[ Charles when they first reunited would have snapped at him, saying he doesn't get to say he misses him, not after everything that happened, but at the moment he is more sad than angry. Touching Erik's mind has weakened him, not literally as he is stronger with that focal point, but his heart has been reminded of the brightest parts of his soul. This is not a man that he is capable of seeing as all bad or evil. Not when he's known him down to his very core. ]

I missed you too.

[ He says instead, feeling a lump in his throat, making it painful to swallow. Erik did make the gesture first by saying it, and he is not so cruel as to ignore it solely to make it sting for him. This is the truth. There were times he wished so deeply for Erik to return. There has never been a time when Charles truly hoped not to see him again.

The thought that Erik would leave him again now makes his stomach turn. For a moment, that good energy turns into shadows instead, showing how easily it is for them to pivot in the wrong way. Charles doesn't want him to go but a bitter voice in him says he wants to, he always wants to. They could go around and around if left that way. He takes in a deep breath and lets it out. ]

I don't need help but if you would like to accompany me to the market, they are offering samples that I could use. I was given an accessible van.

[ Charles does not have money yet to buy his own food, something he has no intention of bringing to his attention, but he still does need to go there. And Erik's presence will make the voices less prominent. Or maybe he is offering an olive branch and it is up to Erik to decide if he will take it or leave again. ]