[ For some reason, Charles stands too, arms hanging awkwardly at his sides as though his body is no longer his own, looking across at Erik with a sort of numbness that's difficult to humanize. ] I've never had to work for anything in my life. What is one fight, what's a lifetime of them if I get to keep who matters to me most, know that he's safe and whole. Perhaps I shouldn't have started this at all. I could have suffered and let it eat me from within, but it would have bought your presence and friendship at my side and I wouldn't be losing you now because what love is there to speak of?

You're not protecting anything but your own feelings by leaving. Even now, you play at being made of stone as passion drives you to the madness and death that you could spare yourself of if you let go of your selfishness. [ Shoulders hunching, waiting for Erik to lay the final blow that makes him crumble inward. ] It's much easier than asking me to cut out my heart without at least fashioning me a blade first, my friend.