Continuing on.

[helpmeguideit]

Continued from.

[ Charles arrived shortly after Erik. He had his driver drop him off at the other side of the park so that he could approach Erik on his own. He approached the bench and saw Erik. He nodded towards him. ]

My friend.

Comments

[helpmeguideit]

What have you made me, Erik?

[ Those words maybe came out with more edge and sharpness to them than Charles had intended. He may also be dodging the question. ]

[e4e5nf3nc6nc3nf6]

[Erik canted his head, wincing slightly. It was more of a shudder internally, a cold feeling that rippled through his body from head to toe. Putting words to such things as this made the more real. gave them permanency. He bowed his head in shame, grateful for the hat hiding his remorse.]

I've crippled you.

[helpmeguideit]

Yes, you have.

[ Charles makes an attempt to look Erik in the eyes. ]

And it was unintentional. I would still like for you to come back with me.

[e4e5nf3nc6nc3nf6]

I didn't think, Charles. I wasn't thinking about who was standing there... about who could've been hurt.

[helpmeguideit]

...Erik. That -- it happened. That's my point.

[e4e5nf3nc6nc3nf6]

[Erik took pause, considering Charles carefully. It was tempting, Charles' offer. But there was the reality of it to consider.]

And you still want me to come back? What do the kids think?

[helpmeguideit]

I did not ask them.

[ It wasn't that he didn't care, but he knew their answers. They were betrayed, but they didn't hate Erik. ]

[e4e5nf3nc6nc3nf6]

And have you given any thought to the chance that I would agree and return with you right now? How they might react to that?

[helpmeguideit]

I have given it plenty of thought. And they have thought about it, too.

[e4e5nf3nc6nc3nf6]

You don't think it's a poor idea?

[helpmeguideit]

I'm asking, aren't I?

[e4e5nf3nc6nc3nf6]

I don't think it's the best idea, Charles.

[helpmeguideit]

I've had better ideas...

I'm fond of this one, though.

[e4e5nf3nc6nc3nf6]

And Raven? I couldn't leave her behind with... them. [It was clear from the disgust oozing from the single word that Erik didn't hold his new colleagues in very high regard. Most of this stems form their previous and eager association with the bane of Erik's existence.]

[helpmeguideit]

Raven is able return at anytime. She's my sister. [ And she always would be to him. ]

[e4e5nf3nc6nc3nf6]

I'll have to talk to her. I can't just... I can't make that decision for her. And I can't leave her alone with them.

[helpmeguideit]

Naturally, Erik. I didn't expect you decide for her, and I didn't expect you to say yes right away. You also know where I live.

[e4e5nf3nc6nc3nf6]

Yes, I know. [It was the one thing, the one piece of information that Erik guarded fiercely from his new companions. He didn't put it past them to wreak havoc on Charles' and his students in an effort to earn brownie points with their new leader. As for Raven, Erik had doubts she'd opt to stay with them, that lot of borderline psychotic sycophants.

Erik bowed his head, trying to contain the swell of conflicting feelings. Charles forgave him, that meant so much. Some part of him expected it, while another feared it would never happen. But still, to live with Charles again, to have to see daily that chair the man he respected and admired was no confined to because of Erik's carelessness... That was a cruel penance.] We won't keep you waiting any longer than necessary, my friend.

[helpmeguideit]

[ Charles nodded. ] I hope to hear back from you soon. Not to soon. { He had hoped they would at least think on it without immediately saying no or yes. Charles knew that neither answer would be easy. ]

I do want you to truly consider it.

[e4e5nf3nc6nc3nf6]

I shall. [He gave a small nod in assurance. There was a delay before he looked over to Charles with a curious expression.] Is that all you wanted?

[helpmeguideit]

[ Charles nodded and bowed his head. ] For now, yes.

[e4e5nf3nc6nc3nf6]

[Erik rose from his seat on the bench and tipped his hat to Charles.] You'll be hearing from me soon. Until then, you know how to find me.

[helpmeguideit]

[ Charles simply nodded and watched his friend leave. ]