It's weird, because I totally adore the classic trope! But when I sat down to think about think about how this would go, it basically split into two elements that had to be figured out - first, why they would want someone to think they were together, and second, why they're not actually together.
I think what happens after this is that now Erik is much more constantly aware of his attraction to Charles, and of the possibility that Charles desires him as well. Eventually it gets to the point where he's expecting Charles to make a move, is waiting for it, has even decided he would say yes to it - but Charles never does, because as much as he wants Erik, he knows exactly how fucked up Erik is, and the way it would go afterwards with Erik's self-disgust or regret wouldn't be worth it.
When something does actually happen, it's at the mansion, after all that training together, and it's Erik who initiates it.
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18/9/12 15:30 (UTC)I think what happens after this is that now Erik is much more constantly aware of his attraction to Charles, and of the possibility that Charles desires him as well. Eventually it gets to the point where he's expecting Charles to make a move, is waiting for it, has even decided he would say yes to it - but Charles never does, because as much as he wants Erik, he knows exactly how fucked up Erik is, and the way it would go afterwards with Erik's self-disgust or regret wouldn't be worth it.
When something does actually happen, it's at the mansion, after all that training together, and it's Erik who initiates it.