「 The Professor & I 」Charles Xavier Love Story

(44) Christmas Eve

Xavier Mansion, 24th December 1966

Lynn's POV

Hank had taken his role as the keeper of the house pretty seriously, thinking it was his way to repay us for giving him shelter and not charging him rent at the mansion. He never failed to liven this place up with colourful decorations every festive season and this year, he even outdid himself with subtle carols sounding from the gramophone in the foyer and a glittering evergreen that embellished the lobby.

I wheeled myself through the joyously adorned hallways, making my way from the kitchen to Charles' bedroom. The wooden panels of walls now decked with equally spaced wreaths of mistletoe passed me by as I got to the elevator which had a huge sparkling Santa pasted onto its door.

I headed upstairs and quietly brought myself into Charles' room while he was still asleep.

He turned in rather late last night, probably losing track of time again in his lab, as evidenced by his fatigue that still faintly transcended through my body. I lightly placed down the tray of breakfast onto his bedside table and switched off the alarm that had been set on his clock to ring in a couple of minutes.

I faced myself to the bed to find most of his top exposed from the covers, as expected. Our upper bodies seemed to fidget much more in our sleep now that we no longer had this ability elsewhere.

Gently, I lifted the sheets and levitated myself into his bed. Sitting myself softly by his sleeping frame, I landed the duvet over him and my legs. While they were incapable of enjoying the heat radiated from his body, it was heartwarming enough just to have him here. I examined his tranquil appearance amidst his slumber, delicately caressing his head and running my fingers slowly through his luscious locks.

Unsure exactly how long later, Charles started to stir as the bright morning sun poured through the curtains and glared into his eyes. He grunted briefly, registering a mild migraine, as he fluttered his eyes opened to see me.

"Well, that's a pleasant surprise," he murmured as he snuggled up to me and wrapped his arms around my waist.

"Good morning, my dear," I greeted, leaning down to peck his lips.

"Morning, love," he breathed with a smile.

"What time is it?" He asked, burying his head into my lap once more.

"Don't worry about it," I comforted.

While we received several grants to aid in our research, the profiteering sources were not bothered with our working hours as long as we presented them with the results they desired. Furthermore, with that hefty inheritance bequested to Charles, we earned enough from its investments and were not dependent upon the scientific fundings for our daily necessities. Additionally, it was Christmas Eve and there was no one in the offices to complain about us lounging around.

"You worked late," I noted as I massaged his temples in attempt to alleviate the dull throbbing sensation that tormented them.

"I did," he admitted with a slight moan as I soothed his pain away.

"I'm sorry, love. You alright?" He probed and looked up at me in concern, knowing that I was feeling the discomfort as well.

"I'll manage," I reassured, smiling.

"Why don't you lie with me? It'll make you feel better," he suggested kindly as he stroked my back, but his eyes beamed with cheekiness I could not neglect.

"That will mess up my dress," I stated as a matter of fact, subtly refusing.

"You're welcomed to take it off," he retorted swiftly, catching me off guard with his mischief and I blurted a chuckle.