Gaining Her Powers

[Erik Lensherr]

"She has nothing to worry about," Erik said dismissively, leaning back on the sofa. "I'm too old for such games." He inspected his old friend with the eye of an old lover; Charles looked thinner, and older than when he had seen him last. Though he probably looked similar. Age had that effect.

[The Man]

::The other man was grating Xavier's nerves today, unfortunate as he knew that Erik was indeed interested in no mischief. The discussion of Abigail, and of Raven's beliefs, was too much for him at the moment.:: "She has her reasons for believing that, intention or not on your part."

[Erik Lensherr]

Erik shrugged. "She can believe what she wants. My behavior will be nothing but good, and I shall continue to hope that she will relax around me. Are you two still together?" He asked curiously. It was likely that they were, as it had been years. But he hadn't been around in a while.

[The Man]

::Xavier's first instinct was to say "no," which spoke volumes about his emotional state. The "no" was not an answer borne from the fact that they currently kept separate rooms, but from his deeper hurt. However, he and Raven had not discussed the matter completely, and he could not say to that effect without giving her the opportunity to speak to him again. His reply was a terse,:: "Yes."

[Erik Lensherr]

Erik noted the terseness of the other man's tone, and assumed he was irritated with the questions regarding his relationship. "You seem tense, old friend," He remarked, a slightly concerned expression upon his face.

[The Man]

::Xavier sighed softly; "tense" did not begin to describe how he felt.:: "I am tired, Erik."

[Erik Lensherr]

"You should take the time to relax, then," He prescribed brightly. "Play a game of chess with me later; I've missed our games so." There was no chess partner like Charles.

[The Man]

"Not tonight," ::Xavier said simply. He was in no mood, and he would be unable to strategize, let alone keep his thoughts to himself.::

[Erik Lensherr]

Erik's expression sank slightly, and he nodded. Charles had said he was tired, and so perhaps he needed proper rest. "Well, I guess I will go settle in, then," He said, a bit awkwardly. Charles was acting odd today, and it was a bit unsettling.

[The Man]

"Your room is untouched," ::Xavier told the other man, which was true after he had warned Raven not to so much as go near the room.::

[Erik Lensherr]

Erik smiled at that. "And empty, but alas." He patted the other man's shoulder. "It is good to see you, Charles." He stood, straightening his shirt.

[The Man]

"It is good to see you as well, Erik," ::Xavier said, managing not to tense beneath the other man's touch. That, too, was not quite true at the moment.::

[Erik Lensherr]

With one last smile, Erik left the other man's office. His briefcase had enough metal in it to lift up and follow behind him, like a faithful dog.

[Mystique]

*******

It was a week or so after Erik returned. Raven had noticed, and only spoken briefly with Charles about it over breakfast. It had been a polite conversation, where she learned that Erik had simply come back for a place to stay. And so she avoided Erik completely.

That night, she was in her shared room with Charles, despite the fact that they were still sleeping apart. At the moment she was rooting around in her drawers for clothes for tomorrow. Most of her outfits were still in this room, after all.

[The Man]

::Xavier returned to his bedroom, exhausted and in need of time to himself. However...Raven was here.:: "Hello."