mind_over_metal | (no subject)

We.

Yes. She asked me if I would.

Ah.

[ exhales a short laugh ]

And I'm sure you told her she needn't be afraid to talk to me on her own.

That's not the point.

It's exactly the point. She came to me by herself the first time, she would've managed it again. But why should she bother if you're there to do it for her.

And my point is that I wouldn't actually be doing anything for her, which she would realise. This isn't all about you, and it's definitely not about me. I know that you know how many people have gotten involved in this, and that has to be dealt with.

You've already done it for her, Charles, you're doing it. As for anyone else, I don't give a goddamn, and it's really none of your business.

None of my business? Really? The world is larger than just the part of it that you want to keep. She is not yours to control, and whether or not you care, she cares and I'd think that would count for something.

She'll have to get used to the idea of people not liking me sooner or later.

That has nothing to do with- I just don't see the point in having her start unnecessary arguments with the people she cares about and who care about her, particularly when it's about something that will help her as well.

If it'll help her, then perhaps they're necessary arguments.

But what I'm saying is that at this point it would be helpful for her to have someone there so that she and everyone else can see that it's going to be fine and then we can all just move on. Unless you decide to prove everyone else right and it's not going to be fine, you could go ahead and do that, too.

No.

*not pleading or even questioning -- interrogating is more like it*

Why?

I mean the whole thing, Charles. With her, the others. I can't do it. Not with you.

*pauses, lips pulled into a tight line, then huffs a curt laugh*

...I almost told her "no."

But you didn't. Because we keep playing at this thing like we still have rights to each other's lives. But I already knew my answer before this.

*shoots back, voice getting a little louder in frustration*

This isn't about rights or possession or who has what, we're not siblings drawing a line down the middle of the bedroom, it's about doing the right thing for everyone involved.

[ likewise ]

There's no such thing, Charles.

Or the closest to right. Because that is all that we'll ever get, Erik, but it is something we can do.

Oh, good. I was worried I wouldn't be able to compromise myself for everyone else's comfort.

Then don't tell me that you're willing to do "anything."

[ scoffs through his teeth ]

Yes, you've managed to find the one measure I couldn't stomach.

What? Compromise? If the only options are all or nothing, you'll end up with a lot of nothing. And this hardly even- It wouldn't substantially change anything, it's a gesture. And a gesture can accomplish a lot.

I don't want what such a gesture would accomplish. I don't know how to make that clearer.