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

[atthemercyof]

[ Shaking his head, something rather fond. Erik ends up following without question, trailing after Charles through the halls. ] I have faith in your ability.

[ His hands get shoved deep into his pockets, tilting his head and watching the line of his back. ]

[oldcardigans]

Is that actual faith, or were you goading me into choosing by being a bother?

[ It should maybe worry Charles that they could seek each other's forgiveness so easily and choose to stave off the future, but they do admit their undeniable weakness for the other. Why the pointless waste of precious time they have left spent fighting unprovable arguments; the solemnity can find them in the darker moments held to themselves, lurking in wait and set apart from the small haven they have in this house. ]

[atthemercyof]

I'm sure you'll figure it out eventually.

[ He's tired, willing to let his mind turn thoughtlessly to this, to what they have, what they could have. Charles is like the light Erik can't help fluttering near, no matter whatever he's feeling. ] Do tell me when you decide.

[oldcardigans]

I think we both know that answer.

[ The study is still lit, seemingly brighter than when he left it, and Charles moves to pour Erik his own glass. ] First order of business, I should have remembered not to drink alone.

[atthemercyof]

A mistake you shouldn't make when you have company as good as mine. [ He moves fluidly, crossing further into the room and turning back, a smile playing at his lips. ] Shame on you.

[oldcardigans]

[ There's a self effacing curve of his mouth, tone light as he takes a moment to gather thoughts from the rest of the house, curious as to whether or not their fight is known. ] We were rather cross with each other, dear, be kind.

[atthemercyof]

I'm always cross at someone. [ Erik drops rather gracefully into the chair he seems to always occupy, his leg crossing, fingers drumming restlessly against the curve of his knee. ] So I suppose not everyone follows my protocol.

[oldcardigans]

Not someone with my disposition, no. [ Moving smoothly to Erik's side, he leans against the arm and lazily offers him the glass. ] So, what sort of music do you usually fancy, Herr Lehnsherr? I intend to capture your king with accompaniment that meets your approval.

[atthemercyof]

[ Angling his face up to him as he accepts the glass, grateful for his closeness. ] I don't listen to music, you'll have to surprise me.

[oldcardigans]

[ Shooting him a questioning look, as though the concept of not listening to music personally offends him, Charles peers down at Erik with credulity suitably strained. ] Never? I have some Ella Fitzgerald that would make a believer out of you.

[atthemercyof]

It didn't seem important. [ He shrugs, turning the glass in his hands. ] I'm sure you have great taste, but music has never been something I particularly craved enlightenment for.

[oldcardigans]

I didn't think it possible to avoid. [ He makes a speculative sound, absently dropping his hand down to make contact with Erik, just because. ] Would it bother you, particularly? For my own satisfaction, I've been fortunate enough to have access to music and been kept quite content by it, but if you don't want to bother, I'll be happy to just get to setting up the board.

[atthemercyof]

Not entirely, no. But do you pay attention to background noise? It's like the television, I know it's there, that people enjoy it, but I wouldn't be particularly educated in what's on it. [ Shifting to his touch. ] Put your music on, I would like to hear it.

[oldcardigans]

I'd consider myself a great failure if I didn't put forth an effort. [ Pushing off and crossing the room, the broad doors of a worn cabinet open to reveal a record player and a small stack of frequently shuffled LPs, records that Charles spun far more often than the rest of his significant collection. ]

[atthemercyof]

[ After a sip of his drink. ] So you consider music important?

[oldcardigans]

As a tool for enrichment, most certainly. [ Picking an album free from the stack, Charles pauses to adjust the volume a tad lower than he usually enjoys it and sets the vinyl into place. ] It's a fair measure that if Lady Ella doesn't appeal to you, I'm not quite sure you have a soul.

[atthemercyof]

You mean the coffin and the aversion to sunlight didn't tip you off?

[oldcardigans]

Without saying something lewd, I can freely admit my appreciation of how well you tan, actually. [ With the first strains of bluesy piano filtering out of the speakers, Charles ambles cheerfully back to his seat, lifting the brandy bottle. ] Ah yes, you have much to learn, Erik.

[atthemercyof]

[ Erik watches him with a close to proprietary glance, smiling a little. ] Maybe you'd do well going somewhere brighter.

[oldcardigans]

[ If asked, Charles would steadfastly deny that the faint tinge on his face is related to anything but the drink. ] I'd much rather sit under the beach umbrella than splash in the water - such is the curse of the academic, my friend.

[atthemercyof]

[ Smile twitching. ] I'd make sure to stay close so you could continue admiring the tan in safety then.

[oldcardigans]

[ In the midst of putting the board together, Charles smiles down at his row of white pawns. ] That's saying a lot if you can distract me away from a good Wilde book.

[atthemercyof]

Oh believe me, I know of a few ways even he'd be proud of.

[oldcardigans]

[ Finally, the clouds hovering in Charles' head break completely, a sharp, delighted sound leaving him. ] Been doing some reading of your own in your spare time, I take it.

[atthemercyof]

[ Mysteriously. ] I wouldn't want you getting bored now, would I?