dead to the power of two | OPEN

[runeing]

Who: celen's boys (aka charles and viktor), you?
Where: viktor's lab, lupin, the farm
What: viktor finally loses the battle against his illness and comes back. meanwhile, charles is learning magic (badly).
Warnings: death and dying, mentions of child abuse



PROMPTS IN COMMENTS.

▷ charles.
▷ viktor.

Comments

[chimericalclaw]

[Even if it was obvious from the start, there's always something satisfying about having his judgments proven correct. Two of those names he recognizes personally, and two from his scouring of the network. He wonders what that shift of expression was about, but that Jinx is... a character, from what he's picked up—so who knows, honestly.

As Charles continues, an understanding smile comes to his face, something almost teasing in his gaze.]

If you started with him, you wouldn't have the time to get to anyone else, hm?

[Ah, isn't that the one with the riddles, Junpei? A worker at some sandwich store, to his understanding. Relatively normal despite his circumstances, to Altius's eye. Perhaps Charles finds that appealing? In any case...]

I've met Scott, [he says with some fondness.] He was very helpful the first day I was here, among other days. I've had the pleasure of speaking with Richard as well, after he made certain I wasn't some creature's dinner.

[incorrigibles]

[ the teasing hits its mark — charles ducks his head, mostly to try and hide his sheepish smile, because obviously it's entirely correct; he could talk about junpei for hours, probably, not that there would be anyone out there willing to listen.

and of course, there's the hilarity available to neither of them that altius would think of junpei as someone normal, with his entire ocean of time travel trauma; but charles has no way of knowing that's what he thinks, of course, and so no way of correcting him. not that he would, in any case; junpei's experiences are for him to talk about if he wants to.

still — fondness lights up his eyes as altius moves on to speak about scott and richard, because though it may be platonic, charles loves both of them very much. ]

Scott's aces. He's one of the best friends I've ever had. [ there are very few things he would not do, if scott asked them of him. ] Richard's from the same place I am, same country, too, just centuries apart. He sort of treats me like his subject, [ he says with a laugh, ] And I think it's really important to him, so I don't mind.

[chimericalclaw]

[There's a moment where something a little less fond, a little more piercing comes to his gaze in a tension around his eyes—but then it's gone again, washed under the affection of the conversation.

He experienced a moment, there in a dream, where he thinks he saw—felt Richard's true nature. The man is definitely an intriguing sort, strong-willed and resourceful, but with that remark about being a subject, Altius can only think that he might consider Charles a resource.

Hm.]

That's an interesting mindset, [he says, a bit more brightly than he feels internally,] but he does seem to have a strong sense of responsibility, doesn't he? Although—you could say that applies to Scott, as well.

[Leader types, the both of them... in vastly different senses.]

I think we're better off for the both of them.

[incorrigibles]

Well, he is a king, [ charles answers, a tad bit defensively — sure, it's an interesting mindset, and sure, he tried to refute it once and richard got very angry and he aborted that plan immediately, but... it's fine, right? it's as altius is saying; he's very responsible.

still — it's with a bit of relief that he grins at the older man and nods. ]

Right, yeah, I think so, too. [ a pause. ] So have you made a lot of friends here, yet?

[chimericalclaw]

[Sure... yes, it's fine. It's fine enough for Zekarion's purposes, anyway, as long as he stays in the royal's good graces...

The question apparently comes as unexpected, if his curious expression before his brow furrows mildly is any indication. When was the last time anybody asked him about his "friends," he wonders.]

I don't know that I'd go as far as to say that, [he finally decides on, after a couple moments of silence.] I've met a number of people who are friendly, and others I'd call acquaintances... [He hums briefly in thought.] I suppose it's not a word I use easily. Perhaps one or two?

[Please oh please don't ask him how many friends he has at home. He counts those at zero (which is mostly true), and he doesn't feel like lying about it.]

[incorrigibles]

[ if there's anything dangerous to say in charles rowland's presence, it is that you don't have many friends. and really, he doesn't need to ask him; despite what it may seem, he is perceptive, had grown up having to be able to read every little shift in expression, in tone, and it had led into him becoming attuned to not just what people need him to be... but also to what they might mean.

in this case, he'd eat his coat patches if altius has more than the very same one or two friends back home... if that.

the bright, earnest smile charles aims at him is a very good imitation of rivaling the sun. he's doing his best here, ]

Well, I know we've just met, but... I'm gonna aim to make that three.

[chimericalclaw]

[He lets out a single, open laugh.]

Those are dangerous words, Charles. You don't even know what you're signing up for.

[Oh, does he ever not know. Nobody does, and nobody ever will, if Altius has anything to say about it. And yet—

And yet, a certain young man did know, as much as anyone ever has, and made a similar choice.

He lets out another half a laugh through his nose, fully suppressing anything that might indicate his inner thoughts.]

That said, I'm not opposed to the company. Just don't get your hopes up, hm?

[incorrigibles]

[ he simply shrugs and crosses his arms in return, meeting altius' gaze evenly. ]

Yeah, well. I've made all my decisions like this. Haven't regretted any of them so far.

[ yes, this is a threat — no, but take it as you will. he may not know what he is signing up for, but the fact is that he has done so, now, and he doesn't go back on that. whether altius will ever trust him enough to believe that he will make this same choice, every time... well. that remains to be seen. ]

But sure. Company's a good start.