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]

[ 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?

[oldcardigans]

You say it as though it were a thing within the realm of possibility. [ Commencing the game with a swift move of his knight. ] But no, that'd be a travesty, though my curiosity is piqued. Can any academic resist the sight of you surrounded by books?

[atthemercyof]

You're the only one with a weakness for me, Charles. [ Moving a pawn. ] So I'm sure they can.

[oldcardigans]

I'll let you believe that. [ As long as he didn't open his mouth if the subject of humanity came up, it's an easy illusion to hold, at any rate. He lets himself drift a little in the music as he mulls over what strategy he wants. Thoughtfully. ] Did your father teach you many games, or only chess?

[atthemercyof]

Draughts, games with sticks I can't remember now, he was rather fond of educating me by play.

[oldcardigans]

[ Smiling with interest. ] It had to have been easier for him, the way you described him. So he could feel closer to you, hmm?

[atthemercyof]

I believe so. [ With a soft glance. ] My education was very important and something he could have an active hand in. I used to think he just didn't like the women filling my head with air.

[oldcardigans]

[ Lightly. ] Knowing how to mend your clothing is perfectly respectable. More importantly, it gives me great material for imagining what you were like. [ Charles glances up, fondness writ large. ] There wasn't conventional schooling, I take it. Did your family not attend temple?

[atthemercyof]

We did. But the family liked to keep things within their own walls. My education became a point of pride for my parents. They liked showing my grandparents how well I learnt.

(ooc: SHIT. SORRY. This is the first time I've got to sit today. )

[oldcardigans]

[ Teasing. ] Where did that trait disappear to, I wonder?

[ But it warms Charles to know Erik's family had such pride in him, a pride Charles tries to carry on despite Erik's insistance that there's naught there to warrant it. ] It sounds positively idyllic.

(OOC: No worries! I got some work done in the meantime :) ) ]