[ Erik truly has no idea how he is supposed to manage this. On a good day - when he hasn’t just had his world shattered around him - he couldn’t care less if Charles peers into his mind to figure out what is going on in his head. It makes life easier at times, having his dearest friend be able to quite literally read him like a book. The fact that Charles is so far away from his own experiences makes him reticent more than anything else.

The touch startles him out of his thoughts. It’s been a long time since Charles had dared to share that easy, gently comfort of a hand on skin and he breathes in, barely leaning into the press of fingertips before Charles is back and away. He feels strangely cold, and Erik decides it’s probably best to not analyse that feeling too much.

It’s dangerous territory. ]

I hope that is true. [ He means it too. The promise of Charles being there, even in his darkest moments… Given the last few weeks it might be the thing that keeps his head above water, figuratively speaking. Shaking his head, he motions to his skull, a familiar motion. ] I don’t care if you read my mind, Charles. I just don’t think you’ll like what you’ll see.

[ But at least they can begin to walk, and Erik absolutely does not leave his sword behind. ] I’ve eaten and slept in the last twenty four hours. I even had some tea.