They know your secrets and you know theirs

[magneticfields]

WHO: Erik & YOU
WHAT: Rick's Bar might not be the most happening joint, but the new bartender is pretty easy on the eyes. If you're into older guys.
WHERE: Rick's
WHEN: October
WARNINGS: Nothing yet, will update if necessary.



[ Full time work at a bar that doesn't get much foot traffic means that Erik has plenty of time to clean. The divey joint hasn't been this clean in years. Depending on the time of day, anybody who happens in may find him meticulously slicing up garnishes that will probably never be used, hand-drying pint glasses so they don't get water spots, or just polishing all the brass fittings around the bar and the booths.

As he works, his mind is occupied with everything he's seen and started to suspect about what, exactly, is going on here. He has some theories but nothing firm enough to bring to anybody. But since he attended the meeting with the Heart, he's hoping to network with some of the other potential resistance members.

With all of this on his mind, he might not notice when somebody walks in, appearing to be utterly absorbed in whatever tarnish or dust he's trying to eliminate. Eventually, though, he'll realize he's not alone. ]

Ah. What can I get for you?

[ Maybe not the warmest welcome by objective standards, but for him this is positively effusive. ]


OOC: will match format!

Comments

[axiomed]

Perhaps it's not as random as it seems.

[ charles watches erik slow down, the subconscious movement of cleaning before he reaches out to touch his wrist. ]

What is there to think about?

[magneticfields]

[ Erik sets down the glass. And meets Charles' eye. ]

This isn't... It's not a question of what I feel or if I'm ready.

[ It's not just important to him, it's vital that Charles understand that. He folds his hand over Charles'. ]

I've attended a few meetings. Passed messages along. I don't know where this is going and this isn't like Genosha. I don't have backup. I don't have security. I'm not even sure what we're up against, here.

[axiomed]

[ they've always looked at their differences first than similarities. mostly when they clashed. and uncertainty seems terrifying, after everything. charles squeezes erik's hand, smiling softly. ]

Neither am I.

But we'll do better together.

[magneticfields]

[ Erik's hand tightens into a fist. He speaks quieter, as if he's worried they might be over heard.

Who knows. Maybe the dog is bugged. ]

Is it wise to show our hand like this?

[axiomed]

[ charles' eyes twinkle at that as he switches to his telepathy. ]

Perhaps not. But it is equally unwise of them to make enemies of us.

[magneticfields]

[ Erik smiles slightly, though it doesn't quite reach his eyes. He's not trying to push it, but the echoes of what exactly he's afraid of would be hard to miss if Charles is in his mind anyway. Alles ist gut. I'll turn myself myself in, just let them go. ]

I'm treading dangerous waters, Charles. I can't ask you to do that as well when you've barely gotten your bearings.

[axiomed]

[ old, remembered pain. charles feels it like a phantom ache. he exhales quietly and replies in a firm voice. ]

You don't have to. We'll tread those waters. Together.

[ what more could he lose? charles is willing to fight. ]

[magneticfields]

[ Erik looks away, feeling ashamed of himself. His own weakness. His failures. All the shortcomings that meant he would never be the man he wanted to be for Charles. ]

When I lost Magda and Nina. I wouldn't have come back if it weren't for you. If I lose you...

[ His throat tightens. That all-consuming rage and grief that he nearly drowned in until once again Charles reached down and pulled him up. ]

I don't know if I will come back.

[axiomed]

[ charles can't fully refute that. raven is gone and charles, for the most part, has gotten very lucky over the years. he knows how tenuous the line of grief and rage is, especially for erik.

charles covers erik's knuckles with his fingers, clasping the hand. no tremors, no fear. no regret. ]

And I still think the safest place for me to be is with you. We've parted, many times. But we've always found a way to come back.

I trust that. I trust us.

[magneticfields]

[ Somehow, the depth of Charles' faith in him is still surprising. His hand tightens in Charles'. They've exhausted the topic at this point. Nothing to do but wait to see who was ultimately right in their predictions, whether dire or hopeful. He sighs. ]

Easy for you to say. If I'm right you won't be around to deal with the aftermath.

[ His tone is dry. Gracious in his defeat, as always. ]

[axiomed]

[ charles pats his hand with a sunny smile. ]

If you're right, you can use all the "I told you so" you've been saving up.

[magneticfields]

What makes you think I have any saved up? I've been right for the last thirty years.

[ Huff. ]

[axiomed]

Then I admire your commitment in keeping them to yourself.