but that's how we like it, and that's all we want

[atthemercyof]

[ He wakes up, and he's not where he should be. Gone is Charles Xavier's bedroom, the warm press of a body beside him, and in it's place is - well, Erik thinks it's a library. He pushes himself up off the mattress on the floor, black wood shelves looming into view. He doesn't know what's happening, only that he feels a little outside it all. Nobody could have moved him in his sleep, and if they wanted to, they wouldn't leave him somewhere like this.

He turns around to glance at the room twice, moves a little closer to the shelves to draw his fingers across the spines, not plucking them free just yet. There's a sound, somewhere outside the room, and he abandons the examination in favour of opening the door, taking the hall at a quick, but not frantic pace. He's curious, which is bizzare in and of itself.

Though he doesn't look into any of the rooms he's passing, it does feel like there's life in here, wherever here is. He hears the noise again, traces it through. ]

Comments

[oldcardigans]

[ Humming in acknowledgment. ] Mainly, my education. Don't open one and think you'll suddenly be an expert in the genetic sequence, but there are memories here too. Unfortunately, nothing I can share with you, as I'm sure you'd never want me blabbing about your experiences to anyone, either.

[atthemercyof]

[ Quietly. ] No, of course not. Is there a reason for the sheer drop?

[oldcardigans]

Would you believe me if I said it's a trap? [ Laughing shortly. ] No, actually, it's purely aesthetic - to put all of this knowledge into one designated space, I'd unconsciously formed an appropriately massive venue to reflect that. Back when I started manually organizing and found this place already half made, I didn't have the heart to change it.

[atthemercyof]

It's impressive, you know. Everything is, the different rooms, the architecture. It's beautiful.

[oldcardigans]

[ Teasing. ] Are you about to tell me I have a beautiful mind, Erik?

[atthemercyof]

It's a possibility, stop me, quick.

[oldcardigans]

Mm, I'll spare you the embarrassment. [ Shrugging, his turns to Erik to pester him. ] I admit I had no purpose in showing you this room than to impress you. You are impressed, yes? Tell me I'm the most impressive person you've met.

[atthemercyof]

[ Snagging Charles around the waist to reel him in, smile a little bit wide, mischevious. His voice comes out deep, amused.] You are the most impressive person I've ever met. I am in awe.

[oldcardigans]

[ Dragged over, wearing a smile that reached his eyes, hands sliding to Erik's upper arms, all lightness and unresisting. ] Tsk, you have to mean it.

[atthemercyof]

[ Voice turning enthusiastic, arms still wrapped around him, fully content to play the game. ] You are splendid, amazing, astonishing, bewildering. You have the most fascinating and overwhelming mind I have ever known, and you take my breath away.

[oldcardigans]

[ It's downright creepy coming from Erik, completely over the top, but Charles' delighted amusement bubbles over instead. ] Ah, thank you, my friend! Being this interesting and maintaining this complete beauty of body and mind while making it look effortless is a tireless, thankless job normally, but your passion is unmatched. Well done, Erik.

[atthemercyof]

[ There is a rare lightness in this moment, and Erik shakes with laughter for a brief second, leaning against him only to press his forehead against Charles, smile wicked and shark wide. ] Any time.

oh find a room you two

[oldcardigans]

Your eagerness to appease my ego is heartwarming, truly. [ Cupping the curve of Erik's skull, his mood fizzles to something more honest, simply leaning into him and sharing the same air for long seconds, and every throb of his heart in this imaginary body of his sings with it, the moment to moment existence of being in love with Erik.

He sighs, but it's a unmistakably happy one. ] I do wonder what would happen if we stayed here for days. Longer, maybe.

they are being ridiculous

[atthemercyof]

Does time pass the same way in here as out?

[ Smiling though, his eyes going soft. ]

[oldcardigans]

Not quite the same between the two. And thank the stars, otherwise I'd have never gotten all this information in my head under control.

[ Nails gently scratching through his soft locks. ] I could show you so much if we had the time. It seems to be a persistent problem of ours, don't you think?

[atthemercyof]

Will I remember it all when I wake up again?

[oldcardigans]

[ Smiling gently. ] Of course.

sorry /o\ I was working on a long ass app.

[atthemercyof]

Then I can just come back again and you will be able to show me everything you want to.

[ Grinning lightly. ] So there's no need to worry about it, is there?

no prob! I am still working on John's and frowning at writing the samples :|

[oldcardigans]

[ Charles does want him to come back, that part's never been questioned for the telepath, but he wonders if he'd be too happy here surrounded by good memories and the comfort of Erik's stalwart presence, able to walk, a complete master of his domain set to stay until the sun burns out.

For now, he'll have to be content with what he has, kissing the edge of Erik's sharp smile. ] I would like that very much.

your writing is wonderful, okay? you never need to worry about that.

[atthemercyof]

[ Smiling again. ] You'll have to figure out what you don't want me to see for fear of being teased.

thank you ;_; I just need to glare at my Word document harder so it'll toe the line.

[oldcardigans]

[ Gamely cocking an eyebrow. ] Oh, then we'll avoid the middle bit, shall we? Leave the parts of my life open where one end is too young to know what's embarrassing and the other end knows better and avoids the behaviour.

/glares with you to help.

[atthemercyof]

[ Laughing. ] Spoilsport.

[oldcardigans]

Survivalist. [ But Charles is laughing too, revenging himself by ducking to kiss the side of Erik's neck soundly. ] You really want to see that sort of stuff so badly?

[atthemercyof]

Mm. Maybe I want to live a student life vicariously through yours? [ But still, arm slung around Charles' waist, he seems content enough with what he has been shown. }

[oldcardigans]

I'll consider it. [ It's not as though he really wants to keep anything from Erik, but it's school and something in him naturally rebels at letting someone see those not-so-golden years. He's not opposed to giving Erik a glimpse into something he never had.

Falling back a little to properly look at him. ] Do you mind if I show you one more room before we go? There's not really anything in there you haven't seen, but it'd mean a lot to me.