[ Oh, Erik won't be taking it personally. Besides, it truly would be worrisome if Charles became too much like him. The reason they work, why they have always worked, is precisely because they match one another. They're not polar opposites in every single aspect, but they're just different enough to complement each other. Granted, it also comes with its own issues, friction and arguments, on occasion pushed to unreasonable limits, but at the core of it, it's their differences that make them work.

They just need to find a middle ground, is all. Erik knows this will be more work on his end than Charles's, fully aware that he's been the one that has caused more problems between the two of them. Ball's on his court, as they say. ]

I understand. [ He doesn't need to be in Charles's shoes to know how he feels right now, and appreciate how difficult this all must be for him. ] I know it's easier said than done, but you shouldn't overthink it so much. You're not going to disappoint them. They're grown men, they understand that you're younger, and you've been through a lot. But at the core, you are the same man they know. Your beliefs, your morals, your faith in our kind. That's all still there.

Just worn down, put away, momentarily set aside. It's not all gone. Charles need only reach for it.

[ His eyes follow Charles's movements, smiling faintly while he runs his fingers through his hair. He shrugs then, relaxing a little more into his spot on the couch. ]

I don't see why we can't have both. I want to be here for you too, Charles.