@GeneticsAndGin [The extent of it. The reach. To what degree is Charles able to isolate, to disseminate--?
/Patience/.]
I should like to understand how it is that you /experience/ your... gift. [Talent? Ability?]
Vision? Sound? Sense?
The manner in which you comprehend... How does it /feel/?
@GeneticsAndGin [It should be taken for granted, shouldn't it?
Precaution is so /very/ understandable.
Betrayal is so a direly painful risk to contemplate.]
For what it's worth, you have my word.
I'll leave it to you to judge its value.
@GeneticsAndGin to mask his interest.] You were telling me-- /Are/ you sure you're willing to discuss further? [A swig, giving Charles a moment...]
You're under no obligation, if you might feel that way.
In fact, I'm not even your professor as of... two minutes ago. Officially off the clock.
@GeneticsAndGin Good. [Distractions are not required, thank you. Erik has cast about, spotted a couple of his supervisees, but they're thankfully not the sort to dare disturb him outside of those hallowed halls without invitation.
He looks across at Charles with gaze clear, focused; no attempt
@GeneticsAndGin [Receiving the bounty he grins, pleased at the double order.]
Ich bin Ihnen zu Dank verpflichtet!, mein guter mann--
But perhaps not for the cat comment. Could go either way. [Languorous and self-satisfied, with a touch of ginger-tom scruff? Slow to trust, easy to withdraw? Hm.]
@GeneticsAndGin ...Good man.
[Back down he goes--
Too shady.
Resituates himself.
Warmth on his face.
Erik catches the sun easily - healthy, handsome tan in no time at all. Exposed forearms and cheeks will make an amusing contrast to the rest of him, most likely.
Whatever.
>
@GeneticsAndGin Ah, but: how rude of me. All this talk, and not a drop to drink. Should we seek remedy..?
[Not that he's interested in plying the other, not at all. It's just... Erik's drinking is rarely social, and the pleasant buzz feels worth pursuing. Might even put him at greater ease.]
@GeneticsAndGin If you're comfortable discussing it, then yes. What /exactly/-- [Down to the finest details. It would only be then that, should Charles provide adequate information, Erik would begin to genuinely consider divulging his own 'secret'.
Eyes on Charles.
On his lips - so briefly.]
>
@GeneticsAndGin Erik leans in just a touch, voice as reassuring as he can manage.]
...Amazing. /Truly/.
To just what extent are--
Charles, are you aware you look like some poor trapped creature about to be speared? [Or ripped to shreds. Erik really should work on showing less teeth.]
@GeneticsAndGin quiet is little wonder, yes. How mistrusted, feared..
Any mutant capable of manipulating others - psychically; physically - might well be feared. Loathed, even..
Especially difficult to find kindred spirits, with that sort of power-
Poor Charles is at risk of catching flies.
>
@GeneticsAndGin always the same when another mutant is encountered. One question and one question only which dominates Erik's mind:
/Are his abilities any real match for mine?/
Silent power...
To walk among the rest, wielding influence unseen...
That Charles should keep this talent of his >
@GeneticsAndGin [It is not that Erik believes the best of people - quite the contrary - which directs his thoughts away from Charles' fears.
It is his own streak of arrogance which causes him to think instead upon the potential power which the fellow across from him might possess... It is >
@GeneticsAndGin [Erik's fingers still.
A telepath.
Charles.
Telepath.
...Of course he is.
Couldn't be something dull or minor, could it? Notable at every turn...]
In which direction? Perception, or projection..?
[Both. He knows it's both.
No wonder Charles was so reticent to share.]