( He doesn't particularly like the sound of that first comment, but he keeps his reaction to himself. Erik would latch on to it if he showed any fear at being suddenly teetotal. He is though, he is afraid. Without the serum the pain will return eventually, the voices will grow louder, he won't be able to walk. The sheer dread of it makes him feel dizzy.

So he's glad when Erik changes the subject, even if it startles him. )

Well, that explains some things.

( The lines on his face, the grey making a subtle appearance in his hair, the scar on his neck. )

I want to say the years have been kind to you, but it doesn't look like they have. ( Using the glass to indicate his throat. His voice remains even, polite. It's the very same tone his mother used to use with people she didn't seem to care for, and the fact adds another level of sickness to Charles' stomach. ) Shaving accident?