[ It's a memory that's equally bittersweet to Erik. He wonders sometimes, if Charles would have still helped him unlock his abilities had he known where it would lead them. But he will always be grateful— not for how it helped him tap into his powers, but for the piece of himself that Charles uncovered, and gave back to him. Memories he'd thought long lost.

He thinks, perhaps, if there is still a light in him, it's only because Charles has put it there.

So this, whatever he might help Charles with here, whether it's only advice or actual physical help, will always pale in comparison to what he gave him to begin with. And it comes nowhere close to making up for everything he's done, but it is, he hopes, a better path.

Despite the reluctance, Erik's pleased he doesn't need to insist. He could just push the chair with his hands, but seen as Charles has seen fit to seize one of his arms, he makes use of his abilities instead, easing the wheels forward with a soft swipe of his free hand, then they're heading into the store. ]

I found a place. In Poland. [ He starts, after they've made it past the initial group of people nearer the entrance, and Erik's checked that Charles is doing alright for the amount of people inside. ] It's not much, just a small cabin. I got a job at a factory. I go by a different name.

[ Not that he wanted to necessarily, but he had to. It was the whole point of vanishing. If people just knew who he was, he might as well just turn himself in and never again see the light of day. ]

Guess I was just... trying to have a simple life somewhere. Quiet, away from trouble. [ Living among humans, evidently. Living as a human, even. ]