[ Erik looks over at Wanda, not expecting her to volunteer. When he'd mentioned Matthew needed to be taken out, he was prepared to do it himself. He'd killed before, and in this case when it was in the name of protecting what he held most dear; it was a choice he was prepared to shoulder the weight of, without hesitation.
But she seems to not flinch at the thought of it, and they don't have the luxury to stand around debating who will do it, still he asks just the once -]
Are you sure?
[ He's not questioning if she can or not; but more so concerned about the toll it could take on her, taking Matthew's life. That's what he wants to avoid. But he'll respect her decision. Either way, they leave here tonight and Matthew doesn't. ]
[Wanda nods, hand lifting just enough to quietly touch her fingers to his wrist.]
I'm sure.
[She knows he's made an effort to be a better man than he was before. And maybe she doesn't want to stomach Kira and Nic looking at him with their big, curious eyes, and remember the sight of him killing someone.
Wanda isn't pleased to do it, either. But she can make it quick and clean and she tells herself that this is her, protecting the island. Protecting Kira and Nic from someone who would turn them into soldiers.]
Make sure no one is coming.
[Her way of wanting some kind of privacy. Erik doesn't need to watch them. Matthew won't be getting in her head again.]
[ He studies her face for just a moment, because they don't have that many before the potential exists for their fight to have drawn attention. Then he nods, and heads toward the entrance of the alley.
Erik doesn't want her to feel like she has to do this, he definitely doesn't want her to feel like an executioner; that's not why he brought her with him. But he's trusting that if she tells him she's sure, then she is.
Once he's at the end of the alley, he stands guard; watching for any signs of movement. ]
It's clear.
[ He calls out to her, then turns his focus back to what's ahead of him; keeping watch. He can still hear her from this distance, in case something goes wrong, he can be there in an instant. ]
[Matthew, at this point, seems to regret everything. The tears are heavy and thick--honest, and he calls Wanda cruel. Agatha had said the same thing.
She was right.
Cruel is sometimes the only way, she's learned.]
Do better, next time.
[In the next life, the next universe, whatever there might be. Wanda steps close enough to touch his temple, and she searches. There are flashes of incidents. A woman pushed onto the tracks of an oncoming train, made to look like she slipped. A man fishing at a lake, drowned. Matthew unable to make or keep friends, going from job to job, left to his own thoughts and all he does is read, read, read. Nothing good.
But he is, at least, alone in his endeavors. A little mutant killer, though the body count is comparatively low when his potential strength is taken into consideration. He could become a terror.
So-called accidents happening to people just going about their lives. There's enough in his mind that she can make it terrify him, because fair's fair. Out of the shadows come the mangled bodies, the limping men and women. Bony hands reach for Matthew's neck.
He screams. In reality, no one comes for him, no dead victims approach, but his shrieks end abruptly as his body goes limp. Dead or passed out from what seemed so real in his mind, it doesn't really matter. This needs to look like an accident. Just his style.
Wanda unwinds the metal from around him and, without much thought, blasts him into the base of some scaffolding. It's horrendously loud, the metal and concrete and wood crashing down and kicking up dust and debris, but the place was a mess already. The authorities can try to piece together what happened here.
But it's time for them to go. Wanda takes a shaky breath, trying to keep her anger in check.
She hates doing this, but Matthew left no other option.]
[ Erik turns at the sound of Matthew's scream, but doesn't move. He knows what's happening and it is what needs to happen. He knows she's done when the sound of the crashing scaffolding echoes throughout the alley. It will look like an accident.
He wonders if she made him suffer, he wonders what she saw in his mind. But he's not going to ask any of that right now, because they need to leave the area; and there's time enough for all of that later.
Erik approaches her and places his hand on her arm. ]
We have to go.
[ He says gently, and leads the way as they vacate the scene. Moments later, when they meet up with Gabriella, she asks what happened. Erik responds with a simple shake of his head and she understands; it didn't go well, and they'll go over it later. Right now, they had to get back to Genosha. Gabriella teleports them back to the island in the next instant once they've all locked hands. ]
I'm sorry.
[ He says to Wanda after Gabriella heads to her home and they're left in the quiet of the small clearing set a distance away from the community. Regret is etched on his features for how the night turned out, and the stress of what she's been through - he still doesn't know exactly what happened, what she saw when Matthew attacked her. ]
[That only the two of them return is telltale enough of what happened.
Once back--home, Wanda realizes is how she thinks of it--and standing in the clearing, Wanda thinks she can hear her blood buzzing around n her ears. Erik speaks, and it takes her a moment to reply.]
Me, too. I wish it had turned out better.
[But not everyone will be a fit for the island.
Wanda knows he'll want to ask what, exactly, Matthew did to her. She decides to talk about something else, first. Something else he'll want to know.]
He was alone. He was always alone. He took that out on humans. He liked killing people.
[She crosses her arms, looking down at the toes of her boots.]
The world is a better place without him. Even if he wasn't good for Genosha, it's good we crossed paths with him when we did. He could have hurt more people, or found other mutants that share his view, or...
[Any number of things. The caught the problem when it was manageable. All she has is a headache and some unjustified murder on her mind, which probably means sleep will be a gamble. She knows what nightmares are made of.]
[ Erik says definitively, without remorse. It was not an outlook shared by everyone, he knew that; but some people were beyond the point of bringing back. The world was better off without Matthew.
Much like the world was better off without Shaw - one of the turning points in Erik's life's trajectory. Though at the time, Erik had killed him purely for his own motivations of vengeance.
This was a bit different. He didn't know Matthew, save for their brief interaction; but it was clear his death was a necessary outcome. For the safety of their home, the people here, the children. Innocents that just wanted to live a peaceful life. Not to mention the world beyond just Genosha, that Matthew had his sights on.
Erik's only concern now was in how the events of the night might be affecting Wanda. She seemed stable enough, but taking a life was always a toll in some regard; and he still didn't know what had happened when she had looked at him like he was someone else entirely; lost to an illusion he couldn't see. ]
I need to drop this off, [ he says, indicating the helmet in his hand; no longer needed. ] would you join me?
[ He's concerned about her, and doesn't want to just leave her alone to her thoughts in her home. ]
[Wanda is sure the wife and children of the man she killed while hunting down America Chavez would think the world a better place without her in it. Them, and all the other loved ones of people she killed. Erik's question snaps her out of her thoughts, and she nods.]
Sure.
[She's not eager to be left alone to her thoughts, either.]
May I?
[See the helmet, she means, as she holds a hand out.]
[ He hands her the helmet, and then leads the way back to his home. It's another sign of his trust in her that he doesn't think twice before handing her the helmet to inspect. After all, she's already been in his head, seen some of his memories; and seen him more vulnerable than he'd been in years.
When they arrive at his home and climb the stairs up to the living space, Erik turns on a few lamps; illuminating the space enough to reveal the framed photographs of his family that sit atop the previously bare surfaces of his bookshelves, kitchen counter, and one in the middle of his table - the photograph of all three of them; himself, Magda, and Nina all smiling happily in the spring sunlight.
It makes the space significantly less stark, and much more personal. Still no color on the walls, but he's making small steps at least. ]
Make yourself comfortable. Would you like something to drink? Tea, water, beer?
[ He wishes he'd kept something stronger on hand, but alas. He asks her the question as he places the jacket he'd been wearing on one of the hooks near the stairwell. ]
[Wanda's merely curious, wanting to look the thing over herself. She is curious if she'd be able to get into his head while he wore it, and she's sure he'd allow the experiment given that he trusts her, but she's in no mood to mention it after today.
Follow him, she does notice the photographs right away. It makes her smile despite the fact that she just killed someone. This was the undeniable good she's done.
Carefully, she sets down his helmet next to the photo on the table and sits.]
I'll have what you're having.
[It's all the same to her.]
I like what you've done with the place. It feels more like a home already.
[ Erik grabs two beers and hands her one, then takes a seat at the table. ]
Well, I have you to thank for that.
[ He offers her a smile as he takes a drink. ]
The quality of these pictures is absolutely remarkable. It's like nothing I've ever seen. [ He remarks while glancing at the one atop the table. The photographic advancements just weren't present in that time period; but Erik doesn't really question it. She did gather the images directly from his mind, so it's honestly not the strangest aspect.
He has more serious questions to ask, and they need to talk about what happened; but he's giving them both a moment to settle in. ]
[Ah, so he noticed. Wanda smiles and takes a drink of her beer, though she's not particularly eager to tackle that tonight. One day, maybe. She'd like to be honest with him, as he's been with her.]
I'm happy to see them out in the open.
[He could have decided to put them away in a drawer somewhere. But no, they're here, where he lives his day to day.]
You're okay?
[There had been a brief once over for cuts or injuries on the way out, but now that they're standing still, she figures they can take better stock.
[ He reassures. He's seen worse fights than that, and he also wasn't the one who'd had Matthew sneaking around in his mind uninvited. Erik would like to think he's gained better control over his reactions, and he has for the most part; but he doesn't know how much worse the night could have turned had Matthew attempted to use his illusions on him. It gave him an even greater respect for Wanda's mental fortitude, the way she had dealt with shaking him off. ]
You had me worried.
[ He watches her, that same concern showing faintly in his gaze. ]
When Matthew got into your head it was as if you were in a different place all of a sudden. You looked straight through me. Told me to stay back.
[ There's a brief pause, and then - ] What happened? What did he do?
[It feels like a long time since anyone was genuinely worried for her. Not just about her. He cares. She knows that.
Wanda's expression falls as she looks down at her hands around her beer, knowing he'd ask, but still unsure on what to say.]
He reminded me that I was not a good person before I came here.
[Neither was he, apparently, but her sins are still fresh on her mind. Close enough to the surface that Matthew was able to make them stand before her very eyes.]
I was a monster. You would have tried to put me down.
[ Erik can only guess at the things Matthew had shown her, the things that still haunt her. But he recognizes the look in her eyes, it's familiar. He's felt the same before.
He wonders how he might have reacted had Matthew shown him any of the countless lives he'd taken, put actual faces to the victims; their families.
It's a difficult topic, especially because he can't necessarily argue with her point. Had she come to Genosha as a force bent on destroying it, and not knowing anything about her; he would have tried to take her down, like she'd said. ]
What you've done in your past isn't all of who you are. No matter how monstrous the things you've done. You're still the person that has made Kira and Nic feel like they aren't alone here, you've made them feel cared for.
[ Erik reaches across the table to place his hand atop one of hers. ]
You're also the person that has given me peace in a form I didn't think could exist.
[ He knows all too well what she's feeling, what it feels like to think you're a monster. He's had time to sort through it a bit, it's less loud now. For her, it's clear it's much more fresh. He wants to help in whatever way he can. ]
[He's good with words. Another good trait for the leader of this place. Wanda thinks of Kira and Nic, their big curious eyes, their grins when given sweets. She thinks about Erik, moved to tears at the memory of his family.
It doesn't make up for all the harm she's caused, but nothing ever will.
I know. [ He says with a small sigh, and he keeps his hand on hers; hoping it will help. ] I know how that feels.
[ How many times had he had that exact thought over the years? Sometimes it had been impossible to focus on the good, when the bad outweighed it. ]
It is harder to focus on the good. Especially when the pain is still new.
[ He wants to reassure her that things get easier with time, but it seems a useless thing to vocalize when her hurt is still so recent. For Erik, healing was a slow ongoing process, and sometimes it stalled entirely. He's taken steps forward only to backslide when something happened that he didn't know how to deal with. But since Genosha, things had taken a steady turn for the better. He can only hope this place will have the same effect on Wanda as it has for him. But he doesn't expect it will be an overnight process either. ]
[Of course he knows. Wanda gives him a sympathetic smile, bringing her other hand to rest atop his. She loved a man that was metal and data and wires, and she mourns children she knew for a handful of days. He might think her crazy when he learns the full truth of it. Though the longer she spends around him, the more she finds herself hoping he won't.]
You're very sweet.
[Gentle, caring. Not attributes many would give to him, she's sure.]
I know you understand. I do. It's just... relentless.
[ He gives a small smile at the word she uses. No, not many would call him sweet. It was a rare thing, but certain people and situations did bring it out of him; and for that he was grateful. He did, deep down, like to care for people. It's just that his life hadn't been filled with too many opportunities to do so. And he'd made choices which complicated that even more so.
He understands how relentless it feels. And his gaze studies her face for a moment, before he speaks again. ]
I should have done more research into who Matthew was; and what he could do. I regret taking you into a situation like that so unprepared.
[ There would always be some unpredictability when going on missions and meeting potential new recruits. But he wishes he'd known about Matthew's powers before going into it; to warn her, and maybe she would have wanted to go anyway. But at least then they wouldn't have been blindsided. ]
You have undoubtedly saved lives tonight by ensuring Matthew cannot continue to harm and kill others. But I'm sorry for the harm it's caused you.
No, [She says quickly, fingers tightening around his hand for a moment,] that's not on you. Almost everything about him was a a lie. I'm glad I was with you. I could handle it.
[She hates that she had to end his life, but he was a murderer. He enjoyed killing people. He couldn't be allowed to live and potentially pose a threat to Genosha if he found more mutants that shares his views.]
This could have ended much worse if you were alone or if someone else was with you. You know that, Erik.
I know. [ He agrees with a nod. It was true. It would have been much worse if he'd gone with one of the less powerful telepaths he usually took with him. Typically that was all that had been necessary, as most of the recruits had been non confrontational, and he didn't have too many concerns going into it. Matthew had been different than anything he'd come across before. ]
I still wish he hadn't done what he did to you.
[ He pauses a moment. ]
I'm glad we stopped him. There is no telling the kind of threat he would have brought upon Genosha.
[ Erik's lost in thought about that for a moment, thinking how close he'd come to having his home put at risk. He would need to be more careful next time. He's quiet for a moment, debating whether to ask; but they've been honest with each other so far and it's served both of them well; though it hasn't always been easy. ]
Did it... upset you? Taking his life. I ask because I wouldn't want it to burden you, or intrude on your thoughts. If there's anything I can do to help, I want to do so.
[ Maybe upset wasn't quite the right word for it, but he lacked what word would fit.]
It... [She takes a breath, choosing her words carefully.] I'm sad it needed to be done. I'm not happy to kill, but I think it's better me than you.
[Cleaner, in a way. Killed in the mind and then his body. Much of it was fueled by anger, for making her see the faces of those she had killed, but he had to go regardless.]
I don't regret going with you.
[This was an unlucky first time. She turns her hand so that both are holding his one, and she looks him in the eyes, sincere.]
I want to go again. Let me be your partner.
[Someone to have his back when meeting with potential residents. Someone to handle men like Matthew. She thinks about the children on the island, Kira and Nic, and how she knows he'd never forgive himself if someone managed to come here and cause harm.]
[ Better me than you. Initially he wonders what she means, but then he thinks back to the scene and it's clear that their individual methods of killing were very different. In a way, the death she'd given him was 'cleaner'. Some might even say more merciful than what Erik had intended for him; even if she'd given Matthew a taste of his own medicine beforehand.
So he agrees. It was better that way.
When she looks at him with sincerity in her gaze and tells him she doesn't regret going, and even asks to be his partner in future missions he's momentarily surprised. But it gives way to a look of approval, it's a good idea; and he'd be better off with her as his partner.
Erik's the only class four mutant in Genosha, and whatever Wanda is; it's at least that level of power if not much greater. Tactically, it's advantageous to have her join him for that reason alone. But still, since he cares about her, he wants to caution her. ]
It can get difficult, like today. Most of the people I meet aren't like Matthew, but there might be more like him. In fact, if there are; that poses a great danger to Genosha, and I would rather find out and eliminate the threat before they can gather a group of like minded mutants.
[ A controversial opinion to some, but Erik knows how badly things can go when groups like that gain momentum. ]
[The look of approval makes her chest ache. He's not saying no. They could be a formidable, unstoppable team. Not to hurt or conquer, but to protect this place. Protect others, if more like Matthew crossed their path.]
Yes.
[Wanda nods.]
I trust you.
[His judgement, his direction. She hadn't stepped out of line, and even if the ended with her feeling emotionally bruised, she doesn't blame Erik for that.]
[ Erik gives both her hands a squeeze and then eventually lets go, there's a small smile on his face as his expression softens. He's grateful to have her support. ]
Then I would be honored.
[ They already made a good team, he'd seen flickers of that even from the first day of the two of them working in tandem to construct what ended up being her home. And in the way they were with Kira and Nic. There was an unspoken understanding and communication between them that lent itself naturally to working together on missions.
He couldn't have wanted for a better partner. He trusted her, and with her assurance that she trusted him, and that she wasn't put off by the sometimes harsh circumstances they'd have to face; Erik doesn't have any further hesitations. ]
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But she seems to not flinch at the thought of it, and they don't have the luxury to stand around debating who will do it, still he asks just the once -]
Are you sure?
[ He's not questioning if she can or not; but more so concerned about the toll it could take on her, taking Matthew's life. That's what he wants to avoid. But he'll respect her decision. Either way, they leave here tonight and Matthew doesn't. ]
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I'm sure.
[She knows he's made an effort to be a better man than he was before. And maybe she doesn't want to stomach Kira and Nic looking at him with their big, curious eyes, and remember the sight of him killing someone.
Wanda isn't pleased to do it, either. But she can make it quick and clean and she tells herself that this is her, protecting the island. Protecting Kira and Nic from someone who would turn them into soldiers.]
Make sure no one is coming.
[Her way of wanting some kind of privacy. Erik doesn't need to watch them. Matthew won't be getting in her head again.]
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Erik doesn't want her to feel like she has to do this, he definitely doesn't want her to feel like an executioner; that's not why he brought her with him. But he's trusting that if she tells him she's sure, then she is.
Once he's at the end of the alley, he stands guard; watching for any signs of movement. ]
It's clear.
[ He calls out to her, then turns his focus back to what's ahead of him; keeping watch. He can still hear her from this distance, in case something goes wrong, he can be there in an instant. ]
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She was right.
Cruel is sometimes the only way, she's learned.]
Do better, next time.
[In the next life, the next universe, whatever there might be. Wanda steps close enough to touch his temple, and she searches. There are flashes of incidents. A woman pushed onto the tracks of an oncoming train, made to look like she slipped. A man fishing at a lake, drowned. Matthew unable to make or keep friends, going from job to job, left to his own thoughts and all he does is read, read, read. Nothing good.
But he is, at least, alone in his endeavors. A little mutant killer, though the body count is comparatively low when his potential strength is taken into consideration. He could become a terror.
So-called accidents happening to people just going about their lives. There's enough in his mind that she can make it terrify him, because fair's fair. Out of the shadows come the mangled bodies, the limping men and women. Bony hands reach for Matthew's neck.
He screams. In reality, no one comes for him, no dead victims approach, but his shrieks end abruptly as his body goes limp. Dead or passed out from what seemed so real in his mind, it doesn't really matter. This needs to look like an accident. Just his style.
Wanda unwinds the metal from around him and, without much thought, blasts him into the base of some scaffolding. It's horrendously loud, the metal and concrete and wood crashing down and kicking up dust and debris, but the place was a mess already. The authorities can try to piece together what happened here.
But it's time for them to go. Wanda takes a shaky breath, trying to keep her anger in check.
She hates doing this, but Matthew left no other option.]
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He wonders if she made him suffer, he wonders what she saw in his mind. But he's not going to ask any of that right now, because they need to leave the area; and there's time enough for all of that later.
Erik approaches her and places his hand on her arm. ]
We have to go.
[ He says gently, and leads the way as they vacate the scene. Moments later, when they meet up with Gabriella, she asks what happened. Erik responds with a simple shake of his head and she understands; it didn't go well, and they'll go over it later. Right now, they had to get back to Genosha. Gabriella teleports them back to the island in the next instant once they've all locked hands. ]
I'm sorry.
[ He says to Wanda after Gabriella heads to her home and they're left in the quiet of the small clearing set a distance away from the community. Regret is etched on his features for how the night turned out, and the stress of what she's been through - he still doesn't know exactly what happened, what she saw when Matthew attacked her. ]
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Once back--home, Wanda realizes is how she thinks of it--and standing in the clearing, Wanda thinks she can hear her blood buzzing around n her ears. Erik speaks, and it takes her a moment to reply.]
Me, too. I wish it had turned out better.
[But not everyone will be a fit for the island.
Wanda knows he'll want to ask what, exactly, Matthew did to her. She decides to talk about something else, first. Something else he'll want to know.]
He was alone. He was always alone. He took that out on humans. He liked killing people.
[She crosses her arms, looking down at the toes of her boots.]
The world is a better place without him. Even if he wasn't good for Genosha, it's good we crossed paths with him when we did. He could have hurt more people, or found other mutants that share his view, or...
[Any number of things. The caught the problem when it was manageable. All she has is a headache and some unjustified murder on her mind, which probably means sleep will be a gamble. She knows what nightmares are made of.]
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[ Erik says definitively, without remorse. It was not an outlook shared by everyone, he knew that; but some people were beyond the point of bringing back. The world was better off without Matthew.
Much like the world was better off without Shaw - one of the turning points in Erik's life's trajectory. Though at the time, Erik had killed him purely for his own motivations of vengeance.
This was a bit different. He didn't know Matthew, save for their brief interaction; but it was clear his death was a necessary outcome. For the safety of their home, the people here, the children. Innocents that just wanted to live a peaceful life. Not to mention the world beyond just Genosha, that Matthew had his sights on.
Erik's only concern now was in how the events of the night might be affecting Wanda. She seemed stable enough, but taking a life was always a toll in some regard; and he still didn't know what had happened when she had looked at him like he was someone else entirely; lost to an illusion he couldn't see. ]
I need to drop this off, [ he says, indicating the helmet in his hand; no longer needed. ] would you join me?
[ He's concerned about her, and doesn't want to just leave her alone to her thoughts in her home. ]
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Sure.
[She's not eager to be left alone to her thoughts, either.]
May I?
[See the helmet, she means, as she holds a hand out.]
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[ He hands her the helmet, and then leads the way back to his home. It's another sign of his trust in her that he doesn't think twice before handing her the helmet to inspect. After all, she's already been in his head, seen some of his memories; and seen him more vulnerable than he'd been in years.
When they arrive at his home and climb the stairs up to the living space, Erik turns on a few lamps; illuminating the space enough to reveal the framed photographs of his family that sit atop the previously bare surfaces of his bookshelves, kitchen counter, and one in the middle of his table - the photograph of all three of them; himself, Magda, and Nina all smiling happily in the spring sunlight.
It makes the space significantly less stark, and much more personal. Still no color on the walls, but he's making small steps at least. ]
Make yourself comfortable. Would you like something to drink? Tea, water, beer?
[ He wishes he'd kept something stronger on hand, but alas. He asks her the question as he places the jacket he'd been wearing on one of the hooks near the stairwell. ]
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Follow him, she does notice the photographs right away. It makes her smile despite the fact that she just killed someone. This was the undeniable good she's done.
Carefully, she sets down his helmet next to the photo on the table and sits.]
I'll have what you're having.
[It's all the same to her.]
I like what you've done with the place. It feels more like a home already.
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Well, I have you to thank for that.
[ He offers her a smile as he takes a drink. ]
The quality of these pictures is absolutely remarkable. It's like nothing I've ever seen. [ He remarks while glancing at the one atop the table. The photographic advancements just weren't present in that time period; but Erik doesn't really question it. She did gather the images directly from his mind, so it's honestly not the strangest aspect.
He has more serious questions to ask, and they need to talk about what happened; but he's giving them both a moment to settle in. ]
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I'm happy to see them out in the open.
[He could have decided to put them away in a drawer somewhere. But no, they're here, where he lives his day to day.]
You're okay?
[There had been a brief once over for cuts or injuries on the way out, but now that they're standing still, she figures they can take better stock.
And he can ask what she knows he wants to ask.]
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[ He reassures. He's seen worse fights than that, and he also wasn't the one who'd had Matthew sneaking around in his mind uninvited. Erik would like to think he's gained better control over his reactions, and he has for the most part; but he doesn't know how much worse the night could have turned had Matthew attempted to use his illusions on him. It gave him an even greater respect for Wanda's mental fortitude, the way she had dealt with shaking him off. ]
You had me worried.
[ He watches her, that same concern showing faintly in his gaze. ]
When Matthew got into your head it was as if you were in a different place all of a sudden. You looked straight through me. Told me to stay back.
[ There's a brief pause, and then - ] What happened? What did he do?
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Wanda's expression falls as she looks down at her hands around her beer, knowing he'd ask, but still unsure on what to say.]
He reminded me that I was not a good person before I came here.
[Neither was he, apparently, but her sins are still fresh on her mind. Close enough to the surface that Matthew was able to make them stand before her very eyes.]
I was a monster. You would have tried to put me down.
[If Matthew is anything to go by.]
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He wonders how he might have reacted had Matthew shown him any of the countless lives he'd taken, put actual faces to the victims; their families.
It's a difficult topic, especially because he can't necessarily argue with her point. Had she come to Genosha as a force bent on destroying it, and not knowing anything about her; he would have tried to take her down, like she'd said. ]
What you've done in your past isn't all of who you are. No matter how monstrous the things you've done. You're still the person that has made Kira and Nic feel like they aren't alone here, you've made them feel cared for.
[ Erik reaches across the table to place his hand atop one of hers. ]
You're also the person that has given me peace in a form I didn't think could exist.
[ He knows all too well what she's feeling, what it feels like to think you're a monster. He's had time to sort through it a bit, it's less loud now. For her, it's clear it's much more fresh. He wants to help in whatever way he can. ]
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It doesn't make up for all the harm she's caused, but nothing ever will.
Her eyes rest on their hands.]
I wish I could only focus on the good.
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[ How many times had he had that exact thought over the years? Sometimes it had been impossible to focus on the good, when the bad outweighed it. ]
It is harder to focus on the good. Especially when the pain is still new.
[ He wants to reassure her that things get easier with time, but it seems a useless thing to vocalize when her hurt is still so recent. For Erik, healing was a slow ongoing process, and sometimes it stalled entirely. He's taken steps forward only to backslide when something happened that he didn't know how to deal with. But since Genosha, things had taken a steady turn for the better. He can only hope this place will have the same effect on Wanda as it has for him. But he doesn't expect it will be an overnight process either. ]
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You're very sweet.
[Gentle, caring. Not attributes many would give to him, she's sure.]
I know you understand. I do. It's just... relentless.
[And she's tired. She's been tired.]
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He understands how relentless it feels. And his gaze studies her face for a moment, before he speaks again. ]
I should have done more research into who Matthew was; and what he could do. I regret taking you into a situation like that so unprepared.
[ There would always be some unpredictability when going on missions and meeting potential new recruits. But he wishes he'd known about Matthew's powers before going into it; to warn her, and maybe she would have wanted to go anyway. But at least then they wouldn't have been blindsided. ]
You have undoubtedly saved lives tonight by ensuring Matthew cannot continue to harm and kill others. But I'm sorry for the harm it's caused you.
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[She hates that she had to end his life, but he was a murderer. He enjoyed killing people. He couldn't be allowed to live and potentially pose a threat to Genosha if he found more mutants that shares his views.]
This could have ended much worse if you were alone or if someone else was with you. You know that, Erik.
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I still wish he hadn't done what he did to you.
[ He pauses a moment. ]
I'm glad we stopped him. There is no telling the kind of threat he would have brought upon Genosha.
[ Erik's lost in thought about that for a moment, thinking how close he'd come to having his home put at risk. He would need to be more careful next time. He's quiet for a moment, debating whether to ask; but they've been honest with each other so far and it's served both of them well; though it hasn't always been easy. ]
Did it... upset you? Taking his life. I ask because I wouldn't want it to burden you, or intrude on your thoughts. If there's anything I can do to help, I want to do so.
[ Maybe upset wasn't quite the right word for it, but he lacked what word would fit.]
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[Cleaner, in a way. Killed in the mind and then his body. Much of it was fueled by anger, for making her see the faces of those she had killed, but he had to go regardless.]
I don't regret going with you.
[This was an unlucky first time. She turns her hand so that both are holding his one, and she looks him in the eyes, sincere.]
I want to go again. Let me be your partner.
[Someone to have his back when meeting with potential residents. Someone to handle men like Matthew. She thinks about the children on the island, Kira and Nic, and how she knows he'd never forgive himself if someone managed to come here and cause harm.]
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So he agrees. It was better that way.
When she looks at him with sincerity in her gaze and tells him she doesn't regret going, and even asks to be his partner in future missions he's momentarily surprised. But it gives way to a look of approval, it's a good idea; and he'd be better off with her as his partner.
Erik's the only class four mutant in Genosha, and whatever Wanda is; it's at least that level of power if not much greater. Tactically, it's advantageous to have her join him for that reason alone. But still, since he cares about her, he wants to caution her. ]
It can get difficult, like today. Most of the people I meet aren't like Matthew, but there might be more like him. In fact, if there are; that poses a great danger to Genosha, and I would rather find out and eliminate the threat before they can gather a group of like minded mutants.
[ A controversial opinion to some, but Erik knows how badly things can go when groups like that gain momentum. ]
Is that something that you could accept?
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Yes.
[Wanda nods.]
I trust you.
[His judgement, his direction. She hadn't stepped out of line, and even if the ended with her feeling emotionally bruised, she doesn't blame Erik for that.]
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Then I would be honored.
[ They already made a good team, he'd seen flickers of that even from the first day of the two of them working in tandem to construct what ended up being her home. And in the way they were with Kira and Nic. There was an unspoken understanding and communication between them that lent itself naturally to working together on missions.
He couldn't have wanted for a better partner. He trusted her, and with her assurance that she trusted him, and that she wasn't put off by the sometimes harsh circumstances they'd have to face; Erik doesn't have any further hesitations. ]
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