minded | leave a message. ( overflow & catch-call )

[ moved from here. ]

We've been kissing in the backseat of my car while traveling across the country, Erik, it's been very unethical and unproductive.

[ ha. ]

We've been working. Women's heels are just not very receptive to marble tile, that's all. Guess what the floors are made of in Langley.

And you were terribly impressed by her skill at falling down stairs?

Like I said. It was a very graceful fall. You would've been impressed too, I would think, if you'd agreed to come along.

I'm sure. But if I'd come along, then who would have kept an eye on things here?

Hank. Raven, even if she might hate it. She's quite clever, you know.

[ charles asked twice, in person, if erik would come along. he wasn't going to ask a third time, not when they're several states over by now, but still. would it have been so terrible to travel with moira, she's very nice.

maybe he was too subtle in asking? ]

How are you enjoying babysitting?

I know she is.

[Erik may know Raven better than Charles realizes.]

I should have come with you.

[ children are a handful, aren't they. and anyway— ]

We're not moving for at least another couple of days. You could free yourself from the children for a weekend.

I suppose I could. I think Hank would prefer that I did.

You do have a very [ fascinating ] intimidating presence. Sometimes you glower.

Should we expect you soon?

[ say yes. or no, but then charles will be sad again. ]

I do not glower.

[Yes he does.]

Where might I find you?

[ erik absolutely glowers. charles loves it, it's delightful to watch.

he does send the address for a nice hotel in langley, though. he's not staying in the agency dorms, he has some self-respect. ]

Might I ask a favour, if you're headed this way? There's some artisanal cheeses in the kitchen I've been hiding from the children. Could you bring it along, please?

Cheese. You get some time away from a house full of teenagers and you want cheese?

[Charles really knows how to live it up.]

I'll be there as soon as I can.

Is there something wrong with cheese?

[ he's genuinely perplexed here; he likes the cheese he has at home, and erik will be coming by from home. surely it's not too much to ask? they could share the cheese. it's very good cheese. ]

You don't have to rush on my account, Erik.

[ but he'd love it if you did. something about polite society demanding he not insist so plainly, or seem overeager; that would be so gauche. ]

There's nothing wrong with cheese.

[It's just so pedestrian. Which is exactly what he would expect from Charles, honestly.]

It's not on your account. It's on account of several teenagers who don't know how to control their abilities.

[ oy, now. ]

It's why we're training them to have better control of their powers. To prepare them if they ever wish to reintegrate with society, and protect others like us when they do not.

But yes. Cheese. I have bread, you have cheese, we'll have a nice afternoon or after-dinner tête-à-tête with them.

I know we're training them. That doesn't mean I want to deal with them in this particular moment.]

[As for their differing opinions on mutants' ability to live among humans, that isn't the point of this conversation.]

Tête-à-tête? Charles, you're making it sound so fancy.

Would you rather I said we were having a heart-to-heart? A one-on-one? Would it be more palatable to say we're having a brunch under an agency tree?

[ he can make this as corny as possible. this is only a sampling. ]

If you add some cherries and a bread roll, it'll be a proper picnic.

I am not bringing cherries with me. Just cheese.

You're starting to make staying here sound preferable.

Cheese, then. Wonderful. And you would rather have the children yelling in your ear? Erik.

A bit of sunblock wouldn't hurt you. Vitamin D, as they say! Good for the skin, good for everyone.

Is this your way of telling me you think I should get out more?

Only if it's working. If it isn't, it's an invitation to come visit me and get away from the children. I can be flexible.

[ he's bored out of his damned mind, erik. the agency's brightest are soporific. ]

Shall I bring the chess set along with the cheese?

[Not everyone can be geniuses like Charles and Erik.]

I'd be delighted if you did. But only if it's not too much to pack.

[ ever the optimist: they'll find the time to play. charles will make time, if necessary. ]

I can find room for a chess set. I'll put it next to the cheese.

[Yes he will tease Charles mercilessly. He will also play a game of chess with him.]

Already my day is turning for the better. Thank you, my friend. I look forward to seeing you soon!

[ now to annoy moira into getting them adjacent rooms, because this is perfectly normal behaviour! ]

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