Very Groovy Mutations

Not Set In Stone (Challenge 37 - Future)

2012-08-30T17:18:16Z

Title: Not Set In Stone
Prompt: Challenge 37 - Future
Rated: PG
Word Count: 100
Characters: Erik, Irene (Destiny), implied Erik/Charles
Summary: With regards to the future there's one thing Erik wants to be absolutely sure about.
Warning: Nothing
A/N: And with this I am officially caught up with all the prompts. Whew! It's not only been fun but a much needed kick to my writer's block.

Thirty minutes into their conversation—delving into the precariousness of various futures—and there’s one question left that Erik’s been unsure about asking.

“Will Charles be there, with me?”

“Yes, but that may not mean what you think,” Irene clarifies. “Remember, there are many possibilities. I see him with you but cannot say if he’s by your side or working in opposition—that depends on what you do, what he does.”

“Free will and fate rolled into one,” Erik muses, thoughts drifting to the disturbing notion of Charles as his enemy. That won’t happen, not if he can help it.

An Abstraction (Challenge 36 - Hobbies)

2012-08-29T15:05:36Z

Title: An Abstraction
Prompt: Challenge 36 - Hobbies
Rated: PG
Word Count: 100
Characters: Charles/Erik
Summary: Charles stumbles upon something personal of Erik's
Warning: Nothing

Charles stumbles upon Erik’s portfolio.

Curiosity piqued—

Drawings—Shaw, nameless others—peer back. Charles shuffles the papers, surprised at seeing images of the kids, including a beautiful portrait of Raven in her natural form smiling bright.

There’s also one of him—contemplative with inviting eyes; a small, ghostly smile pressed beneath an inquisitive index finger. This drawing isn’t warm, it’s intimate.

With care he puts the portfolio back. He may not actively read Erik’s mind but this is like peering inside. It’s overwhelming and honest and meant to be private.

He’ll keep this secret until he or Erik breaks first.

Untangled (Challenge 35 - Teamwork)

2012-08-28T12:34:06Z

Title: Untangled
Prompt: Challenge 35 - Teamwork
Rated: PG
Word Count: 100
Characters: Erik/Charles, rest of team
Summary: A team building exercise starts off on the wrong foot but eventually takes a turn for the better -- aka the one where Charles tries for positive reinforcement and Erik learns to put another person's feelings first.
Warning: Nothing

There’s a lot of exasperated grumbling initially but Charles perseveres with encouragement, guiding the kids and Erik to untwist their tangled arms without letting go.

It’s a game he learned at camp and what begins as a mess of people awkwardly crawling around each other becomes clearer as they slowly (laughingly) uncurl into one large, solid circle.

“Fantastic,” Charles declares. “When we work together towards a common goal we can overcome many obstacles.”

“I’m sure Shaw will be shaking in his boots,” Erik deadpans.

Disappointment must show on Charles’ face because Erik suddenly looks apologetic, offering up, “It’s a start.”

Lost Cause (Challenge 34 - Denial)

2012-08-27T15:14:55Z

Title: Lost Cause
Prompt: Challenge 35 - Denial
Rated: PG
Word Count: 100
Characters: Erik/Charles
Summary: Sometimes the simplest things are the hardest to do.
Warning: Nothing
A/N: This is an AU (think Atonement-type verse).

Charles times his walk to breakfast to “accidentally” bump into Erik despite the awkwardness of the last year.

They’d been friends (surprisingly) since the Lehnsherrs started working at the Xavier estate but something’s changed recently.

Today he intends to pull Erik back into the close fold no one else ever breached.

All it would take is one word, one smile, but self doubt trips Charles’ tongue. Fearing rejection and being laughed at by the one person who has come to matter so much, he ends up brushing by Erik with barely a glance.

Some days Charles hates himself the most.

Something To Talk About (Challenge 33 - Ceremony)

2012-08-24T13:34:59Z

Title: Something To Talk About
Prompt: Challenge 33 - Ceremony
Rated: PG
Word Count: 100
Characters: Erik/Charles (as Magneto/Professor X), third party pov
Summary: A gossip columnist reports on one of the biggest events of the year and a potential hook-up that will have everyone talking.
Warning: Nothing

“…for those curious gawkers I can tell you that the world’s foremost leaders in mutant rights – Professor Charles Xavier and the mysterious Magneto – were amongst the invitees and had tongues wagging over a potential verbal throw down at some point.

Instead they worked opposite sides of the room but I heard that at some point they both disappeared. When they rejoined the party not only did Magneto stay close by Xavier’s side but the professor was flushed and smiling.

So the question everyone is asking is, ‘Are those old rumours actually true?’

All I can say is, where there’s smoke…”

Twice Removed (Challenge 32 - Power)

2012-08-23T17:39:08Z

Title: Twice Removed
Prompt: Challenge 32 - Power
Rated: PG
Word Count: 100
Characters: Moira, Charles, Erik
Summary: Moira is constantly fighting an uphill battle to prove herself. She hates it.
Warning: Nothing

Moira always seems to be on the outside.

The CIA boys club sees her as a nuisance with nice legs and she’s too human to truly grasp the growing mutant awakening Charles and Erik are leading.

Frustration comes in knowing she’s damn good at her job. She also knows she could contribute something good with the mutant team. Although Charles seems welcoming, Lehnsherr regards her as a threat to mutant safety (grudgingly putting up with her for Charles’ sake).

She’s capable of so much more than the box she’s been placed in—if only she can find the way out.

Half Empty, Half Full (Challenge 31 - Technology)

2012-08-22T16:43:26Z

Title: Half Empty, Half Full
Prompt: Challenge 31 - Technology
Rated: PG
Word Count: 100
Characters: Erik/Charles
Summary: Erik is not amused when their rental car breaks down again. Charles takes a different view.
Warning: Nothing
A/N: Bad German is the fault of me and me alone...and Google.

Their rental car breaks down again.

Charles’ irritation at their setback is tempered by how oddly endearing he finds Erik at his wits end, slamming the hood down angrily.

“Verdammt auto!”

Charles emits calm. “With practice I bet you would be able to float this sorry excuse for an automobile.”

Erik rolls his eyes. “What a wonderfully pedestrian use of my mutation.” Tapping fingers to his temple he continues, “You could help with a call for assistance.”

“Or we could take a walk.” Charles tugs Erik’s coat sleeve. “Fresh air, good company…”

He smiles when he hears Erik eventually follow.

Unrestrained (Challenge 30 - Levity)

2012-08-21T12:40:15Z

Title: Unrestrained
Prompt: Challenge 30 - Levity
Rated: PG
Word Count: 100
Characters: Charles/Erik, Moira, Raven, Sean (implied others)
Summary: In troubling times a bit of fun goes a long way.
Warning: Nothing

Music blaring; Charles laughs, spinning Moira around the makeshift dance floor, narrowly missing Sean doing a stationary shuffle.

The impromptu party was Raven’s idea after weeks of intense training and stress over the dark political situation. Initially Charles wasn’t sure (and Erik’s flat expression didn’t help) but the kids insistence set the wheels in motion.

Over Moira’s shoulder he catches Erik’s eye. Flushed and grinning, Charles calls out but Erik raises his drink as a polite brush off. Not one for rejection, Charles says, “You don’t know what you’re missing!”

Erik’s eyes sparkle as he replies, “I prefer the view.”

A History of the World (Challenge 29 - Post-Canon)

2012-08-20T12:43:49Z

Title: A History of the World
Prompt: Challenge 29 - Post-Canon
Rated: PG
Word Count: 100
Characters: Erik/Charles
Summary: Beginnings are arbitrary. In retrospect they can be attributed to any specific moment in time depending on context. Erik and Charles begin where others assume an ending: Post-Cuba.
Warning: Nothing

~Prologue~

The war came but not the one they were expecting.

Three years in and it was still mutant versus mutant. Humans remained a distant threat, a future hurdle or obstacle to eventually be broached.

Just not today.

Nothing like the first time after the beach when raw emotions ate at every hurt in every breath; better than the fifth time when bitter sarcasm was sorrowful, now there was playfulness in the banter, their eyes dancing to a familiar, welcoming tune.

The helmet gleamed and the wheelchair cut strong lines and they knew it had all been leading to now.

A Shot In The Dark (Challenge 28 - AU)

2012-08-17T14:30:28Z

Title: A Shot In The Dark
Prompt: Challenge 28 - AU
Rated: PG
Word Count: 100
Characters: Erik/Charles
Summary: Erik is a hitman hired to carry out a straightforward job. At least that's what he thinks.
Warning: Nothing

He’s memorized the file.

The pertinent information: Charles Francis Xavier, witness.

Simple job.

At the second floor landing he’s suddenly paralyzed as a gun muzzle is pressed to the back of his head. Xavier steps from behind and deftly confiscates Erik’s weapon.

“It’s lovely to finally meet you, Mr. Lehnsherr. Cat caught your tongue?” Xavier smirks at Erik’s silence.

Erik scowls, Xavier laughs.

“I’m going to release you. Please don’t try anything funny. My place is on the top floor.”

Able to move again Erik stands tall.

Xavier leans in. “You and I have so much to talk about. Tea?”

The Cost of It All (Challenge 27 - Love)

2012-08-16T14:21:41Z

Title: The Cost of It All
Prompt: Challenge 27 - Love
Rated: PG
Word Count: 100
Characters: Charles/Raven (non-romantic)
Summary: There was a time when they meant the world to each other, but even that's never a guarantee.
Warning: Nothing

There once was a boy who was smart, friendly and utterly alone.

He could hear everyone’s thoughts clear as his own; dangerous to admit, debilitating to ignore—so he lived in his imagination and traded on dreams.

One day a young girl appeared who was scared, lonely and as fantastically different as him—she could become anyone but had to hide to survive.

He vowed to protect her as best he could from the world.

And then they were no longer children but adults on opposite sides of a familiar line, learning the hardest lesson—that love meant letting go.

Looking For An Out (Challenge 26 - Missing Scene)

2012-08-15T14:01:11Z

Title: Looking For An Out
Prompt: Challenge 26 - Missing Scene
Rated: PG
Word Count: 100
Characters: Alex, Charles, Erik
Summary: Charles wants to help Alex deal with Darwin's death
Warning: Nothing

Following Shaw’s brutal CIA attack meetings, paperwork and the mansion move offered needed distraction. But Charles didn’t miss the increasingly lost look in Alex’s eyes and the frustrated anger that emanated forth. It was obvious he needed to grieve, somehow.

“Darwin’s death was not your fault—,” Charles wanted to convey but knew Alex would reject his words as empty.

“Maybe you should help him channel his feelings physically,” Erik suggested insightfully.

Worth considering—he remembered the unused bunker beneath the mansion. Never having much use for it before, now it might prove to be exactly what the doctor ordered.

A Pledge at the End of the World (Challenge 25 - Hurt/Comfort)

2012-08-14T15:44:36Z

Title: A Pledge at the End of the World
Prompt: Challenge 25 - Hurt/Comfort
Rated: PG
Word Count: 100
Characters: Erik/Charles
Summary: Charles tends to Erik's wounds
Warning: Nothing

Charles tsks disapprovingly while cataloguing the bruises and bloody scrapes that mar Erik’s face, upper torso and hands, his frustration balanced by the rush of gratitude that Erik is back safely in the mansion.

Erik swallows a hiss, watching Charles gently clean his hurt fingers (softly pushing the ache away), stilling for a moment when Erik grimaces before leaning forward and lightly kissing the wounded flesh.

Erik shifts forward and tiredly rests his forehead on Charles’ shoulder. Silently, Charles releases his hand and wraps Erik in a tight hug.

It’s everything Erik can’t ask for and Charles knows to give.

Mind To Heart (Challenge 24 - Amnesty Round 2, Challenge 22 - Beginnings)

2012-08-13T13:07:55Z

Title: Mind To Heart
Prompt: Challenge 24 - Amnesty Round 2, Challenge 22 - Beginnings
Rated: PG
Word Count: 100
Characters: Erik/Charles
Summary: It's in this moment that Erik's attraction to Charles, physically and intellectually, settles into something tangible, something that's actually possible.
Warning: Nothing
A/N: Inspired in part by the picture below.

Erik is listening to every word coming out of Charles’ mouth it’s just that Charles is proving to be incredibly distracting with his emphatic hand movements, mile-a-minute speech; bright blue eyes focused and dancing—

Charles pauses, a smile twitching subtly, then continues after Erik nods his head in understanding of...something.

Erik tries to concentrate, loving the lilt of Charles’ accent and peek of fingers in tip-less gloves, reveling in the way Charles has a million thoughts simultaneously and regards Erik as the equal mind with which to share them.

It’s overwhelming, perfect and frightening—and everything he could ever want.

This Matter of Crossing Lines (Challenge 23 - Elemental)

2012-08-10T13:35:03Z

Title: This Matter of Crossing Lines
Prompt: Challenge 23 - Elemental
Rated: PG
Word Count: 100
Characters: Magneto, Emma Frost, mentions of Mystique and Charles
Summary: Frost fiddles with Mystique's memories of Charles. Magneto is not happy.
Warning: Nothing
A/N: I speculated a way to link Raven/Mystique from XMFC to the first two X-Men films regarding her changing relationship with Charles. Along those lines I liked the idea of Erik/Magneto being caught between knowing what needs to be done and hating it all the same.

“What the hell have you done?”

Magneto is furious. Frost is unfazed.

“I’ve given you your perfect second-in-command.”

“By erasing all her memories of Charles? Warping the few that remain?”

“Wiping the slate clean.” Frost clarifies. “Now Mystique can carry out plans concerning our dear Professor without that pesky conscience getting in the way. Really, Magneto, a thank you would suffice.”

“You think so?”

Frost smirks. “There’s room for only one of you to be soft on the man. That fashion disaster on your head means the burden remains yours. I freed Mystique.”

He says nothing.

Frost grins. “You’re welcome.”

Tomorrow (Challenge 22 - Beginnings)

2012-08-09T12:43:08Z

Title: Tomorrow
Prompt: Challenge 22- Beginnings
Rated: PG
Word Count: 100
Characters: Erik (Magneto), implied Charles
Summary: He has to say goodbye to the past before he can embrace the future
Warning: Nothing

With his back to the room of waiting mutants he steals a moment for self reflection.

Now is when focus, determination, an unwavering drive of purpose, opens the page on a new chapter, one that will change the course of history and the evolution of species forever.

This is the precipice.

A moment first, however, to lament the void of the one who is not here, the one he holds above all others as his equal, his familiar, his touchstone.

Now bury it. Lock it away.

Turning, he takes in the waiting crowd and smiles.

“Comrades, welcome to the future.”

Semantics (Challenge 21 - Gift)

2012-08-08T13:19:35Z

Title: Semantics
Prompt: Challenge 21 - Gift
Rated: PG
Word Count: 100
Characters: Hank, Alex
Summary: A thoughtful act proves to be a turning point
Warning: Nothing

Hank clears his throat and tries for Layman’s terms. “Basically it’s a harness—,”

“Harness!” Alex snaps.

Hank raises his arms cautiously. “You’ll barely feel it and it will help you control your mutation.”

Alex glares curiously at the contraption.

“You’ll not only be able to dictate when you use your mutation but the intensity and destination as well.”

Alex’s eyes grow. “Really? You did this...for me?”

“Well scientifically speaking,” Hank begins but stops when Alex bristles. “Yes.”

Alex smiles almost shyly. “Thanks. It’s...didn’t know you had it in you, bozo.”

Hank rolls his eyes. “Yes, well, neither did I.”

Threads (Challenge 20 - Cold)

2012-08-07T13:13:57Z

Title: Threads
Prompt: Challenge 20 - Cold
Rated: PG
Word Count: 100
Characters: Erik/Charles
Summary: Erik loves the way Charles wears a cardigan
Warning: Nothing
A/N: There seems to be a default position that Charles looks like an old man when he wears a cardigan. I disagree. Cardigans can be awesome. James McAvoy in a cardigan is damn attractive and, by extension, so is Charles. I'd like to think Erik would appreciate him in such threads. Also this drabble kind of goes in the opposite direction of the prompt. Think of it as word association -- cold made me think of warmth.

Erik disagrees with Raven’s assessment Charles dresses like an old man.

The tailored suits are fine, but Charles in a cardigan (fitted enough to more than hint at his compact frame well maintained through years of running and swimming) is personified warmth.

Erik imagines running his hands across Charles’ shoulders, tracing the cotton or wool beneath ridged fingertips, caressing the lines of his torso, slowly undoing the buttons, all the while never breaking eye contact, loving the hitch in Charles’ breath, his flushed cheeks and the bottom lip temptingly bit in a smile.

Yes, Erik likes the cardigans just fine.

Synthesis (Challenge 19 - Duality)

2012-08-03T16:06:14Z

Title: Synthesis
Prompt: Challenge 19 - Duality
Rated: PG
Word Count: 100
Characters: Erik/Charles
Summary: It is their differences that bring forth change
Warning: Nothing

There are two sides to every story, they say.

Love and hate.

War and Peace.

Violence and passive resistance.

It’s all together too simple.

Life resides in the gray. Context and motivation changes and elicits within each person the possibility to go down many roads.

Charles teaches peace while knowing he could bring the world down with one well placed thought.

Erik carries the scars of alienation and torture yet believes true survival of the fittest dictates the necessary segregation of species.

Like everyone, they inhabit a series of contradictions and it’s on those differences that the future is built.

As Like Is To Like (Challenge 18 - Crossover)

2012-08-02T16:07:25Z

Title: As Like Is To Like
Prompt: Challenge 18 - Crossover (XMFC, Prometheus)
Rated: PG
Word Count: 100
Characters: Charles/David (implied Charles/Erik)
Summary: A simple interview turns out to be more personally revealing than expected
Warning: Nothing

“I look like him?”

Charles hesitates. “Yes.”

“But not exactly?” David’s head tilts inquisitively.

Charles eyes the blond hair. “No.”

“If I did, how would you feel? Anxious? Angry? Happy? Desirous? Sad?”

“Yes,” is the simple response.

David’s pen stutters to stop before he continues scribbling.

“This will be reported back to them?” Charles sighs.

“Yes.” David politely smiles.

Nodding resignedly, Charles picks up the book set aside earlier.

David, attention never faltering, heads to the door and pauses before ripping clear the notes and tucking them in his pocket.

“Thank you, David.” Charles turns a page.

“You’re welcome, Charles.”

Don't Say A Word (Challenge 17 - Secret)

2012-08-01T15:50:39Z

Title: Don't Say A Word
Prompt: Challenge 17 - Secret
Rated: PG
Word Count: 100
Characters: Erik/Charles, third party pov
Summary: Everyone can see the relationship between Erik and Charles changing...except the two of them.
Warning: Nothing

Look closely.

Erik’s gaze lingers longest on Charles in a way that goes from amusing to curious to uncomfortable to gossip worthy.

(until he glares at whomever happens to catch him doing it)

Charles constantly singles out Erik, fearlessly breaching his personal space.

(but he brushes it off with a pat to the back when someone raises an eyebrow at them)

Their debates are as passionate as their quiet confessions when they think themselves alone, ensconced in the library. It’s all very professional blahblahblah.

Everyone can see what’s happening—except the two of them. And no one’s going to tell.

In His Eyes (Challenge 15 - Peace)

2012-07-31T16:08:13Z

Title: In His Eyes
Prompt: Challenge 15 - Peace
Rated: PG
Word Count: 100
Characters: Erik/Charles
Summary: No one can truly understand how much Erik's life has changed since meeting Charles.
Warning: Nothing

What the children don’t understand (ah, the whining of untested youth) is that Erik enjoys training.

He finds catharsis in the focused actions, turning rage into tangible strikes; transforming and reforming metal, a metaphor for his own metamorphoses from Hell and back.

What the children don’t understand (ah, the blindness of self absorbed youth) is that absolute serenity is no longer a locked away childhood memory, not since Charles saved him from himself.

With Charles Erik has stumbled upon his other half, his life’s balance once elusive now coursing through his veins and lighting up his mind.

Alone no longer.

You Are What You Eat (Challenge 16 - Food)

2012-07-30T13:00:30Z

Title: You Are What You Eat
Prompt: Challenge 16 - Food
Rated: PG
Word Count: 100
Characters: Charles, Raven, Sean, Hank, Alex, Erik
Summary: The way people approach eating says a lot about them
Warning: Nothing

One rule: everyone eats together.

Charles and Raven tout quality over quantity and relish good sociable company.

While Sean, used to battling back siblings, prefers fitting as much as he can the first go around, Hank politely dishes seconds when he’s sure no one is watching and Alex doesn’t bother clearing his plate before he’s piling more on, yammering between bites.

Erik is precision, taking only what’s needed to maintain and sustain prime physical and mental fitness. Still, Charles sees him eyeing the others larger portions as if trying to reconcile practicality and envy.

Charles makes sure to save him the biggest piece of dessert.

Intentions (Challenge 14 - Romance)

2012-07-27T15:56:04Z

Title: Intentions
Prompt: Challenge 14 - Romance
Rated: PG
Word Count: 100
Characters: Erik/Charles
Summary: It's the thought that counts
Warning: Nothing

Charles was familiar with token gestures.

In university he’d done the bouquet of flowers and box of chocolates, been on the receiving end of breakfast in bed and more than a few “good morning” blowjobs.

It’s the blank postcard, however, that makes his breath catch.

The picture is inconsequential but the date of its arrival carries considerable weight.

This is about the day after—Erik sneaking out. Charles asking him to reconsider.

This is about when Erik surprised Charles by picking him and Charles chose Erik right back. This is about their beginning.

It’s this gesture that Charles holds dear.

Undeserving (Challenge 13 - Haunt)

2012-07-26T16:51:33Z

Title: Undeserving
Prompt: Challenge 13 - Haunt
Rated: PG
Word Count: 100
Characters: Erik/Charles
Summary: Erik laments parting ways with Charles
Warning: Nothing

Who are you to have staked a claim on my soul—ripped to shreds and haphazardly sutured back together…

Who are you to have breathed life into it—pulling me from the brink to show me the possibility within my grasp…

Who are you to appear behind closed eyelids, the hint of a welcoming smile, the warmth of your gaze pulling me ever closer…

Who are you to permanently bear the consequence of the sin I cannot escape, my anger never sated, my vengeance ever growing…

Who are you to love me, still?

I carry your heart as my penance.