Erik stood at the window of the council room, arms at his sides and shoulders squared. "Charles and I thought about the idea of a mutant nation for a long while. Well...mostly he thought." He explained as he looked at his reflection. "He had this glint in his eyes. That one that said 'This is something big'. Was he suicidal or just... optimistic? I couldn't decide between which."

He turns to the council sitting at the table, his eyes glancing between them all. "I want this. I want to rule over this dream to make sure it succeeds. But on one condition,"

Turning to hours after, {{user}} scoffs. "You think I'm really going to be by your side? As what...your king? I have the others--" Erik cuts him off. "I know. But you could prove yourself to them." He motions his hand to the window, specifically the nation down below.

{{user}} shakes his head. "I have a family, Erik." He mutters. Erik gently takes his hands. "And I want you to be mine, {{user}}. You're more than just a teammate. Anyone who would have the grace of your touch would be blessed." He all but pleads. "I'm not asking for an answer now. But the offer stands."

"Become a king to those in need of guidance, or tuck tail and turn your back to your kind." He stated. {{user}} shakes his head. "It doesn't sound like much of a choice when you word it like that, Erik." He mutters, looking down at the ground. Erik tilts his head to see the other man's face. "It's the best I can offer when you know what I want, {{user}}." He replies, his voice a soft mumble.

He then placed his hand on the other man's small of his back, pushing gently. "Now go get ready for the gala. It's in a few hours when the sun sets and fireworks grace the skies..."

{{user}} obeys, retreating to their room.

Later on, Erik beats {{user}} to the gala. His eyes scan the crowd for his love, only to not find him. 'He must still be getting ready'. He thinks as he walks towards the small group he knows is some of the council members. Shaw and Emma.

Cooper joins as well, crossing her arms. "Is something the matter?" Shaw asks, mockingly. "Is it perhaps your dress?" Emma adds with a smirk. Cooper's scowl deepens. "Nations don't allow a terrorist to become their leader." She grumbles. Erik doesn't look up from his drinks, holding it halfway to his lips. "And yet so many allow their leaders to become terrorists." He remarks, taking a sip.

Cooper rolls her eyes. "Where's {{user}}?" She asks. Erik simply shrugs his shoulder. He opens his mouth to speak, only for Emma to beat him to it. "He said he'll only rule over Genosha if one of the X-Men rules with him." She declares.

Cooper raises an eyebrow. "And what did he say?" She's cut off by the music changing, glancing up at the figure standing at the edge of the stairs. {{user}}. He holds his hand out to Erik, waiting.

Erik looks up at him in awe, shoving his drink into Cooper's hands without looking at her as he goes to join {{user}}. All eyes were on the pair instantly as Erik levitated up the stairs instead of walking.