Return To Sender

[Erik Lehnsherr]

Erik was laying in bed, his eyes opening to the sun that was peaking through the window. The past several mornings he had woken up this way; a drastic change from the earlier days. And one that he was unsure how much longer would last. While he had not put his mission on hold, he had ultimately slowed it down, for the sake of one woman: Magda Eisenhardt. He looked to his side, seeing her sleeping soundly. It was these moments, where he just looked at her, his mind reflecting over their . . . relationship. She was a human, and while he loathed them, he could not distance himself from her. He should. He knew it was the wisest thing to do. And yet, these mornings he had woken up next to her, the days they spent together, and the nights they expressed their love for one another, were perhaps the most happy days he could have possibly ever imagined having. How did he give that up? Yet, how could he accept a human in his life?

Not wanting to let these thoughts spoil his mood, he deeply inhaled, continuing the awakening process. Turning to the side he extended his hand and used his powers to bring his watch to him, allowing him to check the time. It was later than he was used to waking up. Then again, he hardly ever slept at night. That is, until she had re-entered his life. His lack of sleep was now for entirely different reasons. She was laying on his chest, his arm draped around her to hold her close. He slowly and carefully began to sat up right, ensuring not to create too much of an abrupt movement as to wake her. Slightly shifting to the side so that her cheek was now against the pillow instead of him, he turned his head, taking in his surroundings and already planning what was to be done today.

Tag Magda

[Magda Eisenhardt]

Magda became aware that he was trying to escape their bed, and she blinked opened her eyes before a sleepy smile took over her face. "No," She moaned, tightening her arm around him before he could go further, though it was futile. "That is not the sun, it is but a bright street lamp trying to trick us." Teasing to make him stay for a little longer, though she knew he was an earlier riser, and that he would continue looking for the man he hated. He never would let it go. While she understood his inability to let it go, for she had seen what he had done; the idea of revenge was one she did not. Because she loved him, she did not try to stop him. And she did love him, though Magda never said the words to him, not sure how he'd feel about them.

She saw it as her job to remind him of the living, and how they were more important then his death mission. As he sat up, so dd she, moving over the bed so that when he sat on the edge, she knelt behind him, both her arms around him; pressing her front to his back, and her teeth nipping the skin just below his ear. She felt her belly roll, like it had over the past few days but thankfully this time it settled. Resting her chin on his shoulder she looked toward the window. "You have let the evil street lamp win." She teased in a quite sleepy voice, before giving him a light head budge with her own, "I hope you are pleased with yourself."

[Erik Lehnsherr]

He had woken her. Though he did not feel guilty for it as he rather enjoyed her company. He gave a small smile at her words, trying to convince him to stay in bed longer. Perhaps when his task was complete, things would be different. He did not know what the future held in store for them, and it was the one plan that he could not make. He remained silent as she came closer to him, wrapping her arms around him. His placed a hand on one of her arms, gently caressing her soft skin with the tip of his thumb. His gaze remained forward, feeling that immense comfort he experienced whenever she was near, and it was strongest when she was awake, and near him as she was now. Her skin against his. She then continued to tease him, saying that he had let the lamp when, and questioning whether he was pleased with himself.

His expression turned into a slight smirk at this question, responding to it with a returning tease. "When am I not?" He questioned rhetorically, simultaneously turning his head to look at her. Taking advantage of their closeness, his needed only to lean forward a little until their lips touched. The sensation of her lips against his was so incredible, and one that never seemed to diminish despite the frequency of this embrace, and far more. His hand went to her cheek pulling her closer and holding her in place against him. Letting the kiss linger for some time, he finally pulled away, knowing he would not get anywhere for hours if he were to continue. It would only backtrack him back to their bed. He turned his head forward again, his hand falling from her cheek, but his other still on her arm. "I must get ready," he told her. With his free hand, he held it up and with his powers, pulled toward him his pants, using the metal of the buckle that was still attached to them.

[Magda Eisenhardt]

When was he not? That was a very good question, but not one she lingered on because as it always did his kiss distracted her from thinking. It was almost hard to believe--their story. He had saved her from death, and then years later he had found her; and they had began whatever this was. Magda had fallen in love with him, and his sure he was. His charm and charismatic way of speaking about things passionately. He thought her human--NO! She was human! Which only made the softness toward her more meaningful, for she could tell that he did not like many that he saw as human.

He broke the kiss, and used one hand to have his pants come toward him. It was becoming easier to not pause or stare when he used them so casually before her. Sometimes she even enjoyed the sight, but it still reminded her of their past. What had been done to him because of that evil man knowing of his gifts. What could happen to him again.

Reaching up with her hand, Magda brushed his hand down, before stealing a kiss on his temple, and rising from the bed. Not bothering to cover herself she walked to where her skirt was, and wrapped it around her waist, binding it off so it stayed. "Will you join me for breakfast at least? We can go to that market down on third. Pick up some things, and part ways afterwards?" Pulling on her shirt, she watched him dress as well. Then she was going to see about some herbs to settle hr belly which still felt a bit unsteady.

[Erik Lehnsherr]

As she got ready, he pulled his pants on and went to the washroom to freshen up, stepping out as she asked him if he would join her for breakfast. She understood his need to find Shaw and while he was slowed down, the entire mission was not halted. For that, he was relieved. For otherwise, it would have forced him to make a decision to choose between her and Shaw. And while that choice still may be coming, he did not have to be faced with it now. He reached for his shirt, pulling it over his head, thinking over her question though he knew his answer. He paused for a moment, taking a few steps toward her, until he was standing in front of her.

"It would be my pleasure," he told her, leaning forward and tilting his head down for another kiss. Not one that lingered as much as the others, but still held passion to it. He turned once again to continue getting ready, pulling on his scarf and jacket. "Is there somewhere you need to go?" He asked, his offer to take her somewhere while he carried on his plans. He knew of a place where one of Shaw's former associates tended to spend a great deal of time at. He would wait there until the man came and then use some rather unconventional methods of interrogation. He often left these details out of his plans whenever Magda inquired curiously about them. "I will be able to take you before going to my own destination," he added. He could not always, but today, he had some time to spare.

[Magda Eisenhardt]

He told her it was his pleasure, and kissed her. It left her smiling, as she pulled on her jacket, and boots. "I saw some wagons yesterday on my way back here. I want to try to find them. See if there is anyone I know with them." And there was more, but the only secret she kept from him was of the change that she might be like him--and she only kept that one because she didn't want to admit it to herself. "If they are people like me, I want to see what herbs they carry. See if I can find any ginger root." Good for an unset belly.

Magda ran her fingers through her hair to settle it, and waited for him to get ready. They so different. He dressed more formally, and she looked apart of her people. His clothes was clean, sharp and of the latest styles; while her clothing was worn, and bulky in places--and full of colors. "You do not have to help me, I will be find on my own . . . though I will not turn down the company if you wish to join me anyway."

[Erik Lehnsherr]

He listened to her explain the plans her day held. She was still seeking out her people, and he could understand her need to find someone that she knew. Despite his understanding, he could not help her. He had his own people to find. Still, he wished her well in her attempts, knowing that it was disappointing at times when she did not find those she knew. He reached for his hat and put it on his head. "I cannot today," he told her. Spending time with her was . . . well, Erik had to admit that it was wonderful. But he also knew it was not reality. It was his temporary escape from everything else. Though the temporary aspect of it was slipping away and becoming more frequent. He paused for a moment, looking at her while he spoke his next words.

"I hope you find what you seek," he told her, wanting her to know he was sincere in what he said. With those words, he reached for the keys to the hotel room and handed them to her. "I will be back late tonight," he informed her. If this man led to another then he would not waste time tracking him down as well. With every man he found, he was getting closer and closer to his true target. He then went to the door and held it open for her, waiting for her to step through before he did the same.

[Magda Eisenhardt]

She had known he would not come with her, for he was looking every day. Still she made sure to always phrase her words so he would know that while she welcomed his company, she did not expect him to drop everything and join her. Magda knew that if she ever put that pressure on him, then she might not like the outcome. She could lose him. Forever was a hard work for either of them to use, but she wanted to think this wasn't just something that would end soon.

"I will be waiting for you here." She promised, knowing that she could not offer to join him later. Walking out, she waited while he locked the door before walking with him to the lift. "I might take some of the clothes down to the wash, if I do not find anyone I know. Would like me to take yours as well?" Get him some thing clean.

[Erik Lehnsherr]

To have someone waiting for him when he returned was still not something he had grown used to. They had been together for about a month, and it still left him with a certain unfamiliarity. After all, it was a month of being with her, compared years of not. Once outside the room, he waved his hand over the door, locking it and joining her in the elevator. Speaking of unfamiliarity, her domestic offers -- in this particular case to wash his clothes -- was something else he was not used to.

"That's quite alright," he said, while appreciating the offer, was accustomed to just buying new clothes when necessary. Once the elevator came, they stepped inside and he pressed the button to take them to the main floor. While they were inside, he reached into his pocket and pulled out a pouch filled with money. He then wordlessly and rather casually handed it to her. His lifestyle didn't exactly offer the opportunity for a job. So he just took what he needed, when he needed it. It was rather easy after all. Most safes were made out of metal as were other protective barriers around money, not to mention coins themselves. He was not with her during the day, so the least he could offer her was some means to get what she required.

[Magda Eisenhardt]

He declined her offer, but offered her money. She knew she should feel like a kept woman, but the fact that he stole from the gadjo made her enjoy helping him spend it--even if he was one of them himself. "I still have coin enough from yesterday." She told him, not wanting to take more then was needed. Her people tended to barter more then take money any how, as traveling between countries made money worthless after leaving.

As the lift came to the bottom, she exited and walked with him toward the door and began the short walk toward the market. Once there she paused at a stall to look over some cherries. "I am going to come back for some of them later. They looked good." But nor did she want to carry them all day. "What do you crave . . . for breakfast?" She asked him, leaving a double meaning in her tone.

[Erik Lehnsherr]

She assured him that she still had some for yesterday and Erik tucked the pouch back into his pocket. They then exited and he walked alongside her, allowing her to guide them to the market. Pausing at a stall, he showed little interest in the content, but focused her attentions on her when she asked him a question. He smiled at the tone in which she asked it. He leaned forward, speaking in a low voice near her ear. "What I crave could have easily been obtained in our hotel room," he told her teasingly.

He then straightened up once more, glancing at the cherries and then casually back at her. "Therefore, we will have to go by your cravings. Perhaps some fresh bread from that stall," he said, motioning to the one a couple down from where they were. The smell of all the different foods in the market filled the air, creating a rather delicious aroma. Erik had never prioritized breakfast in the past. A coffee here, a drink there. But with her, having the meal together, allowed him to value it.

[Magda Eisenhardt]

"And I tired so very hard to give it to you," She teased him, keeping her voice down, "But you are a hard man to persuade." His need to hunt down his past, out weighted the need to stay in their bed. She knew that he wasn't indifferent toward her, but she also knew that he would never be swayed from his hunt.

"Bread! Yes! Let us find some bread with something baked in it." That sounded wonderful, "Perhaps some raisins, or nuts, or barriers!" Magda had spent too many years hungry to miss a chance to eat. She loved foods! She loved to try everything, and was always trying to make him feed her. Moving away from him she walked toward the stalls with the fresh breads and begin trying to pick which one. As she reached for one, the vender's hand came out to grasp her wrist, 'You sort better have money before coming by here.' He demanded in a harsh tone. Her sort. Gypsies. Magda pulled at her wrist once but he didn't let go, she she tugged harder and pulled free. "I want nothing from you."

[Erik Lehnsherr]

What she said was quite true. He was stubborn. Driven. Determined. And he was well aware of how easy it would be to spend the entire day in bed with her. What his mission was forever on his mind, and until it was complete, he could not allow for too many distractions. Her excitement over the options for breakfast diverted the conversation and thus his thoughts, as he followed her to where she excitedly went to find something to eat. Such a simple thing made her so happy, and he could not help but smile as he watched her enthusiasm. He watched from a bit of a distance, though noticed the vendors hand suddenly grab her wrist. By the time Erik got to the scene, he had already released her hand. But that did not mean an intervention was not required. She stated she wanted nothing from him and Erik looked at her and then at the man before him who had touched her. The one thing about gypsies: they enjoyed wearing a lot of jewelry. So the ring on the man's hand caught his interest. "Tell me, how tightly do you wear that ring of yours?" Erik asked. He then looked up at the man, though used his powers to suddenly tighten the ring around his finger. The pain started showing on his face, before he began to let out sounds to reflect how he felt.

Erik was cutting off the circulation as the metal dug into the man's flesh, tighter and tighter. Oh, and look at that; his money from the sales just so happened to be stored in a metal box. With one slight jerk of his head, the box went flying and all the money and coins spilled out, causing everyone around them to frantically pick it up. Erik was not quite done yet. He picked up a piece of the bread and then then stepped back, away from the growing crowd due to what was now free money. The man looked at him, fear in his eyes, an expression that Erik had seen many times before. Erik just gave him a small wink, tossing the bread up and catching it, before handing it to Magda. "Let's go," he said, starting to walk away from the stall. As he casually walked away, his back toward the scene he had created, he gave a little wave of his hand and the metal poles that were holding up his stall fell to the ground, causing everyone he had to crumble to the floor. Better luck with sales and goods tomorrow.

[Magda Eisenhardt]

Erik came up behind her, and stepped closer to the man, leaving her to step backwards. When Erik began she felt a small smile, knowing he was defending her, and it made her feel good. It wasn't until he became showy that she began to look around to see who was taking note of it. So she stood back until they were making their way from the scene. Looking back, she watched as the vender crawled from under his tent and tried to save his money. "We should leave." She said, not afraid of Erik but for him. "In case he tells the police about you."

Magda did not want anything to happen to him again, and she feared for then anything history repeating it's self. Though she wasn't sorry he taught the man a lesson, she knew that it could come at a price. Even still it did not stop her from smiling up at him, and reaching for the a bit of the bread that they could now share. Tasting even better for the fact that it was stolen from the mean white man.

[Erik Lehnsherr]

Part of what made him enjoy her company and separated her from the rest of the homo sapiens, was the fact that she did not become disturbed his powers. She did not grow fearful of them. She trusted him enough to know that he would never hurt her. While with some, he did strive to instill that fear in them, it was a relief to know she did not feel that way about him. Especially in moments like this one. "He will not say anything that anyone will believe," he told her.

The man was scared, but he too knew that if he tried to explain what had happened, he would be categorized as insane. Part of Erik wanted the world to know of his gifts. The other part of him knew that he could not kill Shaw if he was a fugitive and constantly flaunting his abilities. Still. He had murdered many and had gotten away with it thus far. It was all about covering your tracks. "Besides, the bread was well worth it," he said, ripping off a small piece and taking a bite. She seemed to be enjoying it as well, judging from her expression and actions.

[Magda Eisenhardt]

His later words make her mocking glare at him before laughing, and taking some more. "He's a good baker," admitting it wasn't hard, "pity he is such a poor human." She knew not everyone was evil, and while Erik seemed to dislike most of 'them' she tried to make sure he remembered that not all were like that man back there.

They came to the edge of the market which opened to a park. Moving over to the bench she sat down, and waited for him to do so as well so they might share their last few moments in some comfort. When he sat, she turned her body so that she sat sideways and could watch him.

[Erik Lehnsherr]

Humans. They were all so weak. With the exception of one. For if he generalized her, putting her in the same category as most other humans, then he knew he would be the greatest hypocrite. When she sat, he joined her, sitting next to her and taking another small piece of bread. How serene everything seemed. He could not remember the last time he had just been sitting on a park bench, doing nothing but casually eating bread. Perhaps that was because there was no such a time. It seemed like an escape from the reality of their lives, or at least his. And he knew that welcoming it was a dangerous thing.

Perhaps he will now think twice before grabbing a seemingly defenseless woman's arm," Erik commented, slightly teasingly by referring to her as 'seemingly defenseless'. She of course wasn't, because he was here with her. And no human compared to a mutant. But still. He knew she would be able to hold her own. Which was why he did not overly worry when they were parted.

[Magda Eisenhardt]

"Your right!" She agreed in a teasing tone before playfully smacking his arm, "I could have been an assassin!" With that she grinned brightly and raised her eyebrows like she was begging him to agree or laugh at her suggested words. They both knew that she was no where near an assassin. "I could have have a knife, and removed his hand for daring to touch me! How wise you are Erik, to save him from me."

She liked teasing him, making his try to take life a little less seriously. Erik was a very serious man, and she could see it in everything he did: his clothes, the way he held himself, the way he looked at life. He was serious and angry and she wanted just to make him forget it for a second or two a day.

[Erik Lehnsherr]

He gave a very slight smile at her words of teasing and jest. Perhaps this was why it was easier to put everything else on hold when he was with her. It was a form of escapism; escape from the darker reality that this world held. He knew it would come to an end, being able to just sit here and think of nothing, do nothing. But he had to admit that he did enjoy it while those moments lasted, however long they lasted.

"Stranger things have been known to happen," he said both in teasing and in truth. While it was unlikely that she would or could ever be an assassin, perhaps the vendor had thought it even more unrealistic that a man could control metal -- or whatever abilities the man had assumed Erik to possess. "I should go," he stated, passing her what was left of the bread. He remained seated however, looking at her with a slight smirk. "Are you going to be able to stay out of trouble?" He said, only half joking. Ironic. As he was the one hunting down a man, and yet here he was, asking her this particular question.

[Magda Eisenhardt]

Magda laughed silently at his first words but then smiled up at him at his second ones. She tilted her head down and turned her body so her chin rested on her shoulder and she could look up at him, from under her lashes, in her best 'evil' look. "Ho suggestive of you Erik." She teased him, taking the bread from him. "I think you get into enough trouble for us both."

Which was true, for he was hunting a man to kill, "So I will stay far from it." Or well, try--she tended to find trouble on her based just on who she was--or as others looked at it 'what' she was. Because they distrusted her race, and thought them thieves and devil worshipers. Which they were not . . . at least not the later. Leaning over she kissed the the corner of his lips quickly, before going back to eating her bread. "Be safe." She didn't want him to get killed. "See you tonight. . . . and then that craving you spoke of earlier . . . we might see what we can do about that."

Leaving with him that tease, she got up and began walking toward where she needed to go, looking back over her shoulder once to grin at him.