True Colors by Andraste (PG)

[gardendoor.livejournal.com]

Fandom: X-MEN COMICVERSE
Pairing: Beast/Professor X
Author Website: Blue Shades
Why this must be read:

I know, I know, you're looking at the pairing and going, "huh?" or maybe "ew!", but trust me, the romantic aspect is the least part of the story. Instead, it's a lovely exploration of our weaknesses and our strengths, how others see us and how we choose to be seen.

"Henry," his lover said gently, with a tone that was warmer and held more pain than anything he had ever used on his students, "I am sure that others have told you that your appearance is immaterial."

All at once, he felt something snap. The thing that defined his very existence, of no import? "This is what I truly am! The fur, the claws, they matter to me! They make me uncomfortable! I can accept that you must put your cause before our happiness, but I will not pretend that this is not my real self for political reasons!"

True Colors