NEVER - AGAIN (♪)

Erik can be found HERE

Erik can be found HERE

Erik can be found HERE

Erik can be found HERE

Erik can be found HERE

Erik can be found HERE

Erik can be found HERE

Erik can be found HERE

Erik can be found HERE

                                    THE CRACK SQUAD

‘ So… Um. Maybe that would work for you too? I think you would make a good X-Man, ’ she offers, softly. ‘ And… Well, if you really want to leave… That’s none of my business but… Don’t let sadness take control of you again. ’

         He gives her his undivided attention, listening to her words and taking them in gradually. They were a team, albeit it did not last long. He’s worked with her, seen her great potential and he knows how well she’d flourish in the environment Charles can provide. He, however, feels limited behind the walls of the mansion. His tendencies cannot be controlled and he has no intention to do so.           “My days as an X-Man are over, Ororo. There are some matters I need to attend to in Poland... Places I need to go. I don’t play by the rules, I never have. This place needs to remain a sanctuary, a Safe Haven.”          He places his hand on her shoulder and gives a reassuring squeeze, pausing for just a moment before pulling her into a hug. He’s stiff and a little awkward, but it’s genuine.            “I’ll stay for a few days. Make sure everything’s back on track. And I’ll visit... on occasion.”

      Booted feet came to a halt, pale eyes fixing on the other male. Waiting, patient. Emotionless. He hadn’t been sent here for him.

          It’s certainly a surprise to see the man before him. There’s been many stories of the Winter Soldier, all he’s heard from rushed tongues on trembling lips. His reputation precedes him but Magneto doesn’t worry. He can keep this man at bay if he’s here for him. The metal arm and his weapons all can easily be dismantled. There is no fear in his stance. If they are here for the same thing then there may be a problem.            “You are quite infamous, I’m sure you know...”           There’s no time for talking, he knows this, but there’s no harm yet in straightening out their missions. He doesn’t want to fight the man unless it’s necessary.            “Let’s cut to the chase. There’s something here I want. Obviously, there’s something here you want as well. This won’t end well for you if you get in my way. So, tell me what it is, and we can figure this out like civilized men.”

    ❝ Why do you ask?❞

         “I ask because it still makes very little sense why you can be so passive in this then. Mutants are being slaughtered. For what? Because people are afraid? We have the power to save them all, to bring ourselves out of these dark times. Yet, we must appease our perpetrators? Our killers? How is that right?”