XMFC/Where's Scott?

[diecastking]

The fire is roaring in the grate, the drawing room an insulated haven from the chilly expanse of the mansion. Despite Hank and Alex's experiments with capturing Havok power, the old building remains draughty and difficult to warm.

However, Erik is perfectly content. He is sitting on the sofa, Charles sprawled across his lap in a position that would've been completely impossible only a few months ago. He rests his elbow on the arm of the sofa, a book of philosophy open but it's his lover who holds his attention, his hand softly caressing his hair.

Charles has never looked more content, more relaxed. The only sting in the tail is that Erik cannot feel his happiness, one step removed from the intimacy they once shared.

Comments

[guideshapelead]

"I don't need Erik!" Charles snaps in his panic.

"I can look after myself."

[diecastking]

Suddenly, Erik hears his name in his head, shouted as if in panic.

//Charles! What's wrong?//

[guideshapelead]

Charles hadn't meant to call for Erik, and now he's truly stuck for what to say.

//Nothing... I'm fine//

[diecastking]

//You don't sound fine. I'm coming upstairs.//

Erik makes his excuses and starts moving, trying not to panic.

[guideshapelead]

//Downstairs// Charles winces, knowing the game is up.

//I'm downstairs. With Hank.//

[diecastking]

Erik runs then, but finds that his lover is merely sitting in his wheelchair in front of Hank's lab.

"What...what are you doing here?"

[guideshapelead]

"I'm no mind-reader, but I think the Professor was trying to raid my supplies," Hank fills in for Erik, the guilty blush on Charles' cheeks showing the truth of the matter.

[diecastking]

Erik is dismayed, looking at his lover as if he has just declared his allegiance to Germany.

"You...you lied to me?"

[guideshapelead]

Charles cannot look at Erik, his guilt written clear across his face and the hunch of his shoulders as he continues to stare down at the floor.

He does not know what to say, knowing that he has been caught red-handed.

[diecastking]

Erik is incensed.

"I don't know you," he spits, and turns to walk away.

[guideshapelead]

//Erik...// Charles tries to call him back, though he can offer no excuse for his behaviour.

[diecastking]

Erik keeps walking, slamming up the walls inside his mind.

He is too angry for excuses and apologies.