[Video]

[groovy_mutation]

[It has been a little while now, since things cooled down after everything that had happened. Charles' head didn't feel like it was going to cave in from everything he'd had to feel and hear in his mind anymore, which was a plus, but it didn't mean he wasn't working said mind into a migraine trying to think of anything or way to prevent the experiments from happening again.

He figured that it couldn't hurt to try and talk to them again. Them being the ones who brought them here. Who did those things to everyone.]

Dax, I believe it was? I would like to speak with you again, if I could. Or if you're busy, then I wouldn't mind someone else. I think you mentioned a Jason? Either way, I would like a word with someone.

[Charles will try to not seem like he's trying to pick a fight. As he isn't. He just wants answers. And maybe, just maybe, he can try again to peek into their minds.]

Erik, if you're also not busy. I would like to speak with you as well, please.

[He hasn't been able to keep track of him at all. He can no longer feel Erik in the Tower, but he's going to assume it's that helmet, before he worries something else has happened. No response to this and he'll worry.]

Comments

[token_vengeance]

[And he shoots Charles the look he shot him right after he said 'just following orders.' Erik can't believe you just said that.]

Really? I'm so glad you're willing to help a madman, Charles. How magnanimous of you.

You'll even kiss one back, to attempt to calm him down.

I'm impressed at how selfless you are.

[groovy_mutation]

That's enough, Erik.

[Charles is surprised at the anger in his own voice, but he can't help it. He understands Erik is under a lot of stress, that he's not handling any of this very well at all. In all honestly Charles isn't either, but he choices to put on a face that shows otherwise.

It forces his friend to take everything he says the wrong way, though at times Charles does deserve it.]

You're still recovering from what happened not long ago, your obviously paranoid wearing that thing. Paranoid of the tower of me-- [It hurt to say it, but he always thought it. Every time Erik wore that it was a slap in the face, even if he didn't mean it that way.]

And I know we have to get out of here, but we can't keep tearing at each other like this.

And the fact you still think I did that for that reason...

[And he realizes perhaps he's reacting badly, but it was tiring having Erik come at him like this. Accusing him of doing something because he thought he was so better than him, so selfless and perfect. But he'll calm himself a little, running hands through his hair, looking away from the screen. His lips twisted into a displeased frown.]

If you really believe that, Erik, then I'm afraid to ask what else you believe of me.

[token_vengeance]

I'm not paranoid of you, damn it.

[Erik clenches his hand.]

But I'm not going to let this tower in my head. With whatever they might attempt.

[Erik runs a finger along the bridge of his nose; he wants the helmet off, he does. It's heavy, makes his head hurt. But he just can't right now. But he does soften, slightly.

And no, Charles wouldn't want to know what Erik thought of him.

So instead...]

I'm sorry.

[groovy_mutation]

Well you act like it.

[He'll snap back. And instantly he's trying to calm down, deep breaths, fighting won't get them any where. Much like he himself said. Helped if he took his own advice.

Blue eyes glance up at the apology, and he'll lift his head a little.]

... as am I. I seem to keep saying everything but the right thing as of late.

[token_vengeance]

Sure you aren't projecting, friend?

[Erik falls silent for a few moments, looking down. His eyes are regarding the chocolate bar for a while.]

We've both been put under a lot of stress.

[groovy_mutation]

I'm certain. But perhaps much like you I'm... paranoid.

[Paranoid that Erik wants to keep him out, push him away. For every little he lets him back in, the next day it feels like they take a step back.]

So we have.

[And Charles is quiet for a moment, before he tries to bring certain things up again.]

You do understand why things happened as they did that night, don't you Erik? You don't actually think those things you said do you...? [He really hoped not.]

... did you regret it?

[token_vengeance]

[Erik sighs, and finally takes off the helmet. He needs to run his hand through his hair.]

I don't understand, actually.

[He looks down, pressing his lips together, as he struggles. He regrets it...and he doesn't. It's complicated. So instead he'll take the easy way out for now, a rarity.]

Do you?

[groovy_mutation]

You look much better without that on you know.

[A soft smile, and he'll run his hand through his own hair.]

So you think I kissed you just to kiss you? Erik... [A sigh. But it isn't so easy to just come right out and admit things. Erik is really the first person he's felt a genuine attraction to. More than just physical. It was everything, it was why even though he drove him crazy and they argued and bickered... why he could still come back every time and still manage to smile. To enjoy time with him. To enjoy Erik as a whole. Even with the flaws. Erik wouldn't be him without them.]

No. No I don't. I regret things I did that night, but that was not one of them.

[token_vengeance]

I don't wear it for fashion.

[A strange wash of emotions flash over Erik's face, but then it settles on a hesitant, guarded look of hope.]

And what exactly do you regret, then?

[groovy_mutation]

Am I not allowed to tease?

[He's trying to ease the mood a little.]

I regret causing you pain, emotional or not. I regret hurting you, Erik.

[token_vengeance]

You're allowed to do whatever you want.

[Erik flexes and clenches a hand once, twice.]

I shouldn't have done it--kissing you.

[Honesty.]

But I don't regret it.

[groovy_mutation]

[And at this admission Charles feels lighter from this whole conversation.]

I'm glad. I would have been rather disappointed if you did.

[token_vengeance]

What, because you want to do it again?

[groovy_mutation]

Now you're just putting words into my mouth.

[But he's pleased that things seem to have finally settled... they're on good ground again. He's trying not to smile right now, and it's all Erik's fault.]

[token_vengeance]

[He could say something about other things in mouths, but he doesn't.]

Now why would I do that?

[groovy_mutation]

Why would you indeed.

[Erik. Erik you are lucky he's not close by, getting that little thought would just "GOODNESS ERIK".]

... so can I hope to see you sometime soon, then?

[token_vengeance]

We'll see.

[groovy_mutation]

I will see you around then.

[Because Charles is sure he will.]