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]

[ 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?

[oldcardigans]

[ As though Charles were expecting a different answer. ] No hard truths to put me to? [ Then, realizing with a wince that that was an unfair response after the strain they've had, days stretching back to the last Incident and the pressure from within and without that Charles isn't presently helping them cope with.

He shifts, looking vaguely apologetic. ] We have more than that, but hope is a very good start.

[atthemercyof]

[ Erik doesn't reply, gaze lifted for a moment to search Charles' face, to try and find chinks in the scaffolding they've constructed time and time again. Weakness is definitely seeping in.

Another move. ] It's the last stand for men without faith.

[oldcardigans]

[ Glancing at him quietly, fingers resting undecided on a pawn. ] There are people involved that haven't a clue what this is about. And the children are still trying to find faith in themselves.

[atthemercyof]

Ignorance shouldn't be an excuse. [ Though the children - Erik is building fondness for them, slow and protective. But they need to learn, they need to be ready. He knows it is cruel, but it will keep them alive. ]

[oldcardigans]

[ Charles isn't sure he agrees, knowing intimately that there are innocents that will be thrown into disarray if he allows either side to escalate. ] I am simply saying not all will have a defined opinion or ideal - there are too many that could be caught in crossfire with no understanding of why they may lose their lives for it.

[atthemercyof]

Well then we must hope they become educated before it's too late. [ His expression is neutral, but it's quite clear he assumes casualties will happen.

Humming. ] The machine won't stop for worry.

[oldcardigans]

[ Patiently, though Charles is increasingly wary of finding out exactly how far Erik will take it. ] Surely mercy is a part of war, if, in fact, that is what this is. There's honour to be found in sparing those not looking for death from something they can't understand.

[atthemercyof]

I'm afraid you underestimate how much I will defend something to the death. [ It comes out casually, clear there's a line, us and them. Erik knows where he stands. ] Mercy can only come if you want it, if you stand down long enough for it.

[oldcardigans]

[ Placing a pawn two spaces ahead. Charles remains hunched over the board, invisible battles shooting across his vision as he's seen what Erik has done that wasn't in pure self defense. Bloody revenge has no resemblance to what Erik speaks of, and the knowledge that he may take a more forward approach when the day comes is steadily growing in the back of Charles' thoughts. ] You have a choice. Being so quick to react - I don't believe anyone doesn't want mercy in the end, Erik.

[atthemercyof]

All I want is for Shaw to die, I'm willing to go to certain lengths to make that happen. [ Moving. ] I won't be forced to lie down again, Charles. I will do whatever it takes.