X-Men Oneshots

You flinching

Charles: 

The sun was setting over the X-Mansion, casting a warm golden glow through the large windows of Charles Xavier's study. Y/N sat across from him, a stack of papers spread out on the table between them. She was explaining the latest mission details, her voice steady but her eyes occasionally darting to the door, as if expecting someone to interrupt.

Charles listened intently, his fingers steepled under his chin. He admired her dedication, how she always poured herself into her work, but lately, he had noticed something troubling. Y/N seemed to flinch at unexpected sounds or movements, even when they were together. It was subtle—a slight jerk of her shoulder, a momentary tensing of her muscles—but it was there, and it worried him.

"Y/N," Charles said gently, interrupting her train of thought. "Are you feeling all right?"

She looked up, surprise flickering in her eyes before she nodded. "I'm fine, Charles. Just a little tired, I guess."

Charles narrowed his eyes slightly, sensing the walls she had built around her emotions. He had always prided himself on being able to read people, to understand what they were feeling, but with Y/N, it was as if she was hiding behind an invisible barrier. "You don't seem fine. You've been on edge lately. Is something bothering you?"

Y/N opened her mouth to respond but hesitated, biting her lip. Charles leaned forward, his gaze earnest. "You can talk to me about anything. You know that, right?"

Taking a deep breath, Y/N finally met his gaze fully. "I know, Charles. It's just... I don't want to burden you with my problems."

Charles's heart ached at her words. "You could never be a burden to me, Y/N. I care about you too much."

For a moment, the tension between them hung in the air, and then Y/N glanced at the door again, her body tensing involuntarily. Charles felt a pang in his chest, a sudden realization washing over him. It wasn't just stress; there was something deeper going on. The way she flinched—it was as if she was anticipating something bad happening.

"Y/N," he said softly, his voice filled with concern. "Is someone making you feel this way? Is it someone from the school or something from your past?"

Her eyes widened slightly at his question, and for a heartbeat, it felt as if time stood still. But then she shook her head, a frown creasing her brow. "No, it's not that. I promise."

Charles studied her for a moment longer, and then, in a move that felt both necessary and terrifying, he reached across the table and placed his hand over hers. He felt the slight tremor in her fingers and the way she pulled away, just a fraction, before allowing him to hold her hand.

"Please," he said, his voice steady but gentle. "You can trust me."

Y/N closed her eyes for a brief moment, as if gathering her thoughts. Finally, she opened them, revealing a vulnerability that made Charles's heart race. "It's just... sometimes, I feel like I'm waiting for something bad to happen. I can't help it."

His heart sank as he listened to her words, the weight of her fears settling heavily between them. "You don't have to be afraid, Y/N. You're safe here with me."

"But I still flinch," she replied, a hint of frustration creeping into her voice. "I don't want to flinch. I don't want you to think I'm... broken."

Charles shook his head firmly. "You're not broken. You're human. You've been through a lot, and it's okay to have those reactions. It doesn't change how I feel about you."

Y/N looked down, her fingers entwined with his as she processed his words. "I just don't want to hurt you or make you think I can't handle this."

"You are handling this," Charles said gently. "And if you need time, or if you ever feel overwhelmed, all you need to do is tell me. I'm here for you, Y/N. Always."