( All of a sudden it's like he's back on the plane. Erik speaks and his words slice Charles open. The fight in him drains away and all that is left is a pale countenance and a twisted mouth that used to smile. )

You have no idea --.

( It's choked off, his hands curling into fists and the phantom ache of pain throughout his body. By the time he could even think about finding either of them it was too late. By the time he'd gone through the surgeries, his mind had been fractured. And he has regretted that for every second of his life since then.

He has to swallow it all down, the angry, bitter bile. He has to claw back the truth of his agony. )

I'm not the one who left, Erik. You did. You chose to go, and you think I should have -- what? Come running? Begged you to come back? I'm sorry, old friend, but my energies were better spent elsewhere.

( Not drinking himself to death, even though it feels like he still tries. )