Post by The Man on Jun 30, 2007 10:44:46 GMT -5
Posted by Mystique on Mar 3, 2007, 5:25pm
She sat on the back patio of the mansion, content to sit on a bench underneath the awning. It was calming, to listen and watch the rain. She needed calm, right now.
Posted by Typhoid Mary on Mar 3, 2007, 5:26pm
"Hey," Typhoid walked up, soaking wet from the rain. "Sounds good, doesn't it?"
Posted by Mystique on Mar 3, 2007, 5:28pm
"It sounds...peaceful," she said quietly, looking up at her. "Why are you walking around out there in the rain?"
Posted by Typhoid Mary on Mar 3, 2007, 5:30pm
"I just got back," She gestured to her out-of-character clothing underneath her coat, a short skirt with fishnets and a sleeveless top. All of it was torn and stained. "Apparently my night adventures continue. And I don't pay much attention to people's safety."
Posted by Mystique on Mar 3, 2007, 5:32pm
She hissed in sympathy. "You're not hurt are you?"
Posted by Typhoid Mary on Mar 3, 2007, 5:33pm
"Couple of scrapes. No big deal. I was covered in ash, that's what scares me more." She sat down. "How're you?"
Posted by Mystique on Mar 3, 2007, 5:36pm
"Nervous, tired, and a bunch of other things," she admitted. "I figured if I came out here to sit for awhile, it'd clear my head a bit."
Posted by The Man on Mar 3, 2007, 5:36pm
::The Professor wheeled out onto the patio. He had sensed Mystique's presence and knew that they needed to talk. However, Typhoid was there and from the sound of it, had just been through another terrible switch.:: "Shall I come back?"
Posted by Typhoid Mary on Mar 3, 2007, 5:37pm
"It's ok. Just listening to the rain."
Posted by The Man on Mar 3, 2007, 5:40pm
::The Professor nodded, his gaze shifting from Typhoid to Mystique.::
Posted by Mystique on Mar 3, 2007, 5:40pm
She nodded, smiling. "You don't have to leave."
Posted by Erik Magnus Lensherr on Mar 3, 2007, 5:44pm
"Do stay, all of you."
Erik landed beside them all with a smile upon his face. He was bitter no-one has visited him whilst he was under the weather, but even moreso that Mystique was staying at the mansion without him knowing. Perhaps they had just thought he was brooding for an especially long time.
Posted by The Man on Mar 3, 2007, 5:45pm
::The Professor turned his head, giving Erik a nod and a failed attempt at a smile. His back stiffened. He had much to say to the man and yet didn't want to.:: "Hello Erik."
Posted by Mystique on Mar 3, 2007, 5:45pm
Her eyes widened as she saw Erik come up to them.
Posted by Erik Magnus Lensherr on Mar 3, 2007, 5:46pm
Erik squinted confusedly.
"Charles," he said, inclining his head in mock-formal fashion.
Posted by Typhoid Mary on Mar 3, 2007, 5:47pm
Typhoid's fists clenched but she stayed silent, glancing at Mystique.
Posted by The Man on Mar 3, 2007, 5:48pm
"How are you?" ::Xavier asked. He didn't want to force Typhoid to leave, but this conversation shouldn't have other ears. Even if she did know that Mystique was pregnant. He sent her a thought.:: *Perhaps you should seek safety.*
Posted by Mystique on Mar 3, 2007, 5:49pm
She caught Typhoid looking at her, and wanted to smile, or shrug, or say something. But she couldn't, she was frozen.
Posted by Typhoid Mary on Mar 3, 2007, 5:50pm
I'm not leaving her with her former boss and the man that made her pregnant just to duke it out, she sent back to Xavier. And yes, I know it's yours, so get over the fact.
Posted by The Man on Mar 3, 2007, 5:52pm
*We will not be duking it out,* ::The Professor sent her with less conviction than he'd intended. Erik would be very angry and his first inclination would be violence. The fact that she knew he was the father suddenly became trivial. In the fact of the impending destruction, it didn't matter.::
Posted by Erik Magnus Lensherr on Mar 3, 2007, 5:52pm
Erik sniffed, confused by the tense note in the air. Typhoid's mind seemed to be occupied, and of course Charles had to be the cause. Mystique was oddly quiet, not meeting his eyes. And Charles was being... formal. Or moreso than ever before.
"Better. Sinuses clear and I'm embracing the daylight."
An image of Rogue came to his mind. He'd embraced more than the elements.
Posted by Typhoid Mary on Mar 3, 2007, 5:53pm
Bullsh*t. she sent succinctly. She crossed her arms and looked at him pointedly.
Posted by Mystique on Mar 3, 2007, 5:55pm
She frowned slightly, looking at Erik. "So you were sick? I thought you were being the typical obsessed you, locking the door on me."
Posted by The Man on Mar 3, 2007, 5:58pm
::Xavier didn't have the strength to argue with her. He needed all of his reserves for the conversation ahead. He sat, listening to the exchange between Mystique and Erik.::
Posted by Erik Magnus Lensherr on Mar 3, 2007, 6:00pm
Erik rose an eyebrow at her. "Terribly sorry," he replied, the confusion now palpable. Surely she'd have been able to get in if she'd really wanted to.
An awkward pause gave him the creeps.
"What's going on?"
Posted by Mystique on Mar 3, 2007, 6:01pm
"I'm staying here for awhile," she said simply. She meant all of the possible meanings behind it.
Posted by Erik Magnus Lensherr on Mar 3, 2007, 6:04pm
Erik blinked with great gusto.
"Um... good," he replied with a nod. He squinted again, hating being out of the loop. Something was really wrong. He looked to Charles with confusion.
What's happened?
Posted by Typhoid Mary on Mar 3, 2007, 6:06pm
Typhoid backed up further so her back was towards Mystique. This was not going to be pleasant.
Posted by The Man on Mar 3, 2007, 6:06pm
::Xavier closed his eyes, party to concentrate on Erik's mind and partially because he needed to draw upon his own reserves. His face tightened in concentration. There was no easy way to have this conversation.:: *I asked her to stay. She needs to be here.*
Posted by Erik Magnus Lensherr on Mar 3, 2007, 6:08pm
Erik looked at Charles, a hard, long stare of a look. His eyes turned cold as he observed the girls watching. They were all in on this, whatever it was.
"I'll 'bite', as they say," he said with a slow, low tone. "Why does she need to be here?"
Posted by The Man on Mar 3, 2007, 6:15pm
::The Professor slowly opened his eyes, catching Erik's gaze. His hand tightened on the arm of the chair and he spoke very slowly.:: "Because she's pregnant."
Posted by Erik Magnus Lensherr on Mar 3, 2007, 6:17pm
Erik looked to the ground, concerned that it was shaking violently beneath him. Unfortunately it was still, solid paving, and so he concluded the dizzy sensation was shock. The sight of Charles's face caused something to click in his mind, and a cautious look to Mystique told him why Charles was telling him the news.
"You bastard," he said in a growl, eyeing Charles as the shock converted to fear.
Posted by Typhoid Mary on Mar 3, 2007, 6:19pm
Typhoid looked behind her to Mystique and her eyes darkened considerably.
Posted by Mystique on Mar 3, 2007, 6:19pm
"Stop it, Erik," she said harshly.
Posted by The Man on Mar 3, 2007, 6:22pm
::Xavier's face hardened. Mystique's other revelation still burned in his mind. He was flawed, yes, but he was not spilling the blood of innocents. He wasn't trying to betray people's trust.
His gaze unwavering, even as he felt the shift in Erik's emotions:: "That's not at issue here."
Posted by Erik Magnus Lensherr on Mar 3, 2007, 6:23pm
Erik turned harshly to Mystique, ignoring Typhoid's dark frame.
"Oh I think I have the right to say what I want," he snapped.
Posted by Mystique on Mar 3, 2007, 6:26pm
"No, you don't," she said, voice hard. "Why should you care so much?" It was damn obvious now that he hadn't cared for a long time, so why now?
Posted by Erik Magnus Lensherr on Mar 3, 2007, 6:28pm
Erik's face was a picture of malice, and though his fists were clenched he knew there were worse things he could do than smashing them to pieces. His stern gaze turned to Mystique.
"Because I could never have imagined you would be so very stupid."
Posted by Mystique on Mar 3, 2007, 6:30pm
"How dare you," she nearly shrieked. It was none of his concern about what she did. Not anymore.
Posted by The Man on Mar 3, 2007, 6:31pm
"Leave her be, Erik." ::Xavier said sternly. He was prepared to have many shots taken at him for the situation, but he wanted her to be left out of it.::
Posted by Erik Magnus Lensherr on Mar 3, 2007, 6:36pm
"Oh shut up," he snapped again as his eyes reverted to Charles. "You're just as thick, I'd even suppose you..."
A moment of divine clarity caught him, and Erik saw the details of the tryst laid out before him. The nostalgia at the pool, the acknowledgement that Erik could never change completely. Mystique's mutation was Charles's ideal get-out clause.
Erik sneered.
You're sick.
Posted by The Man on Mar 3, 2007, 6:42pm
"Even suppose I'd what?" ::The Professor responded, his voice measured. It took all of his control to keep from snapping back. He remembered these arguments vividly and he could give as could as he took. Erik was not on his good side right now and if he wasn't careful...
The mental accusation made him falter. Before his eyes, he saw all his sins. Erik had figured out details that were better left unspoken. And in that way, he was right. But Erik would not get away with casting that stone as though he were an innocent.:: *No more than you.*
Posted by Erik Magnus Lensherr on Mar 3, 2007, 6:47pm
I've never used her like that, thank you very much.
Erik's cold eyes narrowed at him. He looked down on him and saw a different man to the master of morals he'd once known. He was still Charles, but things had changed between them forever.
"You want me to say it aloud?"
He spared a glance to Typhoid, then went back to Charles, an eyebrow raised.
Posted by Typhoid Mary on Mar 3, 2007, 6:49pm
"Have at it." Typhoid said, her voice smoother then usual. "Nothing we all don't already know."
Posted by Erik Magnus Lensherr on Mar 3, 2007, 6:50pm
Erik looked back to Typhoid with a cruel smile.
"Oho be careful what you wish for. I could tell you some stories about Charles. Things even you don't know, Mystique."
Posted by The Man on Mar 3, 2007, 6:51pm
::It dawned on Xavier what Erik meant to say and he gave a slight shake of his head. Those detail were too personal to be spoken in front of Typhoid, in front of any student.
As he did unconsciously, he continued to read Erik's feelings, watching as they shifted from second to second with each new piece of information. And he felt his resolve weakening. Momentarily. He swore at himself. This was why Erik was so cocky.:: *That's not what I meant.*
Posted by Erik Magnus Lensherr on Mar 3, 2007, 6:54pm
Erik looked to Charles as he acknowledged a negative. "Good choice. I wouldn't want to have to say things I can't take back," he said pointedly and with clear threat.
The feel of the telepath poking into his mind annoyed Erik. What right did he have after this... total betrayal?
I know how you can be Charles, but really. That was low. And now you'll pay for it from all angles.
Posted by Typhoid Mary on Mar 3, 2007, 6:54pm
"I'd be careful yourself, Lensherr," Typhoid said, tired of old mutants and their even older and larger egos.
Posted by The Man on Mar 3, 2007, 6:57pm
::Xavier's brow creased; he knew that tone. The mansion had just become a very dangerous place. Scott and Storm had been right, but their concern lay with the wrong person's intentions.:: *I didn't do it to cause you harm.*
Posted by Erik Magnus Lensherr on Mar 3, 2007, 6:59pm
Erik, ignoring Typhoid, made a face at the thought crossing his mind.
Really? Well that is news to me.
Posted by Mystique on Mar 3, 2007, 7:03pm
Mystique walked over and took Typhoid's gloved hand. "Don't do anything you'd regret, he's not worth it," she whispered in her ear, low enough so that the others wouldn't hear. "You're awful, you can't stand the idea of someone taking something away from you, even if it's a person," she said quietly to Erik.
Posted by Typhoid Mary on Mar 3, 2007, 7:06pm
"I'll try," Typhoid whispered, squeezing the womans hand.
Posted by Erik Magnus Lensherr on Mar 3, 2007, 7:07pm
Erik turned, approaching her until the few inches of height he had over her was visibly daunting. His hard were hard and cold as ice, perhaps more harsh than they had been since his childhood.
"Obviously you weren't as much mine as you so strongly proclaimed," he said in a cold tone. There was hurt as much as malice in his voice. "How did I ever believe what you told me? What was it, a month ago?"
Their time alone in his room that night had almost changed his mind. He had backed off Rogue, even put off Charles at the poolside on Valentine's Day. She had been about to tip the scale. And now this.
Posted by Mystique on Mar 3, 2007, 7:26pm
"You never loved me, I was just your tool, something to be used for more than one purpose," she said coldly. "You pushed me away, kept pushing me, so I stopped trying."
Posted by Erik Magnus Lensherr on Mar 3, 2007, 7:28pm
He was close, too close for anyone else to hear unless Charles was eavesdropping more mentally than physically. Erik was against her ear, the sensation as familiar as it had once been.
"You almost had me."
Posted by The Man on Mar 3, 2007, 7:40pm
::Xavier's eyes closed, as though in pain. Erik's words forced out what little fight had been left in him. He had no words.::
Posted by Mystique on Mar 3, 2007, 7:43pm
"It still doesn't change the fact that you used me. I did love you, but it hurt too much to love you," she said quietly.
Posted by Erik Magnus Lensherr on Mar 3, 2007, 7:46pm
Erik's sneering tone returned despite the pain.
"Well I'm glad I didn't get far enough to feel the same."
He spat the words, and half a glance at Charles told him he was already well into a guilt-trip. Erik had his flaws, but he wouldn't be held accountable for this.
"I suppose you're keeping it?"
Posted by Mystique on Mar 3, 2007, 7:49pm
Letting go of Typhoid's hand, she walked over to Charles, standing by him. "Of course I am. I choose him," she said softly. She watched Erik's sneer, and a part of her was breaking.
Posted by Erik Magnus Lensherr on Mar 3, 2007, 7:52pm
Erik laughed coldly.
"I can just see it now... little white picket fence... a dog called Buster or Fido... little blue-boy running around the grounds... of course you'll be f***ed if it's born human..."
Posted by Mystique on Mar 3, 2007, 7:56pm
"I don't care about that," she said, tone rising. "I don't care if he's human, mutant, or has three eyes, I'd still love him, especially knowing that his father isn't an ignorant cold-hearted b*stard like you."
When she spoke next her tone was full of hurt. "It could have been yours, Erik."
Posted by Erik Magnus Lensherr on Mar 3, 2007, 8:04pm
The words shook him thoroughly, but his hard reserve prevailed. He was stronger, colder, than to take in such a comment and let it hurt him on the outside.
He spoke in a whisper, pain and anger tangible.
"I'm glad it wasn't."
Posted by Mystique on Mar 3, 2007, 8:06pm
"So am I," she said quietly. Her voice low, she was hurting. Her wall of steel had started to break, until he uttered those words.
Posted by Erik Magnus Lensherr on Mar 3, 2007, 8:09pm
As they reached a makeshift conclusion Erik turned to Charles, the same expression firmly fixed on his face. What he wanted to say couldn't possibly be told aloud, and so he looked away again as the words drifted from his mind.
Starting to wish Storm hadn't interrupted us at the pool, old friend. Things could have been so different.
Posted by The Man on Mar 3, 2007, 8:13pm
::Xavier sat, shocked. Thoroughly drained. He didn't know what to say, or what to think. Mystique had just chosen him, confronted with Erik's anger. And he felt good about that, relieved, grateful that he wasn't the only one who intended to work these issues out. At the same time, he felt as though his blood was frozen. As though he had just witnessed the end of an era and the beginning of a new dawn.
Erik's voice in his mind yet again, he sighed slowly, everything draining out. Much like after the first parting, he didn't know what to feel.:: *They could have been, old friend.*
Posted by Erik Magnus Lensherr on Mar 3, 2007, 8:21pm
Erik turned slowly, walking away towards the grounds again, but his voice travelled back to Charles, totally void of emotion.
I'm glad it's not my fault this time... Payback of sorts I suppose... Perhaps karma... Good luck Charles.
At that last comment the emotion was set free, and Erik was far enough away to let his resolve collapse at last. His face too collapsed and he shut his eyes, treading the grass out to the exit gate of the grounds. There was sincerety within the grief when he next sent a thought.
I hope you're happy.
She sat on the back patio of the mansion, content to sit on a bench underneath the awning. It was calming, to listen and watch the rain. She needed calm, right now.
Posted by Typhoid Mary on Mar 3, 2007, 5:26pm
"Hey," Typhoid walked up, soaking wet from the rain. "Sounds good, doesn't it?"
Posted by Mystique on Mar 3, 2007, 5:28pm
"It sounds...peaceful," she said quietly, looking up at her. "Why are you walking around out there in the rain?"
Posted by Typhoid Mary on Mar 3, 2007, 5:30pm
"I just got back," She gestured to her out-of-character clothing underneath her coat, a short skirt with fishnets and a sleeveless top. All of it was torn and stained. "Apparently my night adventures continue. And I don't pay much attention to people's safety."
Posted by Mystique on Mar 3, 2007, 5:32pm
She hissed in sympathy. "You're not hurt are you?"
Posted by Typhoid Mary on Mar 3, 2007, 5:33pm
"Couple of scrapes. No big deal. I was covered in ash, that's what scares me more." She sat down. "How're you?"
Posted by Mystique on Mar 3, 2007, 5:36pm
"Nervous, tired, and a bunch of other things," she admitted. "I figured if I came out here to sit for awhile, it'd clear my head a bit."
Posted by The Man on Mar 3, 2007, 5:36pm
::The Professor wheeled out onto the patio. He had sensed Mystique's presence and knew that they needed to talk. However, Typhoid was there and from the sound of it, had just been through another terrible switch.:: "Shall I come back?"
Posted by Typhoid Mary on Mar 3, 2007, 5:37pm
"It's ok. Just listening to the rain."
Posted by The Man on Mar 3, 2007, 5:40pm
::The Professor nodded, his gaze shifting from Typhoid to Mystique.::
Posted by Mystique on Mar 3, 2007, 5:40pm
She nodded, smiling. "You don't have to leave."
Posted by Erik Magnus Lensherr on Mar 3, 2007, 5:44pm
"Do stay, all of you."
Erik landed beside them all with a smile upon his face. He was bitter no-one has visited him whilst he was under the weather, but even moreso that Mystique was staying at the mansion without him knowing. Perhaps they had just thought he was brooding for an especially long time.
Posted by The Man on Mar 3, 2007, 5:45pm
::The Professor turned his head, giving Erik a nod and a failed attempt at a smile. His back stiffened. He had much to say to the man and yet didn't want to.:: "Hello Erik."
Posted by Mystique on Mar 3, 2007, 5:45pm
Her eyes widened as she saw Erik come up to them.
Posted by Erik Magnus Lensherr on Mar 3, 2007, 5:46pm
Erik squinted confusedly.
"Charles," he said, inclining his head in mock-formal fashion.
Posted by Typhoid Mary on Mar 3, 2007, 5:47pm
Typhoid's fists clenched but she stayed silent, glancing at Mystique.
Posted by The Man on Mar 3, 2007, 5:48pm
"How are you?" ::Xavier asked. He didn't want to force Typhoid to leave, but this conversation shouldn't have other ears. Even if she did know that Mystique was pregnant. He sent her a thought.:: *Perhaps you should seek safety.*
Posted by Mystique on Mar 3, 2007, 5:49pm
She caught Typhoid looking at her, and wanted to smile, or shrug, or say something. But she couldn't, she was frozen.
Posted by Typhoid Mary on Mar 3, 2007, 5:50pm
I'm not leaving her with her former boss and the man that made her pregnant just to duke it out, she sent back to Xavier. And yes, I know it's yours, so get over the fact.
Posted by The Man on Mar 3, 2007, 5:52pm
*We will not be duking it out,* ::The Professor sent her with less conviction than he'd intended. Erik would be very angry and his first inclination would be violence. The fact that she knew he was the father suddenly became trivial. In the fact of the impending destruction, it didn't matter.::
Posted by Erik Magnus Lensherr on Mar 3, 2007, 5:52pm
Erik sniffed, confused by the tense note in the air. Typhoid's mind seemed to be occupied, and of course Charles had to be the cause. Mystique was oddly quiet, not meeting his eyes. And Charles was being... formal. Or moreso than ever before.
"Better. Sinuses clear and I'm embracing the daylight."
An image of Rogue came to his mind. He'd embraced more than the elements.
Posted by Typhoid Mary on Mar 3, 2007, 5:53pm
Bullsh*t. she sent succinctly. She crossed her arms and looked at him pointedly.
Posted by Mystique on Mar 3, 2007, 5:55pm
She frowned slightly, looking at Erik. "So you were sick? I thought you were being the typical obsessed you, locking the door on me."
Posted by The Man on Mar 3, 2007, 5:58pm
::Xavier didn't have the strength to argue with her. He needed all of his reserves for the conversation ahead. He sat, listening to the exchange between Mystique and Erik.::
Posted by Erik Magnus Lensherr on Mar 3, 2007, 6:00pm
Erik rose an eyebrow at her. "Terribly sorry," he replied, the confusion now palpable. Surely she'd have been able to get in if she'd really wanted to.
An awkward pause gave him the creeps.
"What's going on?"
Posted by Mystique on Mar 3, 2007, 6:01pm
"I'm staying here for awhile," she said simply. She meant all of the possible meanings behind it.
Posted by Erik Magnus Lensherr on Mar 3, 2007, 6:04pm
Erik blinked with great gusto.
"Um... good," he replied with a nod. He squinted again, hating being out of the loop. Something was really wrong. He looked to Charles with confusion.
What's happened?
Posted by Typhoid Mary on Mar 3, 2007, 6:06pm
Typhoid backed up further so her back was towards Mystique. This was not going to be pleasant.
Posted by The Man on Mar 3, 2007, 6:06pm
::Xavier closed his eyes, party to concentrate on Erik's mind and partially because he needed to draw upon his own reserves. His face tightened in concentration. There was no easy way to have this conversation.:: *I asked her to stay. She needs to be here.*
Posted by Erik Magnus Lensherr on Mar 3, 2007, 6:08pm
Erik looked at Charles, a hard, long stare of a look. His eyes turned cold as he observed the girls watching. They were all in on this, whatever it was.
"I'll 'bite', as they say," he said with a slow, low tone. "Why does she need to be here?"
Posted by The Man on Mar 3, 2007, 6:15pm
::The Professor slowly opened his eyes, catching Erik's gaze. His hand tightened on the arm of the chair and he spoke very slowly.:: "Because she's pregnant."
Posted by Erik Magnus Lensherr on Mar 3, 2007, 6:17pm
Erik looked to the ground, concerned that it was shaking violently beneath him. Unfortunately it was still, solid paving, and so he concluded the dizzy sensation was shock. The sight of Charles's face caused something to click in his mind, and a cautious look to Mystique told him why Charles was telling him the news.
"You bastard," he said in a growl, eyeing Charles as the shock converted to fear.
Posted by Typhoid Mary on Mar 3, 2007, 6:19pm
Typhoid looked behind her to Mystique and her eyes darkened considerably.
Posted by Mystique on Mar 3, 2007, 6:19pm
"Stop it, Erik," she said harshly.
Posted by The Man on Mar 3, 2007, 6:22pm
::Xavier's face hardened. Mystique's other revelation still burned in his mind. He was flawed, yes, but he was not spilling the blood of innocents. He wasn't trying to betray people's trust.
His gaze unwavering, even as he felt the shift in Erik's emotions:: "That's not at issue here."
Posted by Erik Magnus Lensherr on Mar 3, 2007, 6:23pm
Erik turned harshly to Mystique, ignoring Typhoid's dark frame.
"Oh I think I have the right to say what I want," he snapped.
Posted by Mystique on Mar 3, 2007, 6:26pm
"No, you don't," she said, voice hard. "Why should you care so much?" It was damn obvious now that he hadn't cared for a long time, so why now?
Posted by Erik Magnus Lensherr on Mar 3, 2007, 6:28pm
Erik's face was a picture of malice, and though his fists were clenched he knew there were worse things he could do than smashing them to pieces. His stern gaze turned to Mystique.
"Because I could never have imagined you would be so very stupid."
Posted by Mystique on Mar 3, 2007, 6:30pm
"How dare you," she nearly shrieked. It was none of his concern about what she did. Not anymore.
Posted by The Man on Mar 3, 2007, 6:31pm
"Leave her be, Erik." ::Xavier said sternly. He was prepared to have many shots taken at him for the situation, but he wanted her to be left out of it.::
Posted by Erik Magnus Lensherr on Mar 3, 2007, 6:36pm
"Oh shut up," he snapped again as his eyes reverted to Charles. "You're just as thick, I'd even suppose you..."
A moment of divine clarity caught him, and Erik saw the details of the tryst laid out before him. The nostalgia at the pool, the acknowledgement that Erik could never change completely. Mystique's mutation was Charles's ideal get-out clause.
Erik sneered.
You're sick.
Posted by The Man on Mar 3, 2007, 6:42pm
"Even suppose I'd what?" ::The Professor responded, his voice measured. It took all of his control to keep from snapping back. He remembered these arguments vividly and he could give as could as he took. Erik was not on his good side right now and if he wasn't careful...
The mental accusation made him falter. Before his eyes, he saw all his sins. Erik had figured out details that were better left unspoken. And in that way, he was right. But Erik would not get away with casting that stone as though he were an innocent.:: *No more than you.*
Posted by Erik Magnus Lensherr on Mar 3, 2007, 6:47pm
I've never used her like that, thank you very much.
Erik's cold eyes narrowed at him. He looked down on him and saw a different man to the master of morals he'd once known. He was still Charles, but things had changed between them forever.
"You want me to say it aloud?"
He spared a glance to Typhoid, then went back to Charles, an eyebrow raised.
Posted by Typhoid Mary on Mar 3, 2007, 6:49pm
"Have at it." Typhoid said, her voice smoother then usual. "Nothing we all don't already know."
Posted by Erik Magnus Lensherr on Mar 3, 2007, 6:50pm
Erik looked back to Typhoid with a cruel smile.
"Oho be careful what you wish for. I could tell you some stories about Charles. Things even you don't know, Mystique."
Posted by The Man on Mar 3, 2007, 6:51pm
::It dawned on Xavier what Erik meant to say and he gave a slight shake of his head. Those detail were too personal to be spoken in front of Typhoid, in front of any student.
As he did unconsciously, he continued to read Erik's feelings, watching as they shifted from second to second with each new piece of information. And he felt his resolve weakening. Momentarily. He swore at himself. This was why Erik was so cocky.:: *That's not what I meant.*
Posted by Erik Magnus Lensherr on Mar 3, 2007, 6:54pm
Erik looked to Charles as he acknowledged a negative. "Good choice. I wouldn't want to have to say things I can't take back," he said pointedly and with clear threat.
The feel of the telepath poking into his mind annoyed Erik. What right did he have after this... total betrayal?
I know how you can be Charles, but really. That was low. And now you'll pay for it from all angles.
Posted by Typhoid Mary on Mar 3, 2007, 6:54pm
"I'd be careful yourself, Lensherr," Typhoid said, tired of old mutants and their even older and larger egos.
Posted by The Man on Mar 3, 2007, 6:57pm
::Xavier's brow creased; he knew that tone. The mansion had just become a very dangerous place. Scott and Storm had been right, but their concern lay with the wrong person's intentions.:: *I didn't do it to cause you harm.*
Posted by Erik Magnus Lensherr on Mar 3, 2007, 6:59pm
Erik, ignoring Typhoid, made a face at the thought crossing his mind.
Really? Well that is news to me.
Posted by Mystique on Mar 3, 2007, 7:03pm
Mystique walked over and took Typhoid's gloved hand. "Don't do anything you'd regret, he's not worth it," she whispered in her ear, low enough so that the others wouldn't hear. "You're awful, you can't stand the idea of someone taking something away from you, even if it's a person," she said quietly to Erik.
Posted by Typhoid Mary on Mar 3, 2007, 7:06pm
"I'll try," Typhoid whispered, squeezing the womans hand.
Posted by Erik Magnus Lensherr on Mar 3, 2007, 7:07pm
Erik turned, approaching her until the few inches of height he had over her was visibly daunting. His hard were hard and cold as ice, perhaps more harsh than they had been since his childhood.
"Obviously you weren't as much mine as you so strongly proclaimed," he said in a cold tone. There was hurt as much as malice in his voice. "How did I ever believe what you told me? What was it, a month ago?"
Their time alone in his room that night had almost changed his mind. He had backed off Rogue, even put off Charles at the poolside on Valentine's Day. She had been about to tip the scale. And now this.
Posted by Mystique on Mar 3, 2007, 7:26pm
"You never loved me, I was just your tool, something to be used for more than one purpose," she said coldly. "You pushed me away, kept pushing me, so I stopped trying."
Posted by Erik Magnus Lensherr on Mar 3, 2007, 7:28pm
He was close, too close for anyone else to hear unless Charles was eavesdropping more mentally than physically. Erik was against her ear, the sensation as familiar as it had once been.
"You almost had me."
Posted by The Man on Mar 3, 2007, 7:40pm
::Xavier's eyes closed, as though in pain. Erik's words forced out what little fight had been left in him. He had no words.::
Posted by Mystique on Mar 3, 2007, 7:43pm
"It still doesn't change the fact that you used me. I did love you, but it hurt too much to love you," she said quietly.
Posted by Erik Magnus Lensherr on Mar 3, 2007, 7:46pm
Erik's sneering tone returned despite the pain.
"Well I'm glad I didn't get far enough to feel the same."
He spat the words, and half a glance at Charles told him he was already well into a guilt-trip. Erik had his flaws, but he wouldn't be held accountable for this.
"I suppose you're keeping it?"
Posted by Mystique on Mar 3, 2007, 7:49pm
Letting go of Typhoid's hand, she walked over to Charles, standing by him. "Of course I am. I choose him," she said softly. She watched Erik's sneer, and a part of her was breaking.
Posted by Erik Magnus Lensherr on Mar 3, 2007, 7:52pm
Erik laughed coldly.
"I can just see it now... little white picket fence... a dog called Buster or Fido... little blue-boy running around the grounds... of course you'll be f***ed if it's born human..."
Posted by Mystique on Mar 3, 2007, 7:56pm
"I don't care about that," she said, tone rising. "I don't care if he's human, mutant, or has three eyes, I'd still love him, especially knowing that his father isn't an ignorant cold-hearted b*stard like you."
When she spoke next her tone was full of hurt. "It could have been yours, Erik."
Posted by Erik Magnus Lensherr on Mar 3, 2007, 8:04pm
The words shook him thoroughly, but his hard reserve prevailed. He was stronger, colder, than to take in such a comment and let it hurt him on the outside.
He spoke in a whisper, pain and anger tangible.
"I'm glad it wasn't."
Posted by Mystique on Mar 3, 2007, 8:06pm
"So am I," she said quietly. Her voice low, she was hurting. Her wall of steel had started to break, until he uttered those words.
Posted by Erik Magnus Lensherr on Mar 3, 2007, 8:09pm
As they reached a makeshift conclusion Erik turned to Charles, the same expression firmly fixed on his face. What he wanted to say couldn't possibly be told aloud, and so he looked away again as the words drifted from his mind.
Starting to wish Storm hadn't interrupted us at the pool, old friend. Things could have been so different.
Posted by The Man on Mar 3, 2007, 8:13pm
::Xavier sat, shocked. Thoroughly drained. He didn't know what to say, or what to think. Mystique had just chosen him, confronted with Erik's anger. And he felt good about that, relieved, grateful that he wasn't the only one who intended to work these issues out. At the same time, he felt as though his blood was frozen. As though he had just witnessed the end of an era and the beginning of a new dawn.
Erik's voice in his mind yet again, he sighed slowly, everything draining out. Much like after the first parting, he didn't know what to feel.:: *They could have been, old friend.*
Posted by Erik Magnus Lensherr on Mar 3, 2007, 8:21pm
Erik turned slowly, walking away towards the grounds again, but his voice travelled back to Charles, totally void of emotion.
I'm glad it's not my fault this time... Payback of sorts I suppose... Perhaps karma... Good luck Charles.
At that last comment the emotion was set free, and Erik was far enough away to let his resolve collapse at last. His face too collapsed and he shut his eyes, treading the grass out to the exit gate of the grounds. There was sincerety within the grief when he next sent a thought.
I hope you're happy.