Sundays with Charles

Chapter 2

Charles appeared on Erik's doorstep again next Sunday too, with a huge smile on his face and an even bigger box of chocolates in his hands that he gave to Erik instantly. His shining bright eyes were curiously seeking to see Wanda, hiding behind her father. Only this time the girl was actually running towards him with open arms. Charles lifted her up even before he got inside Erik's flat and spun her around the hall.

"I'm flying!" the girl was laughing and so was Charles.

"You're a superhero, princess!" Charles grinned as he slowed down and put her back on the floor.

"More! More!" she lifted her arms up for him to take her again but he shook his head

"Maybe later. Now I believe we shocked your daddy." he glanced at Erik with a chuckle.

Erik was staring with a raised eyebrow.

"Did we broke daddy?" Wanda laughed hugging Erik's leg

"Maybe a kiss would fix him." Charles suggested

These words dragged Erik back to reality. "What kiss?"

"Wanda's kiss." Charles smiled

"Let me give you a magic kiss, daddy!" Wanda grinned and it was Erik who had to lift her up this time so that she could place a gentle loving kiss on both his cheeks and then his nose because - and I quote - "It's sticking out like that in hope to be kissed but we always kiss the lips or cheeks or even the chin instead. It's not fair, is it?"

"I agree, Wanda! Not fair at all!" Charles nodded in all seriousness and then smiled at Erik again "May I come in?"

—«·»—

"I hope you don't mind me showing up uninvited again?" Charles said when they were both in the kitchen once more, Erik preparing the coffee Charles liked so much the previous time.

"No, of course not." Erik replied "And it seems Wanda really enjoys your company."

Charles chuckled. "I enjoy hers too." he said "But only the lady of the household seems to enjoy my visits, not the gentlemen."

Erik rolled his eyes. "Pietro's having an early teenage emo phase or something. He's mad at the world and..." he hesitated for a moment but then said it, despite the lump in his throat "... and me so don't take it personally."

Charles nodded. "Don't force him. He'll come on his own when he's ready." he replied, his eyes lifting up at Erik again, searching. "But what about you? Do you enjoy my visits?"

"Your last visit got me $2 000 and kinda fixed most of my financial problems for the week so yeah, feel at home."

Charles tsked "So it's all for the money!" he shook his head dramatically with a sigh.

What did you expect?" Erik chuckled as well.

"I'll just have to deal with it then." Charles laughed carefree and leaned in on the kitchen table, sipping more of his coffee. "So, I'm here for a specific reason."

"Oh?" Erik leaned in as well. The two were now staring at one another's eyes closely.

"Mhm" Charles nodded as he spoke slowly "I am here for revenge."

"Chess?"

"Chess."

A smile was spreading across Erik's face as well. "Hurt pride?"

"I need to prove how good I am." Charles insisted

"Fine. But don't cry when I win again."

"Don't be so sure. I bet $3 000 this time."