atomickings | 1962 - Post-Nuclear War

Have a good night?

[Shaw is in a good mood today. It's beautiful weather outside, Emma is gorgeous, Erik is desolate, and for the first time in a very long time he can walk around his own home - dungeon really, but he lives somewhere floors above so it all counts as is home - without that ugly helmet. The novelty had worn off not long after keeping Charles Xavier on the premises and essentially having to wear the helmet everywhere he went, or to have Emma constantly cloak his mind, or to trust in the craftsmanship of the walls of his personal bedroom that were supposed to be psychic proof. But bullshit. Shaw hasn't gotten this far trusting anything and it's not until that little blue minx of Xavier's tries to take down a guard and demands to know what they did with Charles that he finally, finally takes the damn thing off.

And it is a beautiful thing to be free in his own home. So excuse the smile; he's feeling awfully good today.]

You know, the guards told me you wouldn't say a word last night. Wouldn't eat your dinner either. And here I thought you'd appreciate a decent steak.

[Shaw comes right up to the door of Charles' cell, fingers curling around the thick beams embedded in concrete. Crude, but not a damn speck of metal in this place just in case someone got heroic ideas in their thick skull.] What's the matter Xavier? Cat got your tongue?

[ for a moment he ponders being silent, simply to be obstinate.

actually, that sounds like a lovely idea. the man in front of him is someone he'd rather never let through even an inch. he knows what he's done to Erik, and that in and of itself is enough to send rage boiling through his veins - whether it be his own, or Erik's -- but it can't be Erik's now, Erik is out of reach, and that makes Charles entirely happy to be obstinate to Sebastian Shaw. he merely stares him down as he grasps onto the bars, watches him through thick lashes as if he might be able to read his mind if he got close enough. he thinks he just might be able to catch glimpses of thought, but he's not so sure if it's a realistic thing or if it's simply the sliminess that oozes off the other man.

it's disgusting, and he doesn't particularly want anything to do with the other man. he lets the silence instead stretch on uncomfortably long before finally responding. ] I don't trust you not to poison me at this point. [ cold, almost as icy as that particular telepath that Shaw has by his side most of the time. ]

I don't know what you're attempting to do, but isn't this the opposite of what your objective was? Weren't you attempting to create a world of mutants? By taking powers away, you're entirely invalidating your cause, my friend. Just something I've noticed. [ he offers an entirely false smile. ]

Edited 2014-07-30 04:20 (UTC)

[Shaw's prepared for silence. He's prepared for a lot of things. The thing about Shaw is that he's ready for literally anything that might get thrown his way. Lehnsherr tracking him down and attempting to kill him? Called it. Xavier talking him out of it at the last moment because they'd fucked once or twice and Erik thought they had a connection? Sweet little plot twist, but not outside the realm of possibility.

But this. The world's greatest telepath locked up and powerless (Sorry Emma dear, he thinks lightly on the not-so-off chance she's listening in). And his dear kleinen Erik? Returned to him after all these years. By his side, even. More or less. (Less than he wants, but more than he'd banked on, so it evens out in the end.)]

Poison you? Charles, I'm hurt. What could I possibly gain for your death? And besides, Magneto would be devastated if you died. I think he likes you, you know.

[He tilts his head and smiles, all teeth and curled lips and a very, very sick enjoyment.] I'm attempting to teach your little fuckbuddy some manners. He had them, once - or I'd been trying to teach them, anyway. You're a professor, you know how difficult some students can be. [He'll let Charles take from that what implications he will.] He needs to be punished. He cares about you. Not that many dots to connect, doc.

[ the man's very presence seems to make him angry, and part of him wishes he hadn't been able to talk Erik out of this. part of him wishes that Erik had been able to take this man out before the entire world went to hell, before they'd been placed on this island. he's not prone to violence, but he'd like very much to be violent towards the other man at the moment.

he breathes slowly. calms his mind, has to calm himself down before he says things that can be twisted against him. ]

Considering you've shot me with a needle full of something, I can only wonder. [ he answers dryly, sarcastically. he doesn't rise to the bait with Erik, knowing full well the other man is going to use every single little thing he can against him. but Shaw continues. and Erik being referred to as his fuckbuddy, Shaw's student, everything is terribly wrong the way that Shaw maps it out. ]

I don't know why you'd use me to try to manipulate him. It won't work anymore. He's not a child anymore; I sincerely doubt you'll get what you want from him. [ he has faith in Erik. entirely completely has faith in him. Erik wouldn't try to join this man in any way, if anything, Erik's bound to try to kill him again. ] If anything, you should be thanking me. I saved your life from him trying to kill you.

[ he closes his eyes. ] Big mistake, that was.

[See, Charles might think that about himself but Shaw's been absolutely floored by the number of people in the world who are, in fact, prone to violence given the right circumstances. Limits are so - what's the word, he totally he had something here - oh hell, whatever, limiting, and Shaw likes to think he enjoys a life without limits. He thoroughly predicts Erik and Charles will enjoy it too, given the right push. Some people just take time.

Yeah, how's that going for you? The whole not giving him ammunition bit? Funny how many things look like bullets when you yourself are a weapon.]

Not a needle full of something. Only the very best in cutting edge medicine for our esteemed guest. How are you feeling, by the way? Your Beast told us headaches and a mild fever at first would be normal. You should really drink the water the guards brought you. Dehydration's bound to make it worse. [What's the matter, Charles? Don't like that Shaw knows about your little arrangement with Lehnsherr? Or that Shaw was Erik's teacher long before you ever were?]

You know, you say that... [He sighs and leans back, hands slipping into his pockets as he tsks.] Magneto's already giving me what I want. It might as well be a done deal. Not [and a hand comes up, a placating smile] that I'm counting my chickens before they hatch. I learned that lesson long ago. But it's so nice to see that we can pick up right where we left off. It's like the decades just fade away.

[The hand falls and he tilts his head as he observes Charles. Under the carefree arrogance is a burning curiosity and possessiveness that leaves no room for argument.] You're right, where are my manners? Thank you, Charles Xavier. Thank you for bringing Magneto home, right where he belongs. Thank you for helping me create what I've been able to create. Because to be honest, none of this would have been possible without you so bravo, sir. Bravo.

[ he can't quite help it truthfully, he doesn't really know what he's really capable of without his powers, but apparently Shaw inspires rather unusual behaviors in someone, don't they? so far, he's able to restrain himself from violence.

at least thus far. ]

You think you may have neutered me, by taking my power away from me. Or perhaps -- [ he smiles after a moment. ] You're afraid of me, Mr. Shaw. You're afraid of what I might do, you're afraid of what might happen. That's why you're doing this. You know fully well I could stop you, just as soon as my powers return to me. [ he wrinkles his nose at the water, turns away. ]

His name is Erik. And he's not picking up where you left off, obviously. The man abhors you. He wants to kill you. And he will. Next time, I won't stop him.

[That's all Shaw's after, really. It's amazing what people are capable of when they just stop caring. He wouldn't want to die at Charles' hands, of course, but knowing that he'd inspired the other man to that sort of violence would very nearly be worth it in the end.]

Oh absolutely not. I would never dream of judging your worth solely by your ability to access your mutation. [He smiles easily in return, an indulgence of Charles' line of thought.] Afraid of you? No, dear professor, I'm afraid that I am not afraid of you. I can get Emma to attest to that, if you like. A peek into my mind with her help, perhaps? I know you must be itching to know what I get up to when you and Erik aren't in the same room.

No, I respect you. As one should all our people, especially those of us blessed with the most power. And with that respect comes precaution. Fear is for prey, Xavier, and we are the apex predator.

[He watches as Charles turns away, glancing toward the untouched food.] Hunger strikes rarely work in this sort of situation, I think you should know. They seem noble at first but - have you ever really been hungry? Really and truly like Magneto has?

[ he doesn't think necessarily that there's a chance, not with him behind bars. he doesn't have the full reign of being able to swing freely, though he might -- he just might be prompted into violence just as soon as he has a free shot. ]

Go right ahead, Mr. Shaw. I'd love to see what's going on in that head of yours. [ a beat. ] If you're not afraid of me, then I would like my powers back. Respect, fear, it's hard to really tell the difference if you're utilising one or the other to try to keep me from my full potential. I think you are intimidated by what it is that I can do.

[ a beat, and he looks at the food. he hasn't been hungry, not since his powers were stolen and his connection with Erik severed. he's been heartbroken at the idea of Erik being in pain, in trouble, at Shaw's disposal without Charles there to comfort him through. he's secretly terrified - though he has an unending amount of faith in Erik, he doesn't trust Shaw, nor the other telepath just one bit. ]

I'm not hungry at the moment. A few hours without eating does not warrant calling it a "hunger strike". Was there something you hoped to gain from visiting with me, or will you be on your merry way?

[Go ahead. Shaw will love to see you try. It'd make his day, really. All it takes is one exception. And it'll seem small and inconsequential at the time. Exceptions always do.]

And the same compliment in return, professor. I am appreciative of what you can do, but I can see you're intent on splitting semantic hairs. Let me assure you though that whatever my reasoning, the serum is not intended to be permanent. However, considering that you are the one and only test subject for its effects, said effects may be... [a dismissive gesture] a tad unpredictable.

[He offers another viper's smile and circles around the cell.] I thought you might like to know how Magneto's doing. Or Beast, Banshee, perhaps Mystique? She is your sister, yes? She was quite concerned about you this morning.

[ he doesn't think himself violent, never really will think himself to be the violent sort. but Shaw makes his skin crawl, makes him feel sick. he doesn't know what it is about the man that makes him so angry, makes him feel like punching the man would solve problems of any nature. he breathes out slowly, and this may very well be his exception that just makes him tumble.

but then, it's better him than Erik. he'd rather himself be tempted than Erik take action and prove this man right. ]

So then you'll be allowing my power back. [ that's…good news, he thinks, he hopes that's good news, that for some reason he's attempting to see what Charles does without his power. Or, perhaps he's trying to sever his ties with his cohorts and friends, and he's not so certain what exactly the purpose of that would be. again, his thought lies with Shaw ultimately being intimidated by him, and what he's able to do.

he returns Shaw's sinister stare with a glower of his own, and the man does know just how to get under his skin. ] I'm sure she was. So tell me then, how are they?

[Shaw has long since consigned himself to the possibility that life may not work out the way he planned and he may very well die before his expected expiration date. Shit happens, as the Americans are so fond of saying. (Or had been before the whole global nuclear war thing. Shaw's not really up to date on what the Americans are saying these days.) He'd really rather not die, thanks for asking, but if he does die then doing so at Charles' hands... well, he'll have another legacy to leave the world besides his Spatzi.]

Yes. You'll have your power back. [He pulls out a pack of cigarettes and holds it through the bars, offering one to Charles.] Smoke? You won't believe how much these are going for on the outside.

[He pulls a lighter out from another pocket, not breaking eye contact.] Let's see. Blue, blue, adolescent, capable of blasting through reinforced walls before we heavily sedated him. He'll come around though, don't you worry.

[ he doesn't take the cigarette, avoiding his gaze entirely, ] Not fond unless I'm drinking, but thank you for your hospitality.

[ the update on his team members was incredibly sparse as expected - once again, Shaw is entirely unhelpful in every which way. Charles sighs, eyes closing as he settles onto his bed, choosing instead to lie down and ignore the man for the most part.

he's soft, quiet when he asks -- after all, he does want to know more, and being cut away from those important in his life is a feeling entirely unused to him. he doesn't like this feeling, can't wait until he can feel again, his temples flexing as if he could will it back to him. ]

And Erik?

[Shaw takes no offense of course and lights the cigarette before putting it between his own lips. He is of course not so crude as to blow smoke in Charles' face; one must have standards, after all.] Another time, then.

[Information comes at a price, Charles, and unfortunately it's a seller's market. Shaw lounges as he continues to watch Charles with avid interest. So not just here merely to gloat. Though gloating is a major perk.

When Charles' voice softens, a pleased grin creeps onto Shaw's face.] Magento is well. Thriving, even. Though I can't say he took to your absence very kindly this morning; he got a little too friendly with a letter opener.

[ another time, perhaps, but he doubts it. he's not keen on much right at the moment - his appetite's entirely gone, it's difficult to sleep, and he misses his connection with Erik tremendously, misses his ability to connect with the ones he loves. wishes he could contact Alex and ask if he was alright.

but he doesn't, he isn't able to, and he's close to simply ignoring the other man and pretending he doesn't exist. ]

I can only imagine why. [ is he safe? is he well? - well, thriving according to you, but that could mean so many other terrible things, and he scowls somewhat, trying hard to continue engaging, attempting to find more information. ] He likely thought you killed me.

[It's a real shame. Shaw hates the idea of anyone being unable to fully appreciate his hospitality. Still, their little blue Beast had cautioned there might be all sorts of side effects from prolonged exposure to the serum.] You know, the more I think about it the more I realize that you and I are doing cutting edge science here. This serum was previously completely untested. I mean, we'd had some thought of what it could do from your furry friend's notes, but this is completely uncharted territory. Looks like I'll need to thank you again.

[Shaw gives a rolling shrug.] Most of your companions rushed to that decision, I'm afraid. Don't worry, I don't actually intend to kill any of you if you don't force my hand. You'd be proud [or something, whatever, Shaw's not so good at guessing what people like Charles feel] of how loyal they've been to you. Quite an army you've been building.

[ he rolls his eyes, sighing. ] Please, do excuse me if I'm not very much excited for the development of a suppressant for the Mutant X gene, and I'm actually terribly shocked you would think such a thing is useful. [ he wrinkles his nose. Hank, deciding to build something that suppresses the outside side-effects of a power's ability - that makes sense.

Shaw, however, seems like a walking contradiction, and he dislikes his friend being used to create something against his will. He dislikes thinking that Hank might be isolated away from them, told to make this serum with no understanding of what it's final use might be. ] Your science, in your eyes, makes mutants into human beings. You're debilitating the race you seem to hold supreme.

[ it's painful not to feel any of them. his hands clench shut. ]

They aren't an army. They're my students and my cohorts; they're my friends. I wouldn't put them in danger if I can help it. [ that's the closest you'll get to having Xavier admit he's willing to compromise, Shaw. ]

[He wags an indulgent finger at Charles.] Not the gene, merely its expression. And I can think of a good number of reasons why this isn't only just useful but, and here's a buzzword for you, strategically viable. For example. [He takes a long drag on his cigarette.] You and I both know humans won't be our only enemies. There will be mutants who refuse to accept the coming paradigm shift, which is their right... and I'll be defending our cause against those who try to disrupt it, which is my right.

[He sighs and shakes his head.] No no, you are not a human, my friend, and you never will be. None of us are. This serum could be permanent for all I know and it still wouldn't make you- [He feigns a look of surprise and covers his mouth in shock.] Oh dear, did I say that out loud?

[His voice softens as he leans in, sympathetic, understanding.] I know you wouldn't Charles. You love these people. They're your family and I can respect that devotion.

[ he is gripping the threadbare sheet on the cot he's been given so hard that he thinks his fingernails might rip straight through the fabric like paper. ] Is that right. And you expect them to just allow you to shoot them up with whatever this might be. [ he's quieter than he feels he should be - he wants to scream at Shaw that of course it's their right, that his defense against a world of people who feel that humanity needs not be exterminated is wrong, everything's wrong wrong wrong.

but what can a man do whenever he's powerless and stuffed into a cell? ] A mutant without powers doesn't simply become human, no. [ he's quiet as he speaks, growing quieter the angrier he gets, practically murmuring -- Shaw would have to come closer, enter the cell if he really truly spoke. ] But you've crippled me, and you seem to have no moral qualms about doing so. [ his mind is swimming with fear about the permanence of their situation, and he's nearly wanting to shake his head in disbelief.

he can't go his entire life without it. not when he's lived his entire life thus far with it, relying on his connection with so many people to be his world; his way of living. ] You have no concept of love, my friend.

Of course not Charles, don't be silly. Luckily neither the administration nor efficacy of the serum will be contingent on consent. [He's of course watching every twitch of Charles' hands and rise and fall of his voice with extreme interest. He'll have a long, long time to get to know the telepath's mannerisms, after all.

Too bad he doesn't want to come into the cell, Charles. Not today at least. One day, yes. Very much yes.] You're applying morality where it doesn't fit. There is no morality besides survival of the fittest. You should be wanting to shake my hand and kiss my boots. I'm securing our future.

[Another smirk, lazily sucking at the end of his cigarette.] Love is chemicals. Oxytocin, dopamine, the frantic urge to reproduce and find others to fend off predators you can't manage on your own. That's all it ever was.

You realise how terrible that is? That you can't even afford basic decency for not only humans, but mutantkind as well? An injection that takes away their abilities to fight back against you, and you plan to dispense it without their consent. Do you even understand what a wretched thing that is to do to someone? [ but Shaw comes from a time; Charles remembers the wretched memories all too well of what he's done to Erik, it's no surprise he would do it to others. ]

Our future. [ he laughs, bitterly. ] A future in which you're not sure I'll even get my power back. A future in which you're keeping mutants as prisoners. Do you honestly think I'd ever shake your hand for the deplorable things you've done and continue to do?

[ something they can at least relate to - scientific analysis of what the actual love means. Charles closes his eyes. ] And I'm sure a man like you would be above such basic neurochemistry. Oxytocin, seratonin, dopamine, yes, but what great things you can do with compassion. How it feels to be able to give someone what they need rather than force your desires on someone else. You've no idea what that feels like.

Omelets and eggs, my friend. If mutants don't have enough sense and gratitude to align themselves with my cause then they are, by definition, against it. And while I like to think of myself as a pretty easygoing guy, the one thing I will not tolerate is opposition. [Really, arguing this sort of thing against a man who comes from a time and place where the Hippocratic Oath was less of an oath and more of a vague suggestion isn't exactly going to get Charles anywhere. There's no way for anyone to appeal to morality because there is no morality there. At least, not in the sense Charles and most of humanity shares.]

Yes, Charles. Our future. There will have to be sacrifices as there are always sacrifices on the road to destiny. [He keeps a straight face for all of two seconds and then grins.] I'm just messing with you. I'm doing this because you were in my way and now you're not and you're a means to an end for controlling Magneto. Surprise, I guess.

[chuckle] I'm the master of my own body. Neurotransmitters are just that: chemicals, coupled with synapses firing in the brain. Your compassion is sweet. Really, it is. But it's exactly what landed you here, with me, in this cell, alone and powerless.

Obviously so. In your eyes, anyhow. [ he still doesn't understand how you can completely have no decency regarding other lives. there's no point, however, in arguing. there's no point in trying to change his mind, and Charles is beginning to realize all too soon how much the other man is the most dangerous he could imagine. he's a sociopath, honestly. there's no point in trying to appeal to his human side. ]

Surprise surprise. [ he's dry, sarcastic, angry ] I doubt you'll be able to use me to control Erik, however. You'll be surprised how self-motivated the man can be. [ he doesn't want to give Shaw the idea of using him to control him. even if Erik is more caring than Shaw is, even though Erik does care about him -- without a shadow of a doubt -- Charles doesn't want Shaw to think he'd be able to use him to manipulate Erik. ]

Perhaps you're right. [ it's a harsh reality, but it's true. nonetheless, he finds himself almost piteous towards Shaw. ] Was there something else you needed from me? I'd rather be alone. [ at least than to face Shaw. ]

[He waves a hand dismissively.] Yes yes, your entirely unsubtle hints about how you don't agree with me are getting old. Not to worry. I'm not too concerned about whether or not you agree with me. Granted it'd be nice to have you eventually come to your senses but it's certainly not a requirement for us to work together. [Yeah, Erik wasn't kidding when he spoke about Shaw as an absolute monster. Empathy, compassion, all these things lack the slightest value in Shaw's eyes.

Speaking of eyes, Shaw's light up at the anger in Charles' voice.] I'm sorry Charlie, did I touch a nerve there? Don't you worry about a thing. I'm more than capable of taking care of Magneto's wellbeing again. [Charles doesn't have to worry about that because Shaw's had that idea for quite awhile, thank you very much. Shaw has so very many ideas of how to manipulate Lehnsherr and to what ends - and of course, starting with his lover makes complete and total sense.]

Well, I certainly don't want to overstay my welcome. I imagine you'll want to get settled into this new headspace of yours. I hear it's quite disorienting until your body gets used to being powerless again. Give it a week, perhaps too, and I'm sure you'll be up to your old talkative self again.

I'm not a young boy, Sebastian. [ first name basis, now, because it's rather frustrating at that. ] I'm not a man that you can simply mold and develop into your personal little monster. Don't attempt to try, because you will certainly fail. [ oh, but he has no clue. no idea what Shaw has in store for him. but he'd like to think that he's strong enough to handle what ever the man can throw at him.

at him lighting up, he laughs, wryly. ] Oh, no, my friend. There aren't any nerves touched. Erik is fully capable of being his own man, his own person. He won't allow you to manipulate him any longer. [ he hopes, god he hopes. he hates the very idea of Erik bending to this man's will. ] He does not need you to "take care" of his well-being.

[ he breathes out a sigh of relief. ] I'm fine. I doubt that I'll be very ready to speak to you, but I'm perfectly fine. Thank you for your hospitality, or rather lack thereof.

[The difference, of course, being that Shaw doesn't care what Charles calls him, isn't frustrated in the slightest. Someone has the upper hand here.] I would never dream of doing that, Charles. You're your own person. I trust you'll make the right decisions on your own given enough time.

[He sighs and leans in, a mimic of sympathy on his face.] Some friendly advice, professor? Magneto's going to break your heart. He'll do it again and again if you keep thinking of him like you do.

[He straightens his posture and stretches a little.] Don't worry. I'll be back before you know it. You might even start to miss me.

I'm so glad you're aware. [ someone does, and as much as Charles is trying to grasp the idea of being able to outsmart or outthink Shaw, he's somewhat hypersensitive to the fact that he is certainly at a point where he has no ability to fight back.

As far as Erik breaking his heart, for some reason, that's enough. That's enough to have him get up from his bed, to have him go to the bars, to have him grip those tightly. ] You know nothing of Erik. Nor do you know anything of our relationship. Do stop trying to act like you have any idea.

[ just leave. just LEAVE. just leave. Even without the telepathy, Charles thinks it as hard as he possibly can. ]

[At the outburst Shaw leans in and gets right in Charles' face. His expression is curious, fascinated but detached, and his voice completely unsurprised.] I was there when Magneto was born, professor. I saw him when he was at his weakest. I raised him like he was my own son. [And the sick, disgusting part is that this is truly how he views it: Erik is Shaw's progeny, for all intents and purposes.] You offer him hope but I gave him purpose. He doesn't need your hope.

[Shaw eyes the door of the cell and turns back to look at Charles.] Would punching me make you feel any better, do you think?

[ part of him thinks he can grab him from here -- yank around one of the cement blocks and slam Shaw's head into the cell door if he can. ] He was at his weakest thanks to you. You raised him like a weapon, a monster, hardly like a son! [ he knows he's shouting now, he's losing the composure, the carefully complacent status he was trying to hold onto so tightly. ] You raised him into a man who knows nothing but rage, chaos, and fear and expected him to flourish!

[ he breathes out in heavy breathes, trying to compose himself, but there's anger there that he so rarely lets free. he's been angry on Erik's behalf ever since the first night he dragged him out of the water. ]

Yes. Though I'd like to do far more than just punch you.

[Shaw's voice is quiet with more than a hint of a sneer.] Oh but he did flourish. He flourished beautifully. You have no idea how long and how far he tracked me, once we let him free. He wasn't a monster. He has never been a monster. What he is - what he will be once I've set him back on his path - is perfect.

[He pulls keys from his pocket and, without further comment, opens the door. His arms are wide and he raises an eyebrow at Charles.] Well?

[ with every word about Erik, Charles is growing angrier and angrier. Angry enough that as soon as the door is open he's rushing out to take Shaw up on that offer, wrenching a hand in his shirt to keep him still before his curled up fist connects with the side of his cheek.

one hit, and then another, and then another. he doesn't even think to leave the area, doesn't even think about making a run for it, just longs to make this man feel even an ounce of the pain that he's put Erik through. he's not a fighter, but he feels like he might've broken the man's nose and given him a lovely bruised black eye, his knuckles bloodied with the last hit that he manages to get in before he's backing away. ]

You deserve more than that.

[ so much for Charles the peacemaker. ]

[Shaw knows how to take a hit. For all his posturing and behind the scenes manipulation, let no one say he doesn't know how to handle himself in a fight. And though he doesn't stop Charles for a second in his violent assault he does move with his punches so there's only so much damage. (Comparatively speaking, of course. It won't be nearly as cathartic for Charles if some of the punches don't land solid, and that's what all this is about.

Even as he's being wailed on, even as he knows that his nose just broke and he'll need to do something about that blood dripping everywhere - he just got Charles Xavier to willingly attack a man who refused to hit back. Furthermore, he got Charles to come out of his cage to hit him and then purposefully return to the cage. Not bad for twelve hours into the first serum dose.]

What's stopping you giving it to me?

[ Part of him is holding back because he doesn't know when the man will strike him in return. for all that he seems fully willing to take a few punches, Charles is already deeply annoyed that he's been brought to such a point. he manages to hear his nose crack and watches as blood dribbles down, and that's when he's stopped, that's when he's back in the cell.

He couldn't get out if he tried, he doesn't think. The cell is protection, Shaw can't get a good hit on him any more than Charles can get a nice punch landed through the concrete beams that line his cell. He breathes hard, trying to suck in a breath, only to tend to his bloodied knuckles, cradling them in his hand. ]

I don't trust you. [ Straight to the point. ] And I'm not going to hurt you any more than I already have. That isn't what I want.

[Shaw carefully wipes at the blood trickling down his nose with a folded handkerchief, red quickly staining the soft, white fabric. He replaces the cloth in an inside pocket of his jacket and closes the door to Charles' cell, locking it again with a satisfying click. At least, Shaw finds it satisfying. Shaw's found every moment of this little interaction enormously satisfying.]

We all do exactly what we want every moment of the day, Charlie. Stop pretending you're so much more evolved than the rest of us. Because I guarantee you, you are not.

[ He turns his back on him, pulling away into the corner of his cell, as if hiding behind his cot might make him disappear. He wants to disappear from this place, finding the interaction to be quite the opposite of satisfactory. If anything, Charles is unnerved. He's unnerved at the blood on his knuckles, afraid that the mental connection with his team mates may be severed for good, and most of all, this man is unnerving. ]

At the very least, I know I'm better than you. Mutant or not, you're certainly the lowest man I've ever had the displeasure of meeting. Leave me alone.

[ He closes his eyes, refusing to allow Shaw to continue getting a rise out of him - he recites genomes and genetic aberrations to himself, as if reading his thesis aloud - he's read it so many times to study, he nearly knows it by heart now. He'd rather be alone with nothing in his head to distract him, nothing but genetics and remembering how Erik's arms felt wrapped around him. ]

[Shaw cannot wait to give Emma an update on the Xavier situation when he sees her later. It almost makes up for the face she'll make at having to bandage his face while he leaks red all over her outfit.]

Of course. I hope you sleep well, Charles. I'll be watching.

[He turns and leaves, a heavy door shutting behind him. Charles is all alone.]

1962 - Post-Nuclear War - Shawtopia

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