( he nods when erik mentions that he wasn't exactly thinking straight then. the mutant, apocalypse, had taken advantage of erik's grief, his pain, his anger. charles wished he could have protected him from that. how frustratingly stupid it was that they always seemed to be apart, separated, never together when they should have been. he's half-convinced if they hadn't been constantly at odds with each other they would have succeeded in creating a safe community for mutants to better understand themselves and learn about their abilities while being able to co-exist peacefully with the humans. despite what he'd seen of the future, charles still believes and hopes for a far better one for them all someday. )

We are going to have to learn to tolerate each other and work out our differences while we're here, my friend. I'm afraid this place isn't big enough for one of your dramatic exits. ( he lets out a soft chuckle then, giving Erik one final hug before releasing his hold on him and stepping back. )

I don't know about you, but I am in need of a few drinks. I mean, I am going to be bald and stuck in a wheelchair someday. ( which is really quite unfortunate. ) If I wasn't in a partying mood before, I certainly am now. ( he smiles though. he's joking. well, not about the drinks. he points them to a restaurant by the corner that's got a bar. time to get sloshed. )