Everybody's Got A Dark Side - Can You Love Mine?

[Elsa Bellefonte]

Together they did present quite a powerful package, something that Elsa was surprised, then surprised she was surprised, that Erika had figured out. Elsa also wondered if this was a lack of confidence showing through, despite what Erika said. The other girl had never been one for self-praise; that had always been Elsa's game. However, that didn't mean that Elsa wasn't going to dismiss what Erika said as lightly as she had a few moments ago. Clearly this was something that her sister had put some time and energy into thinking, ironing things out.

She even had a plan, which surprised Elsa yet again. Elsa had figured that any plans developed by Erika would've involved figuring out the quickest way for them to get out of there. Instead, Elsa was hearing about a love for the school coming through, a "put others first" type of mentality that Elsa knew she'd always had in her, but didn't see the light nearly enough. The chance to rule, even alongside Erika, dangled in front of Elsa like that... she'd always wanted it, still did on some level. But... she'd always been the twin behind the throne, not in front of it, certainly not on it, even if throne became "thrones."

A school board to help. Ugh, almost sounded like Erika wanted Camelot the School. Didn't she realize how difficult---she didn't even seem to really get any enjoyment out of Elsa's joke, let alone take the subject bait. Then, it occurred to Elsa that she'd been quiet for some time. Still, she waited a few beats after Erika asked, tapping her fingers together.

"I've always figured that you'd end up on the throne, silly analogy though it is, and I'd be the one whispering in your ear. I'm just not quite as sure as you that it's a great idea for you to say I'm ruling with you. People already don't like me that much, Erika. I'm an easy target. It might be better for everyone if I was just the bitch that keeps whispering things in your ear instead of sitting next to you," Elsa paused, sighing. "I just... I honestly never considered sharing the power, which I suppose sounds selfish, though I really did figure you'd always be the one there instead of me..." even though Elsa had often thought that she deserved it more. She chewed her lip. "Are you certain you're not just trying to dodge power? You were born for this; we both were, I suppose, but you've always been the one everyone looks to and looks up to. That's... our role, I suppose," Elsa sighed, shaking her head. "You really couldn't just take my bait about easier conversations, could you? None of this has to be decided right now, and while I appreciate it, it would be stupid if either of us made a decision this big immediately," and Elsa obviously never did anything without thinking it through first. The moment she did, she'd doubtless be in more trouble than she'd have expected...

[Erika Conner (Bellefonte)]

"People can believe and think what they want. What can they do about it? Change schools or spread gossip? If that's how they wish to go about it, so be it, but this isn't a popularity contest, Elsa. It doesn't matter if they like you or not. That has absolutely nothing to do about any of it. You're going to be there, whispering in my ear, yes, I get it, but what's the difference? This way you get the recognition you deserve, and let's face it, want." Erika looked away and sighed, rubbing her temples before continuing, "You don't have to keep it locked up inside; We both know you want this position, and honestly? A few months ago, I'd probably give it away, but because of the way you did what you did when it came to the rescuing.. You can't do it alone. You'd turn into Magneto, and we both know it. But that's not a bad thing. That's exactly why it makes so much sense for us to do it together. We even each other's flaws and strong points out."

Erika licked her lips and looked away. She wasn't going to argue it though. The offer was out there and it was up to Elsa to take it. "Like you said; Fuck them." With that, the brunette drew her breath and took a few steps towards the door before finally turning again. "It's not a big decision. It shouldn't be a decision at all. You'd still be there, wielding the hammer regardless of having a title or not, am I right? So, what's the difference, really. People already know you're going to be behind the throne. Why not own up to it instead of covering and hiding like a scared little animal?" 

It came out a lot harsher than what she had intended it to, but truth be told, it was all true, right? Erika knew that it made sense, and she knew that Elsa wanted the power. But there was no chance in hell Erika was going to let Elsa do it alone. Elsa's heart might have been in the right place, but the school didn't need a monarchy and a ruler that ruled the school with an iron fist. Erika was too compassionate and cared too much about people to ever not care and because of that, she'd try too hard. She needed Elsa to even her out, just like Elsa needed her.

"But alright, I'll drop it. You know how I feel about it though."

[Elsa Bellefonte]

As Erika had waited for Elsa to finish, so Elsa waited for Erika. She did arch a brow at being compared to a genocidal, fanatical fictional mutant near-dictator. The temptation to ask if Erika thought herself to be, what was his name, the Professor one, was tempting, but Elsa held her tongue for now. She wanted to argue, to assert that she'd never be like that, but, well, even she couldn't say for certain, especially not after what happened, what she'd said, what she'd done.

The next bit came out rather harsh and more than a little insulting. Elsa actually barked a sharp laugh at the thought of her covering and hiding. Because that fit her personality oh so well. Elsa ended up smiling, shaking her head. "I understand, but, well, there's a lot here to sort through, Erika. You make it sound easy, but you're attempting to put someone on the throne with you that nobody wants there," Elsa sighed, rubbing at the bridge of her nose. "Except you." She shook her head. She wasn't even certain why Erika kept being so insistent on this. She had to look over at her sister, waiting. Erika had said she'd drop it, that Elsa knew how she felt. She did, to some degree, but there was still something nagging at her.

"You do realize that you could do this on your own, right? Well, not strictly speaking, but you have the strength and everything to be a damn good Headmistress. You're already thinking ahead, planning," as was Elsa. "So promise me that you're not offering this to me simply because you think that, and I'll strongly consider it. We shouldn't decide anything without putting forth the suggestion to the various people in charge, our boards and such as that," Elsa shrugged and flicked her fingers, clearly indicating how very much she thought of those assembled persons. She could work all of them if need be, and they both knew it.

[Erika Conner (Bellefonte)]

Erika didn't mean for it to sound the way it had; But then again, she wasn't the best with words, or even vocalizing the way she was feeling, and Elsa knew that. Everyone knew that, it seemed. However, the younger twin did make a point in voicing her own concerns; Was Erika doing this because she didn't want to carry the burden by herself? Did she really think she couldn't do it on her own? Was that why she was clinging to her younger sister so badly, even trying to force her to step along on Erika's forced career path? 

It was no secret that Erika didn't want- She didn't want this, did she? Not really. Though, what if the sole reason to her dismay was the fact that she had been forced into it rather than it being about taking the actual job? What if all of this was simply because her rebel side didn't enjoy being told what to do... No. That couldn't be it. Could it?

"I..." she trailed off and sighed, rubbing her temples as she looked away. "I want you to do this with me," she said, nodding. At least she knew that much. "I need you." Erika looked at Elsa, shrugging faintly before looking away again. "I don't think I can- I don-" she stopped and bit her lower lip. It felt so damn hopeless. She was stumbling over her own words, not quite finding the right words to say.

However... There was something else pressing at the brunette's mind. Threatening to consume her, almost. "I'm scared," she whispered. Scared of what though? She didn't know. She felt like a little lamb tossed into a den filled with starving lions, and she couldn't honestly remember the last time she had felt this lost.

[Elsa Bellefonte]

Elsa watched, waited patiently while Erika worked through it all in her head. Wanted Elsa, needed her. That bit actually got to Elsa, and she could almost feel her heartstrings being plucked. If her sister needed her, she'd be there. She always would. That was how it worked. The bite had Elsa worried for a moment, though she forced herself to remain there, remain still, remain silent.

Scared. Elsa moved forward then, reaching to take Erika's hand. She would've hugged her twin, even felt like she should. Elsa just... wasn't a huggy person. Erika knew that, and she also knew that the hand would be Elsa's way of offering, saying that she could be hugged right now, that it would be alright, that she would be fine with the gesture.

"You should be," she said, speaking softly. She reached up and lightly touched her sister's shoulder, giving her a squeeze. "It's a big thing, a huge change, and it shouldn't have come to either of us this soon. I'm," she paused, then nodded, "I'm scared too. I really am. In just a few weeks we've gone from being spoiled rich girls who ruled the school to being adults who will have to literally rule it. We should be scared.

"But we're going to do this. I know we can. I'll help you: I'll be there every step of the way, and if you need me to be your co-headmistress or something... ugh, what an awful title," Elsa shook her head, "then that's what I'll be. We'll get through this together. We beat SPECTRE that way, didn't we? We can handle a little thing like this no problem."

[Erika Conner (Bellefonte)]

Elsa's touch and her words had a calming effect on Erika's mind and she felt her muscles relaxing from her nearly freak-out. She sighed and averted her eyes, "Yeah.." she said and shook her head. She was glad she wasn't alone in this, and even though she didn't wish for Elsa to be scared, or even feel like she had to carry this burden with her, she was glad nonetheless. She didn't think she could ever have done it without her younger twin.

Cracking a smile, Erika chuckled softly at Elsa's dismay for the title, Erika nodded in agreement, "It really is an awful title," she said and sighed. "You're right." Erika took a deep breath and nodded, as if to confirm that Elsa was, and that she too was okay. Yes, Elsa really was right though, they were going to get through this, one way or another. It wouldn't be easy though, Erika knew that, and she was sure Elsa did too, but right now, right now it didn't matter.

They could deal with the troubles as they came, rather than fretting over something that hadn't happened yet.

"Thank you," Erika said and reached her hand out to give Elsa's a gentle squeeze. "You're a lifesaver." She was more than that though, but Erika didn't have to say that for Elsa to know. She already did. She always knew what she was thinking, and it was both a curse and a gift.

[Elsa Bellefonte]

Elsa shrugged, smiling. "I'm usually right," she said, her tone light though. They both knew that a large part of Elsa meant it though. Happened when you were the logical, thoughtful sister who did more reading than socializing with people. She sighed, rubbing Erika's shoulder again. Elsa still hated the whole physical contact bit, but she couldn't help but feel like Erika was a decided exception to that rule.

She smiled. "I could say the same to you," she said, nodding, "though I was the one leading a strike team to a secret government compound to rescue you, so I think I'm going to take the edge on that," she laughed though, giving Erika's hand another squeeze. "We'll talk things over with people, figure something out. Our name's on the school building, after all; it's not like they can really say a whole lot about it."

Though Elsa knew it would be more difficult than that. People were already going to balk just because Erika or Elsa was going to be taking control of the Academy at eighteen. They were going to flip even further with the inevitable changes that the twins were going to bring, let alone something like this.

[Erika Conner (Bellefonte)]

Offering her sister a half-hearted smile when the SPECTRE ordeal was once again brought up, Erika averted her gaze and let a silent sigh fall from her lips. She really didn't like it being brought up, but it could hardly be helped. "That's true," Erika drawled, "I think having a meeting with them when things calm down a little would be appropriate, but that should probably have to wait until the end of summer with all the things going on."

Really though, Erika had meant it when she claimed she didn't care if people liked it or not. In the end, what were they gonna do? What could they do about it? Nothing at all. It wasn't like anyone could take the 'power' away from them. It was a stupid way to think, she knew that, but she was just so damn tired of all the ridiculous drama going about.

Sure, Elsa might have come of as cold to the rest of the world, but if recent events had taught them anything, it was that Elsa only did what she thought was best for the people that mattered to her. And that was worthy of some recognition. At least in Erika's book.

Then again, Erika was biased.

[Elsa Bellefonte]

Elsa nodded. "I've already tentatively scheduled something like that with the board, discussing handing over the school and transitioning us into staff positions, as well as dealing with a few modifications in response to SPECTRE and everything. It'll be a delightfully long meeting with loads of political double-talk," Elsa sighed, releasing her sister and leaning back. She closed her eyes, filtering the sense out so she could breathe a little easier, remain calm. It also let her mind expand out a little, latch onto her sister's thought-stream like reading an overexcited twitter feed.

"We'll be fine," Elsa reiterated. She took another deep breath before opening her eyes. "Now, I've some various emails and preparations to make, only slightly related to this," she said, smiling at her sister. "There's a surprisingly high amount of paperwork to prepare for graduation and everything," Elsa reached out to give her sister's knee a squeeze, meeting her eyes. "Unless you want to tell me some other earth shattering news. You're not pregnant, are you? Because if that's the case, I'll probably be forced to bind and gag you before driving to the nearest abortion clinic and that would just be awkward."

[Erika Conner (Bellefonte)]

She grimaced, "Sounds wonderful," she lied and shook her head. She couldn't wait to get all of this over with. Though, something told her it wouldn't end just like that either. It probably never would, but at least it would get easier with time, and they'd get used to both the idea of it all, and the part where they actually had to go through with it. It didn't make her dread it any less though. She was eighteen years old. She was supposed to spend her life on some beach along the French Riviera, not locked and chained behind a desk.

She nodded slowly and stood up, cracking her knuckles as she offered her sister a dull expression, but stopped at the abortion comment. Grimacing, she looked at her sister and furrowed her eyebrows, "That's not even remotely funny," she pointed out with a sigh, but quickly waved the comment off with her hand. "There's no need to elaborate, though, that's as much sadistic humor as I can take for today." She did offer Elsa something akin to an apologetic smile though. And no, she wasn't pregnant. She wasn't going to be for another fifty years either.

[Elsa Bellefonte]

Elsa could already feel the shared headache the twins would no doubt have roughly halfway through that meeting. Still, it was something that had to be done, and they both, unfortunately, knew it all too well. At least Elsa was fairly confident she could handle it. For that matter, after this conversation, her confidence in her sister to handle it, which had already been moderate, had grown considerably.

Elsa flicked her fingers and rose to her feet, nodding. "Talking to me can be such a trial," she agreed. She flashed another smile, nodded to her sister, and headed for the closest door. When she got there, she paused, sticking her head back in to look at her sister. "And sixty-eight is a terrible age to start a family, even with all our modern technologies. I'd aim more for forty, personally," with a sharp smile, Elsa ducked around, feeling at least more buoyant than she had. Things might change, but they were at least ready to work with that.