Craving Forgiveness

4

You tiptoed down to Charles' office to look at the information Erik collected.
You looked it over for a few minutes when the door opened.
"Couldn't sleep?" Charles questioned.
You gave a weary sigh," Not a wink. I'm sorry if I intruded in your office."
He shook his head,"No I don't mind at all. Take your time." He turned to leave.
"Charles?" You said stopping him," does Erik hate me? I mean I understand if he does but-"
"He doesn't hate you. He understands you. More than he cares to admit. You two are a lot alike. But if you ask me." He said placing a hand on the door knob, " you're much prettier." He smiled and left the room.
You looked over the files for a while longer before heading to bed.
In the morning you walked downstairs  to go find the kitchen.
You bumped into a man on the way down.
"Oh goodness. I'm so sorry. I wasn't paying attention."
"You're president Kennedy's daughter aren't you?" The man said.
"Yes I am. And you are?"
"I'm Hank. I'm sorry for your loss. I idolize your father."
You gave him a wide smile." So do I. Please call me Atarah."
"Yes ma'am."
"Could you show me where the kitchen is? I'm starving."
"Of course. I think Erik is in there now."
"Uhh actually I think I'll eat later."
"Not a big fan of Erik huh?"
"No not exactly." You gave a small laugh. "I mean can you blame me? He's not the most friendly guy."
"Cmon. He isn't that bad."
You raised an eyebrow. "Could've fooled me."
"I've actually taken a liking to Erik. Once you get past his cruel, cold and evil exterior it's like there's a slightly less cruel, cold and evil interior. Sometimes."
You and Hank laughed as you walked into the kitchen.
"Hello Hank." Erik greeted,"Ms. Kennedy." He gave a solid firm nod.
"Good morning Erik." You greeted despite his coldness.
"I'm gonna see if Charles wants breakfast." Hank said leaving you along with Erik.
You sat at the table with a piece of toast and some fruit." Your research isn't too bad." You said to Erik.
"Oh and you're the research expert?"
"Well they don't call me the best detective in D.C for nothing." You gave him a sarcastic wink.
"I'm sure they use the term loosely."
You rolled your eyes stood up and took your breakfast into Charles office. You couldn't bear to be in a room with that arrogant jerk.
He doesn't even know how to accept a compliment.
You sat eating for a few minutes before the door opened and Erik poked his head in.
"Thank you. For the uh. Compliment."
You smiled widely knowing you've won this round. "You're welcome Erik."
He began to shut the door.
"Erik!"
"What?" He asked.
"I'm sorry for judging you so harshly." You paused. "And...getting you arrested."
"I understand. If I didn't know any better I'd think I did it too."
"Does that mean you accept my apology?"
"I suppose so." He said as he closed the door.
A few hours later you were sitting in the garden reading a book when Charles rolled out in a wheel chair.
You look up and jumped,"oh my goodness Charles are you okay? What happened?"
He gave smile." I'm fine. Better than ever actually."
Your brows furrowed as you sat back on the edge of the fountain. "Forgive me for asking but what happened to your legs? You were just fine yesterday. I don't understand."
"I'm a mutant Atarah. A few years ago I was shot in battle. I became paralyzed. My legs were unable to work. Not too long after, Hank created a serum that allows us to suppress our powers. It gave me the use of my legs but I was unable to use my powers. Yesterday I stopped taking it."
"Why?" You asked,"I'm sorry for asking."
"My people need me. I can't help without my powers. It's an easy sacrifice."
You smiled,"that's an incredible and very selfless thing to do Charles."
"Thank you. I think I've been hiding for too long."
"Hiding?"
"After I was shot i kind of shut down. I locked myself away I was very selfish."
"You had a valid reason to be."
He nodded," yes but I should have thought about the others."
"You speak very highly of them."
He smiled," they're great. The most selfless people I know. They're always willing to fight for each other."
"Is Erik that way?"
"He can be. He usually does things only for his personal gain."
"That sounds like him."
"He has his moments. Give him a chance." He turned to wheel away," he might just surprise you."

"So I've heard." You mumbled to yourself.