( diadem ) inbox

[heavymetals]

Inbox

327 – 1989

Voice — Text

"You've reached Erik Lehnsherr. Leave a message after the tone."

Code Source

Contacts

Charles

Kimiko

John

Laura

Rowena

Scott

Wanda

Comments

[heavymetals]

I have, in fact, often called you exactly that.

I'll have to rely on your optimism, then. As I have very little of it myself.

[thetruefocus]

If you do meet them, just be the person you are with me. They will see that you are not the villain they may have come to know.

[heavymetals]

You do realise that I'm not the same person for everyone else as I am for you.

But very well, I'll try my best.

[thetruefocus]

That's why I'm suggesting you try. You can be very charming when you want to be. It worked extremely well on me. And Raven.

[heavymetals]

You make it sound as if it was all an elaborate ploy on my part.

[thetruefocus]

[ A mental laugh. ]

There was nothing ployful back then, my friend, you barely liked to talk to other people.

[heavymetals]

[ THAT... is a pretty accurate assessment. ]

I know. I still have my moments.

[thetruefocus]

I used to get an ego kick out of that, being the person you liked being around. As one might with an ornery cat who hisses at everyone else.

[heavymetals]

Not so much anymore?

Maybe that is for the best. An inflated ego can be a rather bothersome thing to have to deal with.

[thetruefocus]

I would hope that I don't remain the only person you can stand forever. As ego stroking as it is, I think your life would be better with more connections.

[heavymetals]

I'm not an especially easy man to tolerate, in case you haven't noticed. My charm will only take me so far, and not everyone is as forgiving as you are.

But we will see. Only time will tell.

[thetruefocus]

However long we are stuck here, it's a second chance. Start over and let the charm become more of your personality.

Outside of my sister. She's had enough of your charm, I think.

[heavymetals]

[ Ha, that's funny. ]

I have a feeling Raven won't want me anywhere near her for the foreseeable future. I can hardly blame her for it.

[thetruefocus]

You certainly cannot. I will not fight her battles for her, but I think it best you give her a wide berth.

But it's a large city with many people. Opportunities. Although my ego would like to remind you I'm still the first.

[heavymetals]

I wasn't thinking of approaching it any other way. She'll not even know I'm here for as long as she wishes it.

[ He's good at disappearing that way. ]

You always will be the first, Charles. That is indisputable.

[thetruefocus]

Just as long as I'm not the only, my friend. This search of yours for a better path will get easier if you allow yourself to care for others.

[heavymetals]

So you have said before.

I'm not opposed to it, you realise. But I also need some time.

[thetruefocus]

I know, as we all do in this situation.

I've met some interesting people, and now my students, but I still rather dislike being stuck here.

[heavymetals]

I dislike being kept anywhere against my will, even if it happened to be the most idyllic reality to exist.

But I've met a few nice people so far, myself. It hasn't been the worst situation I've been in. Not that the bar is that high, in all honesty.

[thetruefocus]

I will say this, there are very interesting supernatural people that I've met here. With their own gifts, for their own reasons. Mutants by another name. Which of course intrigues me.

[heavymetals]

I know. I don't think they share our genetic mutation, but it's nevertheless interesting to learn about the source of their powers. How other realities have evolved to create their own people with their own extraordinary abilities.

[thetruefocus]

As far as I know none of them are the same, no, but they are similarly unique. Also I believe there are vampires. Deeply surprising.

[heavymetals]

Really? The whole 'drink blood, can't go out in sunlight' sort?

You've not offered your blood, I hope.

[thetruefocus]

That's correct, although I don't know if the rules are the same.

Well I haven't yet, but one could argue it is a kind thing to do once they are established as trustworthy.

[ Meaning he probably will eventually. ]

[heavymetals]

You have to be joking.

[ Somehow he's not even a little surprised while still deeply bothered to hear this. ]

You don't owe your kindness to every single person you meet, Charles. Certainly not to a species you know so little about.