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Charles was enjoying himself at fullest sitting by their table which was specifically intended for the nominee and their significant guests. A nice custom made Gucci suit with silver “X” initial on the breast pocket hugging snuggly his torso, a glass of champagne in his hand, bubbles sparkling brightly in dim lights. A radiant smile complementing his features, making him look incredibly attractive and boyish once again. His immense content was almost palpable awashing the vast space of the room.
The night was young and promised to be delightful. They've made it so far. And he was so proud of them. For the path each one of them has taken and come through separately and for their family as a unit. He couldn't help but dwell on that, while anticipating his answer to an interviewer on the red carpet several hours prior. He was asked about Lorna's childhood. And that to be fair was… a rather delicate topic.
***
~"Professor, if I may ask... Is it true that your partner hid from you the existence of your daughter until she was four?"~
Reminiscing, he smiled to himself, twirling the coolness of glass in his fingers, watching the golden liquid within erupt in more and more bubbles. Starting straight from first minute on the red carpet he was making himself a complete mess tonight, with all of these constricting emotions coming out of him and spreading around. On the verge of bursting from love, affection and gratitude.
~"If one could say so. But I’d say it was quite a ride for our family to finally settle down together. Though if you look at us now… It was all worth it. So I want to pass this message to everyone who would care to listen: please have faith, hold on for what is dear to you and I'm positive you're going to make it through."
"Sap," immediately snorted Erik in his mind.
His glorious mate was right behind him, looking all smooth and dandy in maroon turtleneck and slim-waisted black Chanel suit sitting obscenely tight on his trim figure (also remarkably sporting his own “X” initial on breast, though Erik’s own brand name hold no more of the shame or his past mistakes nowadays). So effortlessly handsome, on the face of it his husband appeared to be completely engrossed by his own interview, but... True to the lines of his wedding vow Erik was so attuned to Charles these days, so solely focused on him even amidst doing something, mind wide opened and welcoming, embracing every single aspect of Charles’ telepathy. There were almost in constant connection. Not leaving each other's minds by choice. It was such an upgrade, such a contrast from what it was like 20 years ago, when they first met.~
***
Erik.
Charles took a once over to where his husband was now slightly leaning backwards against his own chair, composure full of grace and confidence. At last omega was caring himself with ease nowadays. And Charles was so in awe, so in love and so esthetic to witness the fruits of a great path he's come through.
It was clear that Erik was having such a wonderful time tonight, fully consumed by his own version of what looked like some kind of a social-butterfly mode, standing in a circle with other guests most of whom were various popstars, producers, musicians and whoever else. What made it even more unusual is that he was actually participating in communication (not dodging it with his trademark snarky remarks) and smirking and even god damn laughing. Oh, dear God, that kind of his husky breathy laugh… One can even say that he looked in his element that very moment. And Charles would readily agree but also grin impishly at such notion. As he was actually the only person at present who was privy to the explanation behind such suspicious changes in Magneto's mannerisms. Though as far as he saw nobody cared about said changes, basking in Erik's a bit raw but uniquely enticing charisma. It's not like you get acquainted with one and only Magneto every day, yeah? And you would certainly tell your grandchildren how he laughed at your joke, scrunching his nose all delicate and cute, the great fearful master of magnetism.
Charles himself on the contrary felt like he should hold back and lay low this evening. It was really nice for once to be out of public’s focus, just an observer, a regular guest, go with the flow and relax. And it's either he was low-key projecting it or simply had that particular vibe around him. So he was hardly bothered by people like he normally would be at such events. Occasionally some of the guests would stop by, have a polite small talk (just fulfilling that particular "I've met Professor X" line on their social checklist really), take a photo and quickly proceed on.
It was getting to the main nominations' segment. Curious of Lorna's whereabouts he searched for his daughter with his mind and found her not so far away but where he surely couldn't see her with all people crowding on his level of sight. And well... he found her at the midst of a rather animated discussion with a man, who was looking a bit way too careless with his ripped blue jeans and printed T-shirt for event of such caliber in Charles' humble opinion. Interesting…
While he was not actively trying to listen in, the turn of the conversation immediately snapped him to attention.
"Have you ever happened to come across this Silverranger person? I've heard about them so much from the industry mates, they are all for the lack of the other word positively terrified of their shit. Like what a fucking legend. Such intense, fucking boldness delivered line by line in an endless strim. Insane... And not a soul really knows who's behind it... Not a soul, can you believe it?"
Lorna opened her mouth and closed it, eyes glimmering.
Charles felt excitement rapidly building inside her like a wild ocean wave. Oh dear Lord, she was ready to spill it all out to that stranger without as much as a second thought.
"Oh, well, I very much happen to..." began Lorna impatiently, skillfully building the suspense. Like the drama-queen she was.
"Easy now... Don't you dare uncover Papa, darling, don't you dare... You know better than that. He'll have your head and then he'll come for mine because he won't be ever satisfied with taking only one head to tame himself," he sent to her scoldingly, tone though laced with gentle amusement.
They loved to share such private jokes about Erik demeanor after all, sometimes even aloud and in omega's presence when feeling extra bold and cheeky.
She visibly startled at his interference, as he was seeing her now through the eyes of this man she was in the conversation with. His darling baby girl looked so stunning tonight. All rosy in face, sparkling like the most precious diamond in her fancy gown, mind glowing with bubbly happiness, perhaps too much hung up on this casual chat, definitely charmed by the stranger Charles couldn't recognize well due to the lack of his knowledge in entertainment industry.
"Umm" she added tightly to fill that sudden pause, "I've heard from a close friend slash songwriter that he is originally from Europe..."
"A "he"? That's something," pointed the man, his eyes narrowed, face turned calculating for a moment, but then he just shrugged abruptly, smiling as if saying "still can't figure it out".
"Lorna... " sighed Charles, "That was uncalled for".
"Quit fussing, Daddy," she projected at him at last in one of her cheeky mischievous tones, "Stop spying on me too. This is embarrassing. I'm trying to mingle here. Like Aunty Raven said you did that quite a lot before meeting Papa."
She put a large emphasis on "a lot" sounding all smug and… Raven. What the hell? Charles brow immediately drew up. Was his own precious baby just reproaching him now? He's oh so going to have some words with his sister.
And there was another issue that Lorna was stubbornly (and pointedly) ignoring.
He plucked it straight from her rather loud thoughts, that she was enjoying this new acquaintance way too much, already developing some kind of a crush. But unfortunately for her this man was completely out of her league and... very much taken. And it's better to address it sooner than later.
Rip the band-aid off.
"Darling, he's gay..."
"Bi... I can sense him genuinely liking me," she singsonged.
And yeah not so long ago Lorna has suddenly manifested. Finally and to a big surprise for everyone. After her teenage years passed they all couldn't help but grew cemented on the thought that she's a human and moved on. Apparently, she's not. Turned out she's some kind of emotional psychic, it was hard to establish it beyond the general idea yet since her powers were still very new and very hectic, but developing rather rapidly. It’s an understanding that she was still great deal raw and vulnerable about it too.
"Even if so, he's happily married and wondering where his husband is right this moment," Charles noted gently, but unmissable.
She visibly potted at that, rubbing the palms of her hands in defeating gesture. And that didn’t go unnoticed to her companion.
“What is it, love?” he required rather gallantly.
“It’s nothing,” she sighed heavily, but then added, “I’m just nervous about my nomination. I'm kinda not sure that I deserve to win that one, it's a big deal and I'm just a debut but on the other hand don’t want to disappoint my family, who’s so deeply and personally invested.”
He hummed in understanding and stepped a little close, spreading his hands: “It’s perfectly ok to be nervous about such things. Can I give you a hug? It looks like you need it.”
Lorna smirked at that inwardly, delivering her mental gloating straight to Charles in a "now look at that" manner.
"It'll be nice to have one," she said aloud coyly to her companion ducking her gaze down. The epitome of innocence herself.
Meanwhile her father just shook his head in mock disappointment. He knew that she meant no harm, but her little toying around reminded him so much of their early years with Erik. Charles suffered great deal from things of that kind bestowed upon him by his impossible omega of a mate. Like… how did he even survive to the present point? He's still wondering.
That stranger was perfectly safe though, Charles was sure. As the man wrapped his steady hands around Lorna's sparkly shoulders and gently squeezed, his mind was oozing calm kindness with a clear note of fondness and desire to comfort a youngster like an older brother or a father would. Charles took a slight peek at his big family through the flashes of memories the man's always holding close to the surface, like a prayer. And saw that he was used to it, even thrived in being the comforting person he was showing himself as now.
"Louis, umm... If you don't mind me asking, have you ever been nominated?”
"Not yet. But my husband would definitely share your sentiments, as he's nominated tonight as well. If I could only find him and introduce you."
He pulled away from a hug but left a hand on Lorna's shoulder, giving her a once over.
"Feeling better?"
"Darling, I believe it's time to send Louis off to his husband and return to our table. I'd love for our family to be together when the winner of your nomination would be announced. It's..." Charles smartly started, but didn't quite finish.
As the loud commotion nearby stole his instant attention. A very tipsy figure in a very bulky feather coat was rather purposefully but at the same time clumsily making their way through the crowd while uttering tiny angry "sorry" and "excuse me" left and right. An aroma of an utterly upset omega darkening the air around them.
But it was his mind that specifically pulled Charles' telepathic radar in like a moth to a flame before he even caught a glimpse of him, a male omega. The omega's mind was on fire, lit with the cacophony of "....lil bitch... How dare that shiny little bitch...Who's that shiny shebitch touching him? Louis... My too handsome for his own good alpha... Why all 'em bitches trying to snatch my alpha with their bitchy shiny hands?" Yeah. Seems like karma was already creeping on Lorna. That was really fast.
Charles pondered his cards for a few seconds and then in a swift single moment efficiently froze every person within the whole block save for his husband, who immediately turned around and looked at him quizzically like he was expecting something like that from Charles all night.
"My-my, Schatz, already bored? No need to be that exorbitant to demand my attention. I'm all yours and all ears."
Uh, and that tiny devilish smirk of his. What a minx. Good God, it was always a hardship for Charles to confront Erik and not to be swayed from the original course of thought he mapped out for himself. But that was about Lorna. So he sucked it up and moved to the point.
"Love, for the record I know you said I need to stop coddling Lorna but I really need you to trust me with this one. The agitated omega behind you..."
Erik glanced briefly behind himself and took a notice of a frozen mid pouncing movement person whose face was twisted in a grumpy concentration, eyes stormy, shining with emotion. Looking rather cute in his colorful attire but also clearly disheveled and anxious. Something definitely was wrong, he promptly concluded.
"...yes, that one, is actually after Lorna. She's over there, proving another not so smart point while getting a bit too cozy with the omega's husband. And it's not like he's being aggressive or would offend her. But he's truly upset, out of his cups and reminiscing the times when he was made to helplessly look at his alpha parading the beards around. Beards are fake girlfriends, darling, and do
not get me started to explain this shit... that's simply horrible. The pair became an official item for the public just recently so he wants his alpha only for himself for that time being... I just..." "You're rambling, Liebling, I don't see where you're heading with it..."
"I just don't want Lorna to be somehow unsettled by this family drama. It's a big day for her. Can you please distract and comfort the omega? While I'll go and fetch our babygirl out of his way."
Erik shrugged, smoothly setting into action without further questioning as Charles unfroze the hall and turned to roll away.
Gently but firmly Erik tugged at metallic zip on omega's gown with his powers to prevent him from moving past him and stepped on his way, inviting the collision. They stumbled grabbing at each other for the leverage.
"I'm so so sorry," the omega began and abruptly cut himself short, eyes owlishly blinking, trying to focus and then growing comically wide at recognition,
"Oh, umm... Mr. Lehnsherr?"
Adjusting his posture, Erik almost rolled his eyes. Almost. But then he decided to go easy on that one.
But only a grade easy.
"It's Xavier." Charles (listening in through their telepathic link) couldn't help but giggled joyfully at that, never growing tired of Erik fucking around with people about his surname, especially with so much fire to it. Journalists would never hear the end of it, they name him Lehnsherr, he'll insist on going with Xavier. They rectify to addressing him as Xavier, he'll scold and correct them again and then again and again. Like it was a 10 years worth joke, but still working like a clock. Their official family name was hyphenated, the fact was very much known publicly. And all of that would be concluding only in Erik's irresistible desire to be a menace. And a menace with the best poker face to fuck with you no less.
"I'm sorry, sir. Harry Styles, sir. An honor to finally meet you in person. I'm like you," the man in colorful feathers gushed almost euphorically, his saddened face clearing a bit.
"Like me. A mutant?" Erik inquired, nonchalantly gracing the young man with a show of a rising brow.
"A male omega. I'm a massive fan of your omega rights program. I've learnt that speech of yours by heart... "
Erik frowned at that.
"... and your handsome husband. All through my teenhood I was looking at the poster on my wall, you know, that one from from Men's Health, and dreaming about having an alpha like that... "
"My handsome husband?" Erik's frown turned even sourer.
Charles had to bite on his finger as not to burst out laughing this time.
Oh to strike that very spot. This was getting beyond hilarious.
***
The said photo shoot took place like more than a decade ago, though still somehow was a sore topic for Erik. Well, one could say that he has pretty good reasons to be like that as there was quite the story behind it. The year after Erik was officially pardoned and no longer chased by world's special agencies was a tough one. Refusing to anyhow participate in Charles' X-men business concerning humans and while being on a serious mend ( because he did his part in X-men business concerning mutants deadass good by literally almost ending up as a dead ass) Erik discovered his new sense of cause and throw himself into manifesting his omega nature publically and as a result turning that into a massive omega rights defending campaign, know as a powerful world organization nowadays. Without Erik's aid (and Ravens who was on the mend as well) one unfortunate call for Charles' team was turned into a trap and then a catastrophe where humans as well as mutants died. It was particularly bad as the disaster was recorded and shown on live television. The day after a shitstorm broke out and it seemed like everyone had turned their back on them. For months in row they were mercilessly dragged in dirt by press and a particular nasty group of anti-mutants in government that was creeping on them for ages and finally unfolding their campaign in the lights of recent events. And worst part was that it looked like nothing could put a stop to it: neither successful missions nor saved lives. Nothing. They were in a dire need of solution.
And they got it when a new chemistry teacher with a peculiar mutation of crying (and God know what else) in glitter rather boldly told Charles that they have to hire a human PR specialist ( and no less than a fancy working with celebrities one) who would handle the situations like that according to all of them modern tendencies. And so Charles did. The agent who's working for top of the top A+ celebrities arrived in a matter of a very short time. He was intrigued, studied the whole case and decreed that the X-men from now on is a brand, that was going to build and manage their public image meticulously, started with Charles as a pioneer.
For him they decided to go with the media collaboration, magazines. Man’s Health was selected for the task as the most popular one, though they were pondering quite for some time how to arrange it properly and how to make it appealing to the general public. It was rather a bold move, so many things could have gone wrong and made the terrible situation they were all in even worse but in the end Charles was adamant to take it. He just had the feeling that it was going to be alright.
The team worked tooth and nails to catch every detail 100% correct and perfect. The cover had Charles shirtless in his chair demonstrating the very impressive upper half of his physique while looking entirely cherubic with softly styled curls and tenderly glowing eyes, the deep color of which was brought up by the carefully built lights. The whole spread was filled with extremely sensual shots of him being homey with his young students (one of the little backs was Lorna, but that wasn’t even mentioned) in the dim lit manor’s kitchen, lifting weights, teaching a class, grading papers, briefing the X-men and so on. All shoots capturing his warm and welcoming nature underlined by inner force of a leader and the most powerful telepath. In the issue he was talking about becoming paraplegic and how that fact didn't make him less of a man, of a teacher and mentor, of an alpha, of a mate and of a father of course.
The morning it was out the world literally had gone crazy. They were dreadfully anticipating public’s reaction, like what if they’ll be mocking him, criticizing, scrutinizing. All kinds of coping measures were prepared. But it turned out... a true holy sh** of a blast. Not only Charles was welcomed kindly and warmly by media and public for his heartfelt confessions, character built on the balance between strength and vulnarability, unique (but also commonly relatable) life perception but for his hot looks as well. After Men Health's posted the short behind the photo shoot video, it went viral across the world, firmly establishing the new image of infamous Proffesor X. After that everybody was set on singing odes or bluntly lusting after him in every single opened comment section below (for special joy of such cruel little sisters like one Miss Raven who made it her job to read them out loud for the weekly family/friends gathering). Hell, most of the hosts of favorable talk-shows proclaim Charles the new standart of alphaness that every single omega around the globe would want to snuck for themselves. Boy he gained a lot from this leap of faith of a marketing attempt, as did Erik, who'd shown up for the only closing photo to his article (he didn’t want to show up at all, but he was sectretly glad he did it and lay his public claim on that alpha specimen). A lovely domestic shot of them Erik leaning into him with a little shy smile, while Charles holding omega’s hand to his lips, grinning at him, eyes shinny with pure adoration. Erik has already came out to the world as an omega, but this made mouths shut. The world had to learn that omegas can be this or that or whatever the fuck they want. This very message just like the other ones was successfully delievered. The public had given them their hearts. And they were going to try their best to keep them safe and sound.
***
"... and now I am here with my own husband, all gentleman and handsome just like yours. Oh, please, let's go to Louis, I want him to know that I've met you and we need to take a photo. He’s just over there….” he stuttered and then uttered miserably. ”Oh, that shiny shebitch is still there...”
Erik turned his head to the clearing where he saw Lorna being comforted by some fizzy alpha. Yeah, she definitely was crushing.
Then Charles approached them and…
“Oh, poor Professor” Harry exclaimed alarmingly, as they both watched Lorna making a show of throwing herself into Charles lap all her extravagant, glittery, gangly limbs, the hyper affectionate self she is (like Charles but x2), “They really got no shame, them shiny bitches, coming onto taken man like that”.
The almost calmed omega who was gushing a minute before now was fuming, stomping his feet. That arrogance unfortunately got Erik going in no time. So he grabbed omega's hand almost harshely and said:
“That shiny bitch over there is going to take the best album tonight. That is miss Lorna Xavier-Lehnsherr, clad in the gown made by the most talented mutant designer that can put to shame your Chanel’s and Gucci’s trash!” To make a point he grabbed at his jacket with distaste, eyes glimmering with fire dangerously looming on omega.
“That’s enough, darling. I’m making him forget this last minute. Just get here, let’s quickly take photos” just in time came Charles’ voice.
***
"And the Grammy goes to..." The crowd held their breath. This was it. The main moment of the whole evening. Erik gently squeezed his shoulder and sent to him telepathically. "Liebling, so that you know, if it doesn't happen now, you're working your magic next year" Charles chuckled, ducking his head. Warmth and pure affection was coming from him in steady projecting pulses. "Already got another super banger on your mind? So prolific." Erik can't help, but snort rather ungraciously in his glass of iced tea. Yeah, prolific indeed.
"I suppose they don't need to know about our lovemaking any more, love," added Charles with a playful mental nudge.
Because yeah some of the Erik's texts were mildly to say obscene, with great deal of detalization. "More like dedication to the subject" as Erik was claiming it for himself with a raised brow and tiny suggestive smirk. Meanwhile Lorna was torn between appreciating (and envying as much) her Papa's writing skills and being scandalized by the whole topic. Because to hell being aware of your parent's sex life to that extent really.
Charles thought of telling Erik about Lorna almost revealing him to Louis. But decided against it, he didn't want another supernova exploding on his poor head. They were similar enough in their conflict and defense approach to go from foolishly messing around with each other to declaring war in a single minute. Like father, like daughter, damn them. And bless them too, Charles would never have it other way.
"Oh, but they definitely need to learn some more of omega rights and mutant rights too," murmured Erik aloud above him, kissing the crown of his head.
"...the Grammy goes to... Lorna and her magnificent "Now we rise". Congratulations!"
The hall erupted in cheerful ovations and shouts. Extremely pleased with the outcome they both turned their heads to Lorna in unison. Their precious baby was sitting in her chair, hand with an appetizer frozen in the air, absolutely dumbstruck and dead to the realization.
"Comon, darling, up on stage you go and take what you deserve", Charles gently coaxed her, boosting with the feeling of his raw pride and content, doubling it with Erik's similar feelings which were cycling through their link. Her glossy lips trembled for a moment but then she collected herself and rose from the sit at once. Looking like a baby deer she made a few steps but turned to them again as if needing a bit more of reassurance.
"Go, Prinzessin," Erik mouthed to her grinning from ear to ear like the most proud Papa he was.
Her winner's speech was raw, chaotic and super emotional. She ended up rather dorkily thanking everyone by mentioning each one by name and it took a while. After that she went back to their table only to climb on her daddy's lap (while smashing her face into her papa's Chanel's suit) and sob at earnest while the whole building was like "awwww". Xavier-Lehnsherr family was truly a wholesome sight to behold.
However thirty minutes later Lorna was already refreshed, smiling and up on stage performing "Now we rise" in her cute second look of a less extravagant dress by the mutant designer she was promoting. For a month she was begging Erik to get with her on this stage and perform the song in duet (like they do on recording), but he stoically declined. This supposed to be her own moment and he didn’t want to steal her spotlight. Especially once his little secret's revieled...
So he pressed the matter and now was standing beside Charles, mouthing each line while shading happy tears. Charles even pulled out his phone to capture that wonderful moment, but Erik sensed his intention half way and it got glued to the wheel of his chair.
“Fine, I'll make that cameraman nearby film you up close specificly in full HD for my personal use”, he potted, but omega just kept vibing like there was no tommorow. He's not doing good enough job of avoiding the spotlight, thought Charles to himself taking in how guests around and even Lorna on stage taking glances on omega.
They made this album together Lorna and Erik. The precious project by father and daughter driven by the similar passionate feelings towards music. Lorna did the groundwork, wrote most of the lyrics as well as all of the main solo guitar parts was her doing, she has a knack for it. Erik produced it almost single heartedly. He was passionately experimenting with musical instruments through his powers especially with strings and horns. And he added plenty of spicy details to the lyrics too. That minx.
Most of their friends gladly took part in the making. There was Raven’s laugh and her shouting the signature “mutant and proud”. There was Alex trying his hand in rap. There was Hank recording some weird noises of his machine and contributing that as a beat, creating some new music genre along. There was one or two choruses delivered by sweet angelic voices of younger students. There was a track opened by Charles saying “No darling, I can’t sing”, laughing then nailing a line from “The Phantom of the Opera” in the tenderest and smuggest baritone of his. They made it with their hearts together and now the lead single “Now we rise” about being in love with who you are and the world, got its recognition and found its place in hearts of people all around the world.
***
"Enough, love birds, you're making me uncomfortable," mildly scolded them Lorna, gesturing at the rather intimate pose with Erik sitting astride on Charles lap , both of her fathers fully enveloped in each other, unattentive to her gushing on and off about how she met Adel and other idols of hers (and it took her some time to realize that).
"Big talk coming from a mouth of a certain girl throwing herself on her daddy's lap and crying on the national television" retorted Erik smugly, not making a single move from Charles' shoulder to address his daughter properly.
They were in the minivan on their way to the hotel.
"And when are you going to finally tell me?" she asked after a bit, eyes sparkling.
"Tell you what?"
She rolled her eyes.
"That I'm going to be a big sister of course. Aunty Raven knows all about the telltales and she taught me that when papa's acting suspiciously nice and social, something is cooking in his oven. Congratulations!”
“Gott!”
“Lorna!”
They both exclaimed in a sorta scandalized way both embarassed, delighted and relieved.
She just smiled to them sweetly and sighed:
“I'm so happy. So so happy right now”.