Chess in the Facility

[balancingminds]

Charles hasn't been able to find a door but he did find a rather beat up chess set in one of the staff rooms. The board's set up with a problem that he came across in a paper and he's trying to play through it to distract himself from mainly Erik.

He is concerned about getting Cerebro to work properly and Iris but his thoughts keep coming back to Erik, and chess has always been a type of meditation for him. He can focus on the tactics and variations as chess pieces don't have feelings.

Comments

[balancingminds]

"The truth, that we're stronger together and that there is another mutant who poses a great danger. We want to gather together to learn and be prepared for whatever Shaw or any others like him might do. Though I expect that you'll be the one speaking about Shaw. We're going to meet each of these new mutants together, Erik, no agents just mutant to mutant,"

Seeing the two of them working together will hopefully send a good message and Charles knows they'll work better as a team. Somehow he'll prove to Erik that he's needed and wanted for all of him.

[markedformore]

"I don't want to discuss what Shaw did to me," he informs Charles, hoping that's made clear. "He was a monster who remains at large and I won't have him haunting my nightmares by allowing him access through conversation of his crimes," he says icily.

[balancingminds]

"I know you don't and we don't want him doing it to anyone else. We don't even know if he'll come after us, but he might. I'm just trying to cover all possibilities,"

He doesn't like hiding what doesn't have to be hidden. Though he does understand why Erik doesn't wish to speak and he rubs the bridge of his nose as he looks over the board. It's also hard not to say anything about those nightmares but now isn't the best time.

[markedformore]

"Now that he knows I'm still out there, I don't want to know what he might have planned for me," Erik says darkly, moving a piece and finding that he has no appetite for the game or this conversation. "I'm growing tired. I should find some rest."

[balancingminds]

They always seem to end up here with what Erik doesn't want to think about or talk about. Including sleep and how he can help but that is put under best unsaid,

"Yes, everything looks a little clear with some rest."

[markedformore]

He rises to his feet, a lingering look given to the chess game. "I'll leave you to your own thoughts, then. I'm sure you'll want time to plan your next steps as well."

[balancingminds]

"Yes, as well as trying to get some sleep. Shall I leave the game as it is? We could continue it tomorrow?"

Erik's a challenging opponent and Charles wants more of this kind of quiet interaction, it feels hopeful.