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]

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. ]

[atthemercyof]

[ Claiming a piece with a smug little smile. ] Good.

[oldcardigans]

[ Lazily grinning. ] I do protest at you sloughing off my attempts at entrapment, do pay less attention to the board.

[atthemercyof]

[ Flicking his gaze up, amused. ] I'm not falling for your charms this time.

[oldcardigans]

[ Clicking his tongue once. ] "This time"? When do you ever? I'm always having to do work with you.

[atthemercyof]

Mm. It would be boring if I was so easy to win over, dear. That's why you keep me.

[oldcardigans]

[ Taking a piece out of play. ] I think we're past the point where we can assume that if we tire of one another, it's out of boredom.

[atthemercyof]

[ This is what happens when he looks at Charles, apparently. Brow furrowing slightly in thought. ] I think it would be hard to get to that point, personally.

[oldcardigans]

[ Charles leans back into his seat, crossing his legs in the process. ] Yes, but will you smother me in my sleep the thousandth time I argue for mutant integration?

[atthemercyof]

Come now, smothering is so passée. [ Lightly. ] And you tend to be blissfully quiet in your sleep.

[oldcardigans]

[ Very unlike Erik unless under special circumstance, however. Lifting the corner of his lips. ] How you prefer me, I'm sure.

[atthemercyof]

On the contrary. [ Claiming another piece before looking up. ] I like when you speak your mind, even if it does mean we're opposing each other.

[oldcardigans]

I didn't mean to imply you'd prefer my silence, I'm sorry. Not that I don't appreciate your frankness. [ He follows the path of the piece being taken off the board, delaying the time when he has to glance back at Erik a little more guarded than before. ] These aren't minor things we oppose each other on, my friend. It's proven to be quite damaging.

[atthemercyof]

I'm aware. [ He twists the glass in his hand. ] Very much so.

[oldcardigans]

[ Watching Erik, he leans back over the board, speaking very quietly. ] We must find strengths aside from that fact and put our faith in those.

[atthemercyof]

[ With a fleeting smile. ] Of course, Charles. I think we're stronger together than we're credited.

[oldcardigans]

[ Speculatively. ] If there's a catalyst for this flaring out of our control, we can't know that.

[atthemercyof]

Then we simply have hope. Is that enough?