XMFC/Interview season

[guideshapelead]

Charles can barely keep still as he sits in the passenger seat of Erik's car, watching the world fly by outside. It's a long drive to Boston and the man they know lives there, a mutant not unlike the Professor himself. Telepathic, though not nearly as powerful, but also gifted with telekinetic skills. More importantly, he has a degree in Chemistry and currently works as a chemist. He's just what they need for their school staff.

"Do you think he'll want to join us?" He asks Erik, uncharacteristically nervous about the meeting. It's one thing, recruiting children - they're scared, most of the time, and are over the moon at the news that there are others of their kind. This man? He's grown up that way. He's too old, now, for the promise of something better to sweep him straight of his feet. There'll be resistance, Charles imagines, and he'd feel wrong forcing him in any way.

Comments

[diecastking]

For once, Erik is more optimistic than Charles.

"I defy anyone to resist your persuasion, Charles," he says, drumming on the steering wheel. They probably would've reached Boston quicker on the motorbike but Charles still doesn't entirely trust it.

[guideshapelead]

"The man's a telepath too, Erik," Charles points out with a subtle roll of his eyes.

"There's only so much persuasion I can give him."

[diecastking]

Erik glances over at Charles, eyes drifting to his lips and opening his mind to share with Charles exactly what he's thinking.

//I've found your mouth to be very persuasive//

[guideshapelead]

//And that's for you, only// Charles sends back, though he's laughing out loud at the thought. It calms some of his agitation, to joke this way with Erik.

//If he doesn't want to work with us, there's nothing I can do to change that//

[diecastking]

Erik shrugs easily.

//If he doesn't, he's a fool//

[guideshapelead]

//Perhaps I should be happy if he declines// Charles smiles.

//You might prefer him//

[diecastking]

Erik rolls his eyes.

//There is no one I prefer to you. Except perhaps James Dean//

[guideshapelead]

Charles laughs at that, relaxing further into his seat. Of course he knows that, trusts that Erik wouldn't stray.

"How much longer until we're there?"

[diecastking]

Erik glances at his watch.

"Ten minutes. Though, with your map-reading..."

[guideshapelead]

"I'm a scientist," Charles scowls down at the map across his lap.

"I don't need to be able to read maps."

[diecastking]

Erik leans over, laughs, and turns the map the right way up.

"Which way is it, liebe?"

[guideshapelead]

Turning the map straight back the way he'd had it before, Charles traces the road with a finger.

"Ri- left. Left."

[diecastking]

Erik swings the car to the left, expertly cutting in front of a car to turn into the small residential suburb. He'd driven in Rome - Boston is nothing.

[guideshapelead]

"Erik!" Charles exclaims as they make the last minute turning, cutting up the car to their side.

"Let's try and get there in one piece?"

[diecastking]

"Close your eyes," Erik says, trying to ignore the vibes of muted fear from his lover. "What you can't see won't hurt you."

[guideshapelead]

//Then I'll just see it through your eyes// Charles points out.

//And anyway, who'd be map-reader//

[diecastking]

"It's fine - I'll just prop it up on the windowscreen," Erik says nonchalantly, pulling up outside a well-appointed house with a fish pond and a porch swing.

[guideshapelead]

"Oh good, we're here," Charles sounds more chirpy than necessary as the car comes to a halt. He may just try and sleep for the journey home.

[diecastking]

Erik gets out and fetches the wheelchair the old-fashioned way, lifting it out of the boot and placing it by Charles' door.

They're already attracting some looks from nosey neighbours, but Erik's glare is enough to stop curtains twitching.

[guideshapelead]

Getting himself into his chair, Charles frowns at the sight of the steps leading up to the front door.

"I shall require some assistance, I'm afraid."

[diecastking]

But the front door is already opening and a young man in his late twenties bounds down the stairs, all floppy brown hair and bright blue eyes.

"Come round the back - there's a ramp."

[guideshapelead]

Impressed, Charles follows the man around to the back of his house.

"It was kind of you to see us today," he says as they go.

[diecastking]

Erik follows the two of them, wondering at the energy of the man as he talks animatedly. "It was no trouble at all. When you sent me the letter about the school, I had to meet you. I've always been passionate about teaching."

"So has Charles," Erik says warmly.

[guideshapelead]

"Yes, we spoke on the phone," James doesn't let up for breath, guiding them into his living room and offering Erik a seat before taking one himself.

"I taught at Cambridge, when I was doing my doctorate. I wish I'd stayed and done more, but... life gets in the way, does it not?"

[diecastking]

Erik smiles, caught up in the young man's enthusiasm. "We've taken our lives into our own hands. And we're looking for teachers who might wish to join us."