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]

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 :) ) ]

[atthemercyof]

It all seems like a dream now. [ Glancing down at the chess board, hands loosely in his lap, one wrapped around the glass. ] Part of somebody elses' life. I keep finding myself looking at things and wondering why they catch my attention, only to realise hours later that it meant something back then.

[oldcardigans]

[ Concern flashes in him, watching the subdued lines of Erik's face carefully. ] It was along time ago and what you had can't be replaced, I know, but it did happen. It can still mean something. You're much overdue for another chance at a good life, Erik.

[atthemercyof]

I'm not saying this isn't. [ Turning a piece in its space on the board. ] But what's gone is irrevocably gone. That's what I'm stating. The hazy gauze of memory is all well and good, people are allowed to dwell. I just find it strange sometimes, recalling that.

[oldcardigans]

I know, it's just difficult sometimes. To feel as though it's my duty to make up for what's been taken from you. It's not what you're saying - it's silly and no one's crusade but my own, but you're owed that, I think.

[atthemercyof]

I'm content enough now, I think. [ The words alone sound foreign, low and a quiet hum with a tinge of everywhere he's been. He doesn't quite look up. ] I could have found myself somewhere far worse.

[oldcardigans]

[ The sentiment sits somewhat awkwardly on Erik's tongue, Charles groping for a minor distraction from the brief silences that follows. ] As long as you don't throw yourself into a harbor. I'll be very cross, maybe too much so to try and save you again.

[atthemercyof]

[ With a snort of laughter. ] You wouldn't be able to resist.

[oldcardigans]

What if I considered I'd never have to argue with you over humans again? [ It's not malicious, quite light and meant to draw a smile. ]

[atthemercyof]

Even then, you'd jump in and save me. [ Smiling slightly. ] You could never stop yourself.

[oldcardigans]

Pending whether you did it exclusively to get my attention. [ He smoothly sweeps Erik's bishop off the board, palming his drink on the way back with a slight grin. ] What sort of things have reminded you of your family? I do hope it's not caused you pain.

[atthemercyof]

No, it's only small things really, a flash of memory every so often. It's not hurting, necessarily.

[oldcardigans]

Mm, good. [ In its own way, he's glad to hear that his existence in the mansion isn't solely focused on all the terrible things about his past, even if the good parts lasted all too briefly. ] Perhaps we can revive some traditions, if you remember any belonging to them?

[atthemercyof]

I'll think about it. [ He smiles serenely as he takes his next move. ] I'm not exactly devout.

[oldcardigans]

[ Laughing lightly. ] Neither am I. Mother was born a Catholic, but she never got the chance to pass it on, whether for good or otherwise. Still, I like to think we can get along fine as partners in the brotherhood of man, yes?

[atthemercyof]

I think we do just fine with what we have. [ Taking a sip of his drink, something mischievous in his expression. ]

[oldcardigans]

I'm not disagreeing. [ Sufficiently buzzing from drink, Charles takes it slower, doesn't let his thoughts drift backward farther than he allows. Call it willful ignorance, escaping reality, but he's not equipped to handle their differences in the shadow of the mansion. There should be nothing but this, the two of them passing days quibbling over things that won't ever touch the doorstep and trying on the home life. ]