My Own Worst Enemy

[Trevor Paige]

Trevor was, to say the least, utterly exhausted.  He'd always been an industrious kid and that hadn't changed as he started transitioning into his late teens.  He was never left with nothing to do.  Always a class to take or study for, a sport to practice, a deal to be made, or a trend to study and analyze. Between the normal workload a seventeen year old who was active in sports and academia, Trevor's father always insisted on sending him little side 'projects' with obscure instructions in order to help groom the boy for his inevitable placement atop the corporate ladder of the family business.  Add moving and gearing up for an important summer exam later in the week to the regular beatings he endured during the off-season football practices, and Trevor was absolutely spent.

Today was no exception.  He stepped out of his dorm room for what would be among the last times ever.  Even he couldn't have been more pleased with how well he and Erika still fit together.  She was and, he hoped, would forever remain his rock.  His shelter from whatever storm came his way.  He smiled, then, as he spied the brunette in the kitchen.  They'd both been busy with the move, dealing with his plans for the near future, and her transition into an Academy official.  He knew play time was over.  Knew that Erika would now be forced to take on far more responsibility than she'd ever wanted. He felt she needed him to be as supportive as he could as she took this step.  That didn't mean he wished they'd ever lose sight of the little things that made being together so great.

"Hey you."  Trevor said softly, moving behind the brunette and slipping his arms around her waist and lightly pulling her to him while nuzzling affectionately into the back of her neck.  "How'd the meeting go?"  It sounded like such an adult thing to come from a seventeen year old boy to his eighteen year old girlfriend.  Yet, here he was, wondering exactly that as Erika had stepped out for some official business while he'd stayed behind to keep plugging away at moving their boxed up belongings to their new apartment.

[Elsa Bellefonte]

Elsa stared down the kitchen, still wondering why she even bothered. She hadn't used the small kitchenette they offered the students, but it felt like one last area that she should check. Another mark on the list, as it were. Or maybe she was just hesitating, not wanting to leave this part of her life behind for whatever lay in the next chapter. Easier to go forward when you knew the script, after all. Probably didn't help that she was remembering a chance encounter with someone who could actually cook, one that made her wonder about her own abilities.

Then she heard words, then arms. Elsa's brows rose almost immediately, of course recognizing the voice. She hadn't realized anyone had been in the room, and she certainly hadn't been skimming thoughts. Trevor caught her wholly by surprise: Elsa could feel the affection from him as he nuzzled against her, not to mention the loaded question. Elsa licked her lips, working to extend her mind out, trying to figure a solid course.

She could either pretend to be Erika for a few moments and thoroughly embarrass Trevor.
Or she could correct him now.
Though either way, she was definitely going to make sure to humiliate him for not knowing which twin was his girlfriend. Though Elsa supposed that her hair might be falling into its natural curl.

"Wrong Bellefonte," she drawled, keeping her tone as flat, dry, and "un"Erika as possible. "Last I checked, we don't have any meetings today, but who knows what strange things your girlfriend gets up to you when she doesn't have someone to check her. Why, she may even be canoodling and nuzzling cute boys. Or girls, as she is a Bellefonte and we're as loose as alley cats."

[Trevor Paige]

"Oh, geezus!" Came the wild exclamation from Trevor as he, literally, leapt backward away from Elsa. He shook out his hands as if that would, in some way, remove the lingering residue of the loving embrace he'd just had his girlfriend's sister in. "Goddamn it." He cursed, mostly to himself as he recoiled again and turned, walking a few steps toward the living room before stopping and putting a hand on his hip while the other came up to pinch the bridge of his nose.

The comments about what Erika may or may not be doing and with whom hadn't gone unnoticed but Trevor didn't feel the need to dignify the thought with an answer. He trusted Erika implicitly. With a heavy sigh and a shake of his head he turned back to Elsa and frowned. "Damn, look, Elsa." He started, still not quite daring to draw closer to the girl just yet. "I'm sorry." There. That was the first thing that needed to get out. Elsa had been so scarce lately and he'd been so caught up in what he and Erika had been doing it barely registered to him in his exhausted state that the twin would even be around. "In my defense, you two look awfully similar from behind." Shit. Trevor's eyes closed. He knew damn well how that sounded and, even though it was far from anything other than a genuiene pointing out that the girls were twins he understood how easily his words could have been misconstrued to imply he'd compared the twins' backsides. "You know what I mean." He groaned and pinched his nose again. This wasn't starting out well.

[Elsa Bellefonte]

Exclamations, Elsa was, sadly, used to. She sighed and waited patiently while Trevor backed away hurriedly. The cursing was fairly normal too. Elsa gave Trevor a beat before turning to face him, arms crossed over her chest, brows raised high enough that they nearly disappeared into her hairline. Though they did decrease slightly when Elsa picked up the thoughts that Trevor trusted her sister implicitly. Good, as Erika definitely deserved that trust and then some.

Elsa nodded at the apology, agreeing with Trevor's own assessment in that it was among the first things he needed to get out. The next bit had the eyebrows bouncing right back up. "I would assume you'd have noticeably more experience in seeing my sister from behind, though I suppose that you all might consider different positions, depending. Though you do realize that one of the supposed tests for affection among twins is having their boyfriends see if they can tell them apart."

Elsa had to smile at that, especially as Trevor continued to beat himself up. She was tempted to point out that at least this wouldn't be a problem for the future, considering that they weren't all going to be living together, something that Elsa still wasn't sure she should be thankful or rueful about. However, she was enjoying this so thoroughly that she wanted to see how much further Trevor could dig. Maybe commenting further on Elsa's ass, if in a roundabout manner.

[Trevor Paige]

Trevor wasn't going to play this game. He'd recovered from the initial shock of his misplaced affectionate gesture and it seemed apparent Elsa, if nothing else, found amusement in the situation as opposed to an angry backlash that Trevor had expected. Elsa made it terribly transparent what she was trying to do. Trevor, himself, probably would've done the same if he had ended up in her position. The one problem with her attempt was that Trevor didn't happen to be some nervous, terribly awkward kid that couldn't stand talking to a woman or even making a mistake of epic proportions.

"My experience with your sister's behind is of none of your concern, thank you very much." Trevor replied with a smirk. Okay, so he was sort of going to play along in a certain way. After all, he'd rather have amused, snarky Elsa as opposed to angry, pissed off Elsa. "If you want details about that you're going to have to ask Erika. I, like many gentlemen of a bygone era, do not kiss and tell." His words were overly dramatic, yes, but there was a very strong hint of truth in the tone in which they were delivered. Trevor had hardly spoken of his relationship with Erika to anyone, let alone details of their intimate moments. No, Trevor might have the reputation of being a sleaze ball weasel, but he was loyal, committed, and a gentleman in his own right.

Without missing a beat Trevor transitioned to the second jab that Elsa had sent his way. "I probably would be a lot better at telling the two of you apart if I ever saw you together." He pointed out. "That and I don't really have a lot to go on when it comes to your behind." It wasn't as if he checked out his girlfriend's twin sister. Despite the fact that prior to Erika he actually hadn't been 'there', per se, the boy took pride in acting as if he had and not lecherously leering at every attractive girl that walked by. Trevor was, in short, disciplined when it came to how he acted around girls and also happened to be very, very whipped.

[Elsa Bellefonte]

Elsa let out a short laugh as Trevor insisted that his familiarity with Erika's anatomy was none of her concern. She was tempted to let him know some of the details that Erika had shared, or, possibly more accurately, make a few up and let him squirm. Was one of the few enjoyments Elsa got out of encountering and/or embarrassing her sister's various paramours. Especially the ones who thought that they didn't kiss and tell.

Boy, were they interested in the wrong family.

"We're together quite often," Elsa pointed out, only one eyebrow quirking now, "especially considering everything we're putting together. You can't be co-headmistresses without quite a bit of communication, after all," she smirked at that. True, they'd been seeing each other less and less lately. that frequently happened whenever Erika fell deeply for someone, not to mention the way things had just gone for the two of them ever since SPECTRE happened.

"If you'd really like, I can provide family pictures. Erika's usually the one with the full-bodied hair and beaming smile, while I scowl at the camera. Except whenever out mother is around. Then it's fake smiles all around," Elsa gestured to her face where, of course, a fake smile appeared. She let it drop, studying Trevor for the moment. "What are you doing in here anyway? Doing some last minute packing? I thought you two had already gotten everything."

[Trevor Paige]

For a moment Trevor considered firing back. He considered pointing out that he'd not said the twins were rarely together, but he'd simply mentioned he scarcely saw them at the same time. While he wasn't preparing to take over one of the single most influential and powerful institutions in the world, Trevor still found his days busier than the majority of his peers. Between his own academic studies, of which he hadn't stopped during the summer months, the constant 'extra-curricular' assignments fed down through his father to ready the boy for his own inevitable placement at the top of a ladder he was fated to accept, as well as Trevor's less than academic pursuits, free time was a rare commodity. More often than not, Trevor was only able to find solace in the presence of Erika at the end of the day, when the two of them were alone.

Instead of falling into an exchange of wits with Elsa, Trevor opted to focus on the question she'd asked, as opposed to attempting to make heads or tales of the young woman's motives. He knew the difference between the two, he'd just made a an error borne from exhaustion and distraction. It wasn't as if anything inappropriate happened. That and he knew well enough to get into a battle of words with someone who could read his mind. That was an unfair fight he would be destined to lose. Anyway, he would actually prefer it if he and Elsa got along. Not like he had much desire to see old family photos anymore than Erika would probably have to show them.

"Just the last couple boxes." The boy confirmed with a nod as he glanced over his shoulder to what was now his former room. There wasn't a trace of sadness in leaving what had been his home for so long. If anything, Trevor was relieved to be escaping the campus proper more than anything. The fact that he and Erika would be taking that step together was just surprisingly pleasant icing on the cake. "What about you?" He asked, looking back to Elsa curiously. "I can't imagine you staying in the staff dorms."

[Elsa Bellefonte]

Whenever someone avoided getting into a verbal sparring match with Elsa, they gave away nearly as much as if they'd engaged full out. Elsa noted the various thoughts drifting through Trevor's mind, though she opted not to comment upon any of them. Despite his questing hands, he was still her sister's boyfriend, and Elsa had already determined to always be at least somewhat respectful of that position. If nothing else, she respected Erika's decision in the matter.

Though this change was going to come with so many complications...

Just a few more boxes: Elsa nodded, willing enough to accept that. The question had and query that followed had her chuckling. "I have plans," she said, nodding. "I've still got to get a few things through the various committees. It helps that I've nearly full access to the funds. If nothing else, I can always live at the mansion for a while."

The thought nearly made Elsa sick, and she was fairly certain that even Trevor would pick up on that. he had to have heard, and likely noticed, that neither Bellefonte twin bore much love for their family and home (save for their older brother and grandfather, of course, though the latter was... strained at times). "I wouldn't worry too much about me," she continued, brows raised, smiling, "as you've surely got a few problems of your own to deal with. Going to be awfully hard to carry on selling medicine on the sly when you're living with an official."

[Trevor Paige]

Trevor nodded faintly. He had, indeed, been at least somewhat aware of the tenuous relationship the Bellefonte's seemed to have with one another but largely kept quiet about it. When (or if) Erika had the desire to speak of it, he'd let her, but he certainly wasn't one to snoop and pry where he didn't belong. "Push comes to shove you could always stay at the apartment until you find a place, we have plenty of room." Trevor offered, smirking a little even though he was really only half joking. He didn't think for a second Elsa would accept the offer, but it was genuine, nonetheless. He wasn't sure exactly how bad of a relationship Elsa may have with the rest of her family.

Trevor's brow furrowed faintly at the mention of selling medication. No, Elsa wasn't wrong, but he'd scaled back his operations for the moment, at least while summer was in full swing and he was pushing his early exit from high school. "Or it may be easier." He countered. "Hiding in plain sight, if you were." He smirked a little as he looked to Elsa. "Surely one of the headmistresses of the Academy would know of any unlawful dealings." He offered a coy shrug. "So there must not be any." Sure, if Trevor was a manipulative bastard he would use that as a legitimate defense. Sadly, he wasn't. He was also growing bored of the game. It had been fruitful, yes, but in truth he'd found a new, much more legal hobby to play around with.

[Elsa Bellefonte]

"Because I've always wanted to live in an apartment with my sister and her paramour," replied Elsa as drolly as possible, "truly, that has been my longstanding dream. I may faint in sheer ecstasy," though Elsa did suspect that wherever Trevor and Erika wound up, they would have enough room for her to live with them without being underfoot. At the same time, she knew that if they'd wanted her along, they would've invited her when they initiated the move. And, well, Elsa only wanted to accept an invitation like that if it came from her sister.

Though at least it was reassuring to read that Trevor was scaling back on operations. His explanation was one that made quite a bit of sense to Elsa... almost too much sense. Could Trevor be attempting to divulge his purpose in a roundabout manner? Elsa wasn't sure, but now she was certainly suspicious. Though he did seem to be wanting to break away...

"If it's any consolation," said Elsa, nodding toward Trevor, "my sister claims that she'll stand by you irregardless of what sort of business dealings you're up to. So it sounded like you've found the perfect moll for your criminal empire,' she smirked at that, the expression almost a challenge.

[Trevor Paige]

Trevor fully expected Elsa's response to be long winded and laced with sarcasm. The twin didn't disappoint. The reply was almost met with an amused smirk as Trevor simply watched as Elsa went on about her wildest 'fantasies' of living with the young couple. There was the use of the word 'paramour' that, for just a faint moment, threatened to garner a little attention, though. Trevor was well aware the term was commonly used for inappropriate or secret affairs, neither of which he would choose to describe his relationship with Erika. No matter, whatever Elsa thought was largely irrelevant in the long run but he still wished to keep things amicable with her.

The boy's outline of what would have been a masterful plan did seem to get Elsa's mind working, Trevor, at least, caught that much. He lacked Elsa's mutant power, sure, but Trevor was still adept at reading people the old fashioned way. He may not get full, intimate details but, more often than not, Trevor was capable of at least getting a feel for what was one someone's mind. He almost attempted to lay Elsa's mind at ease about it, as he certainly didn't wish her to believe he had any intentions on using his relationship with Erika to his advantage but Elsa continued talking.

With a curious tilt of his head Trevor listened as Elsa briefly recounted a previous conversation she'd had with her sister. So the topic of his 'hobbies' had come up before and Erika was still adamant on it not affecting things between the two of them. It was comforting, in a way, to hear such an admission from Elsa, in spite of the way she delivered it, but it also caused Trevor to pause for a moment. "That's a trust I don't intend on betraying." He said seriously, largely shrugging off the challenging smirk from the brunette.

[Elsa Bellefonte]

"I'm noticing a distinct lack of denial in that. Have you finally given up protesting the existence of your criminal empire, or are you just that determined not to give me further ammunition?" Elsa smirked at the boy, her eyebrows again raised. Oh, how she loved these little verbal sparring matches. Of course, Trevor probably realized that this was how Elsa behaved with literally everyone. Even Erika got to experience the rougher side of Elsa's tongue.

Though the Bellefonte couldn't quite stand around and bandy words all day. She started moving, heading back into the tiny kitchenette, checking everything over. Things certainly looked to be in order though... Elsa picked up a pop, frowning as she turned it over. Its bottom had been scorched, and she definitely didn't have anything to do with that. Sighing, she set it back down, her mind already developing a quite clear picture of Erika attempting something. Unless it had been one of the other roommates to march through here in their duration...

[Trevor Paige]

Trevor didn't know quite what Elsa gained from this exchange. He was well aware the Bellefonte twin was one of the few people at the Academy that actually could find out exactly what he was up to, since she had the suspicion already, and carried the needed authority to, at best, make Trevor's life very, very uncomfortable and, at worst, force an entire shut down of his entire operation. He did, however, find much amusement in the perception that he actually had anything close to an 'operation'. In truth, it was really just a few people he knew that got money now and again to help him out with various tasks. Hardly cause to throw the organized crime label around.

"A little from column A, a little from column B." Trevor replied with that same smirk he always had touching his lips. "Perhaps the new school year brings about the turning of a page. A new chapter, if you will." Or maybe he was getting bored. Maybe he was starting to understand the potential consequences of his actions. Maybe he had realized if he were to get into trouble it wouldn't just affect him. It would affect Erika as well and, given the circumstances, that was the last thing he wished to have unloaded upon the girl.

[Elsa Bellefonte]

Yes, Elsa could make Trevor's life uncomfortable, and she would, if she needed to. However, she knew when she'd encountered someone useful, and Trevor was far, far more useful on her side than against her. If he needed to engage in some activities that belonged in the nebulous gray area, then that would be fine, so long as it served the larger interests.

"It will be," said Elsa, loading the words. She'd have to talk things over with Erika first though: her sister would not appreciate if Elsa approached her boyfriend first. "There's quite a lot that's going to be different this year, in light of everything that's happened..."

Elsa trailed off, pulling back up to stare at the singed pot and such. So many, many things had happened...

[Trevor Paige]

Sure, it may be a touch on the arrogant side for Trevor to assume he had any involvement in these plans Elsa vaguely alluded to but there was something in the way she spoke, as if there was, in deed, something in store for the young heir. He may not be able to get anything out of Elsa today, but that wouldn't stop his curiosity from getting the best of him and trying to learn what he could.

Trevor studied the twin for a moment. He got the sneaking suspicion there was far more to her cryptic words than she would let on. And why did he have a feeling he factored into these 'changes' Elsa spoke of? What could the Bellefonte sister possibly need, or want, with him? With a furrowed brow and a curious tilt of his head, Trevor decided to find out. "Why do I get a bad feeling when you talk like that?" He asked with a faint chuckle. "It doesn't sound like these changes you're referring to happen to be the new dress code and heightened security measures being put in place for the new school year."