mind_over_metal | (no subject)

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[at some point after this, shortly before the end of November, Charles goes out searching for a certain Master of Magnetism]

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*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.

*frustration tearing at his voice*

It would let you get what you want.

Always the authority on what I want.

Do you want me to make a list? I could.

By all means.

*his expression suddenly still, his voice suddenly burning cold*

...there is so much. So, so much.

Vanya to be able to protect herself. The others to be able to protect themselves. You having the power to see your plans through. To have that power be accepted by the other mutants here, because now you know what it's like not to be alone. Acceptance. Not in the sense of liking or even tolerance, but... acknowledgment. To be seen. And then not be denied. From them. Your daughter. Me. And that same kind of acceptance extended to others.

You want something great. You want the world.

But you want safety. God, do you want safety. And there is nothing smaller than that.

No. Nothing.

*purses his lips before biting out his reply, looking displeased though not particularly troubled*

Was that acceptable?

Evidently not, if you know so much and still don't comprehend.

Yes, obviously, I'm the one who's failing to understand, there couldn't possibly be the slightest flaw in anything that you're thinking.

And what makes you think you will fix it, Charles? You failed before, didn't you?

*a quick flash of closing off, hiding, before he lets the hurt show*

Someone has to try. Any dream worth having is a dream worth fighting for.

That's all it is.

Not that. It's- From before. With the both of us. You believed it, too. Or wanted to, at least.