xp_logs | Kurt & Manuel close to lunch

Manuel and Kurt meet in the kitchen. While Manuel decides what to make, Kurt decides to plant a seed.

"That was quite the story you put up on the internet. Though I'm curious to know why you felt the need to inform the entire mansion as opposed to a selected few?" he asks conversationally, contemplating trying to make something for lunch for Valentia or ordering. Ordering seemed the most likely option concerning him and his lack of cooking skills.

Kurt glanced over his shoulder from his place at the fridge and shrugged slightly. "Perhaps I was tired of keeping things from people."

"You of all people should know the mansion is built upon lies and secrecy," he said casually, looking for an expiry date on a peanut butter jar.

"Secrecy, perhaps, but only lies when it is necessary", Kurt corrected mildly. "And since these were personal to me, it was my choice to give them up."

"True, however fight as you might, family is family, regardless if you hate them or not."

"I do not know if I hate him, but I mean to destroy my father", was the calm response. "His money, his power... as for my mother, I do not know."

"Remember you said those words when the time comes to pull the trigger." The peanut butter date was fine and Manuel fetched some bread, along with a knife. "You cannot undo what is done."

"Destroy does not mean kill." He looked back at Manuel with steady yellow eyes. "I will take what he has from him, but he will live - unless he ends it himself, but I think that is not the kind of man he is."

"Ah," he said, enlightened. "I mistook your words for the desire to kill. My mistake. However, being the devil's advocate, money and power do not fall easily, except to avenge later."

That got a cold smile. "That is why I have help. Emma Frost has no more liking for the man than I do, and knows more of business."

"How awful of you. Did you mean to put that bug in my ear?" Manuel asked.

"It certainly does not hurt. You know more of business than I ever have too."

"Mmm," he agreed faintly. "I will keep that in mind next time I see her. Though my enemies are extensive, what is one more, yes?" he asked, possibly a little too brightly.

Kurt snorted. "Indeed. But you have powerful allies, too, and my father's power is lesser than many of theirs."

"The first rule my father ever taught me in chess and it is very cliché; do not under estimate your enemies. They are your greatest allies."

"He will never be my ally", Kurt said flatly. "He has proved that clearly enough when we have met."

"You are not listening, Kurt." It was one of those lessons he could not teach.

"I am listening, but I do not understand. I never learned these things as you did."

"You hear me but you are not listening to any underlying meanings. Simply because your enemies back you into a corner does not mean you cannot use them as allies. Even the false smiles can be pushed to the forefront so that tolerance becomes a weapon to take out greater foes."

"Ah." He considered this. "I do see what you mean, and perhaps it could even be useful in my case. We do have a shared enemy, my father and I."

"Your mother?"

"My mother", he confirmed. "I told her she could not hide from me, and with my sisters' abilities, that is true. But she is as dangerous an opponent as anyone is, unless perhaps I divide her attention."

"I'm afraid she has a physical advantage and eludes even the best. Think on it. Time is something you can bide. And for now, I must leave. I have a four year old that is waiting for a peanut butter sandwich."

"Of course." He nodded a polite farewell. "Best not risk her breaking anything in boredom."