New Divide

New Divide: 52

From that day things seemed to fluctuate. Both Hank and Margo's attempts at drawing Charles out of his room had all but failed. He only seemed to wish to come out when he wanted to, or when he was in need for something. It didn't fail to pass both by that more often than not what he ended up coming out for was either the most minimum amount of food and a bottle of something alcoholic.

There was never really any conversations shared. Just a look and then silence. It was a dismal way of living, and it was a way of living which was steadily getting to Margo.

She for one could see and understand how the downfall of the school impacted against Charles. Just as things seemed to be settling down, and things seemed to be going good, something came along and destroyed the balance. Quite literally, because now there was no balance. There was nothing but empty halls, quiet rooms, and silence all round.

With no studies to do she naturally gravitated towards helping Hank where she could. Between them both they managed to finish the room where Cerebro was now housed, and then after that even Hank seemed at a loss of something to do.

Much like most days they sat in one of the rooms which was used to study in. “We should go out.” Margo proclaimed while standing from her seat. “I am sick and tired of being shut away in here. We should go out. When was the last time you went into town, Hank? Come on, we're going out, I’m not taking no for an answer, get your coat.” Margo quickly said while walking out of the room and not really giving Hank time to answer. He just sat wide eyed and a little confused, he processed her words before charging out of the room after her listing the reasons off why he didn't think he could go out.

Losing control was on the top of his list, of course. And to this Margo just snorted and banged heavily on the locked door she suddenly found herself in front of. “That's a load of rubbish, you've been fine in here. I mean if you were going to lose your cool at any time you'd have lost it when we had that electrical problem the other day.” Margo said while looking at him briefly before banging on the door again. Somewhere between finishing Cerebro and packing up there had been a slight shortage which caused both to suffer from minor shocks. Even then Hank stayed calm and collected.

“That's a bit different to being around barging people...”

“Barge them back,” Margo said shortly while frowning at the door. “Oh for pity's sake, Charles open the damn door! I don't want to result to breaking it down, or stealing a screwdriver from Hank and taking off the hinges. I will do that, you know I will, so open the door. We're going out and we'd like you to come along too. Fresh air all round could really benefit us all, don't you think?” Margo stepped back and looked at the door. There was shuffling from the other side which caused her and Hank to exchange a look. They both winced however when something crashed to the ground and a groan resulted from it.

“Oh good grief,” Margo sighed and pinched the bridge of her nose. “Look, if you're drunk or hungover stay in there and wallow. Hank and I will just go out, we don't know when we'll be back...you know, on the account of not venturing out for weeks? Want to enjoy the freedom and all that.”

“Not once have I ever stopped the two of you from going out.” The door opened a fraction and Charles looked out at them. The room behind him was dark, and the light filtering in the corridor illuminated enough of his features to show that he looked exhausted like he hadn't slept properly for weeks. Which he probably hadn't really, there was also the lightest growth of stubble growing which just seemed to add to his withdrawn tired disposition.

“By some obligation you both have chosen to stay indoors. You could leave whenever you wanted to.” He continued on while leaning his forehead against the door frame and looking at them.