let's go to war to make peace,

[atthemercyof]

[ Locked to oldcardigans ]

[ Erik would be something nonchalant if not for the way he stands just beyond the front steps, arms crossed over his chest, gaze slanted at Agent MacTaggert. Her departing pleasantries are more directed at Charles, because Erik very clearly excudes distrust, and even distaste, to any of the Suits. But that doesn't mean his presence is not very much there. The conversation through the night weights itself down at the back of his mind. Too many people are showing an interest now, invasive little questions that get passed off as pleasantries from someone Charles trusts.

Erik sometimes wonders if Charles would just let the government steamroll right on other him. He hopes MacTaggert knows Erik won't allow that as long as he's here.

He tips his head a fraction in acknowledgement of her goodbyes, lifts his gaze skyward slightly, because there's something ticking away in the house tonight, a static kind of unease that crawls under his skin. It's a bit like the dark roll of sky just before a storm as dark eyes follow the movement of the man in front of him. ] Well?

Comments

[oldcardigans]

[ With a soft sigh, he's slowly relinquishing the armour of combativeness, his hands find Erik's spine, molding into the shape of it, giving some of the comfort he's receiving back. ] It doesn't burn you to coddle a horribly optimistic thing like me?

[atthemercyof]

[ Brushing his lips across Charles' temple. ] I'd be a lot happier if your innocence didn't have to be tarnished, Charles. Believe me, I'm not trying to be cruel. I just want to know you're going to be safe.

[oldcardigans]

There are much worse ways to ruin it, I think. [ It's not gone; tempered, maybe, as he grows older and finds ways to keep his ideals intact, and without them his humanity wouldn't be as strong, he might not have saved Erik. ] I didn't mean to frighten you. I know what it would do to you if couldn't come back for you.

[atthemercyof]

Mm. [ He's fairly certain he's fallen far enough that the world wouldn't stand if they took Charles from him. ] We shouldn't waste this with arguments.

[oldcardigans]

There's merit in talking on it, but we do appear to be entrenched. [ Stroking down his back. ] I'd much rather beat you at chess than an argument, my friend. There's less blood spilt with one than the other.

[atthemercyof]

[ Eyes closing for a moment, his voice quiet. ] Really now? Because I thought they got rather heated.

[oldcardigans]

[ Charles makes a noncommittal noise and leans back to kiss just beneath his ear. ] Some good things have come of them.

[atthemercyof]

[ Smoothing his hands down Charles' sides. ] Mm. Not denying that.

[oldcardigans]

[ Rocking back on his heels, anchored to Erik's waist. ] Regardless, know that I'm very thankful to have you. Even if you do abuse your rooks to my dismay.

[atthemercyof]

And I you, no matter what comes between us. [ With a smile, dipping his face. ] Even if it is the chessboard.

[oldcardigans]

A most daunting enemy. [ Responding with his own tentative smile, he reaches to thumb the dip below his mouth. ] If we survive it, our worries would seem trifling in comparison, wouldn't they?

[atthemercyof]

Yes, but I think we'd deserve the peace.

[oldcardigans]

[ He touches his mouth to Erik's just once, fleetingly. ] Most assuredly.

[atthemercyof]

[ Whisper quiet. ] Are we okay for now?

[oldcardigans]

[ The shadows in Erik's eyes are less now, just very clear and the colour of the sky after a storm has passed. ] As well as we can be at this moment, yes.

[atthemercyof]

[ Tugging once on his bracelet, still in his space, Erik leans forward to fit their mouths together, just the slightest brush of his lips. ]

[oldcardigans]

[ Humming appreciatively, Charles' whole stance softens, his cautiousness giving way to genuine warmth, filling the room with it. ] Welcome back.

[atthemercyof]

[ Against his lips. ] Why thank you.

[oldcardigans]

[ Unable to stop himself from pausing every few words to kiss along his mouth, slipping to his cheek. ] Something nice and quiet to wash away the evening with, maybe?

[atthemercyof]

I think that sounds just about right. [ He shouldn't really be kissing with Charles in the corridor for anyone to see, but he can't help but drop another to his lips, cupping his cheek. ]

[oldcardigans]

[ His end of the connection uncurls from the coils it lay in, bubbling with renewed, quiet affection. ] Mm, reading? Music? What's your recommendation?

[atthemercyof]

[ Sincerely. ] You could read more of your Conrad.

[oldcardigans]

Ugh, I'm going back to being angry with you.

[atthemercyof]

[ Smothering his laugh by pressing into Charles' shoulder. ] I know you miss your Imperialism, your madness, and your boats.

[oldcardigans]

[ Tolerantly grinning. ] I'd rather not read more excruciating English history, if that's all right. I do know where you sleep, you know. It'd be a quick death.