Coming Home

[prefers_magneto]

Erik paced in the spacious front hall of the house. The others were avoiding him as he waited for Charles' return. Moira had gone to pick him up. It was argued that her credentials would make things go more smoothly if questioned and that Erik's temper could only cause more problems than it'd solve.

So he waited.

He heard and felt the car approach and he moved out front, flinging the door open ahead of himself using his power.

Comments

[usingmyassets]

Well, having a metal manipulator made certain things handy. Others not so much. She had been the one to insist on going to pick up Charles when he was discharged form the hospital, knowing that Erik really had no temperament for such things, and well, Charles was his lovely bubbly self. And by that, he was the worst patient ever.

Moira pulled the car up to the door, then got out, walking around to get the chair out of the trunk, before finally going to Charles' side

"Erik, can you come and help, please?"

She had seen the doors open as they pulled open, and she knew he was waiting.

[arethebettermen]

It was rather hard to be a good patient when you knew exactly what the doctor was going to say to you. Charles knew long before they even said the words that he was never going to walk again. It wasn't difficult to figure out on his own. If one could no longer feel their legs after a large piece of metal had been flown into your lower spine? The chances of walking again were extremely slim.

Perhaps he was in a bad mood because of it. Regardless of how he heard the news, it was news that someone should never have to hear. On top of Kennedy's address about "The Cuban Missile Crisis" as they were now coining it. Which, of course, left out any mutants. He thought that was for the best.

Charles glanced up at the mansion as they arrived. He remained silent the whole ride home, not even answering Moira's thoughts. The doors flung open and he sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. He hated the feeling that they had to take care of him.

"I am capable of doing it on my own." Charles sighed. "Thank you, my dear."

He knew that striking out wouldn't help. Hence the apology.

[prefers_magneto]

Erik knew his actions had led - however unintentionally - to this situation. Charles had said so in no uncertain terms back on the beach. As he stepped outside, Charles turning down Moira's request for his help made him hesitate. He hung back, near the door.

He said nothing as they got him out of the car, he only watched, his hands in his pockets.

[arethebettermen]

Did the fault matter at this point? He was very aware that Erik would do the same thing if the situation had played out again. Perhaps he would be a bit more mindful of the battlefield, but ultimately things would not be changed.

It took a bit of work but Charles situated himself in the wheelchair. His eyes finally went over to Erik. There was a nod to his friend.

"I assume things have gone well here while I was busy." Charles smiled. "It is good to see you, Erik. Despite what you might think."

[prefers_magneto]

"As long as you still know what I think, then everything must be back to normal," Erik replied with false nonchalance.

He'd kept the helmet. It was in his room. Even if he never put it on again, it was something of a gruesome trophy; he'd taken Shaw's head. But part of him was aware that his having used it to keep Charles from stopping him forcibly might be an issue between them.

"Come inside and have a Scotch."

[usingmyassets]

Moira swallowed her irritation at both of them dancing metaphorically around them, and followed Charles into the house.

"It's okay, Charles. Does the Scotch also include me, Erik?"

[arethebettermen]

"I have been hesitant." Charles admits but shakes his head. That is a conversation for another time.

He glanced up at Moira as he sensed her irritation. She had the tendency to think rather loudly after all. "I would hope so."

[prefers_magneto]

"If you like," Erik said indifferently.

The humans firing on them - two warring tribes of humans, as it were, coming together against them - had soured him on mutant-human relations and any possibility for peace. He was trying things Charles' way, but he was doing that for Charles, not because he thought it was effective or smart. There was guilt, because his actions had led to Charles' condition and because, even knowing what would happen, to eliminate Shaw, he would do it again.

"It's Charles' stash anyway."

[usingmyassets]

Moira couldn't help the fact she thought loudly. It was a habit. And she was still getting used to having another person in her head, anyways.

"Very well then. I'll be right back." Moira moved off to fetch the Scotch and glasses, seeking any way of getting away from the tension for even a second.

[arethebettermen]

Charles watched her walk away before turning his attention back to his friend. "I have the distinct feeling that Moira will be making several decisions for us in the near future."

[prefers_magneto]

Erik's eyes narrowed slightly. He had serious problems with other people deciding anything for him.

"What sorts of decisions?"

[usingmyassets]

After fetching the Scotch and glasses and taking a few moments to recover from the overload of male testosterone, Moira returned just in time to hear Erik's question.

"Yes, what kind of decisions?" She poured the drinks, and set them by both men, before pouring herself a healthy bit and sitting nearby. Moira smoothed her skirt over her knees, and looked between both Erik and Charles.