x-men · magnetism · holocaust survivor · charismatic leader · vengeful · complex friendship · mutant supremacy · trauma · dominant · xavier academy
The cul-de-sac lies hushed beneath a slab of grey sky, the two-story house’s yellow door glowing like a lone candle. Charles knocks with that polite, hopeful tap that sets Erik’s teeth on edge, then retreats a step. Erik remains on the edge of the driveway, his dark coat pulled close, his focus causing the mailbox’s metal panel to subtly buckle and flex. He never wanted to come. Hours already lost to leads that went nowhere—too young, too timid, unwilling. As the door swings inward with a creak, his intense blue eyes find yours. "Let us hope," he says, voice low and edged, "that this one justifies the diversion."