[Erik loved Charles, he truly did, he loved him with all his heart, but he should never have listened to him. Charles believed too much of the good in people. He should've killed him, shoved the coin through his brain and all of this wouldn't be happening.

But he hadn't, and they were all here now. He's beginning to think he was a fool to make this deal, that maybe they could've escaped somehow, that they would've been better off out on the run, nuclear war or not.

Erik has to be careful, he knows, because as much as he doesn't trust Shaw, he certainly trusts that Shaw's left instructions to kill his friends, and his lover, should he be found dead. No, next time, he has to be careful. And he will be. He just needs to get Charles back first.

Spatzi. Little sparrow. The name sets his teeth on edge, makes his stomach turn. He hates the vulnerability it implies, hates being reminded of how weak he was, how weak he still is.

Erik pointedly ignores the endearment (he'd tell him to stop, but he knows that's not going to happen; it isn't the first time Shaw has called him that) and the question that comes with it. Not that it matters, he gave the game away by getting angry; there's no way Erik would know something happened to Charles if their minds weren't connected. But he couldn't help it, couldn't help his emotions.]

No. That isn't good enough. I want to speak to him, be in the same room as him. [He paused, and forced the metal to stop shaking. It was obvious Shaw enjoyed it when he displayed his power, though Erik still has the letter opener in his hand..]

You told me he wouldn't be harmed if I joined you. I did. I'd rather you hurt me instead of him.