looked down at the near empty album, his tears fell on the leather wrapping. Charles gently took the album from Erik and then he brought out the new photograph that Sean had taken of him and Erik. He opened the album to the second page and he put their photograph on it, putting the protective plastic over it.

"You know...it's never too late to still fill it up with our memories together. Now that you and I are together...we can put as many photos as we can-" Charles could feel a tear sliding down his cheek and he wiped it away. Erik dabbed a handkerchief at his own eyes but then he saw that Charles was also crying so he used his own handkerchief on Charles's face. Charles smiled at Erik as he did this.

"I promise it will be happy memories then, Charles-" Erik said softly and then Charles reached out and held Erik's hand and they looked up at the star-strewn skies once more. Charles let out a breathy sigh.

"I thought at first, fate was against us ever getting back together but I guess...the stars are in our favor after all-" Charles murmured as he continued to stare up at the skies. Erik looked over at him, unable to control the feelings running through him. He felt his heart aching with so much emotion over what he and Charles had to endure to get to this moment that he reached out, brought Charles's chin slowly towards himself and kissed him.