["You did." Charles visibly chokes on air at that, but no, he doesn't make Erik repeat it. He hardly wants to be the one to make him change his mind and push him away, but he can't help but feel somewhat robbed at not experiencing or really understanding what had caused this change of heart. It feels so sudden, though it sounds distinctly the opposite. (He needs a drink.)]

I'm sorry, but who are you, and what have you done with Erik Lehnsherr?

[It's a rollercoaster, and he's not certain this will ever stop feeling strange, but it's a start. More than a start, even. He chuckles as he says it, only half serious, despite the creeping curiosity.

He takes a pause, and then more seriously:]

Don't misunderstand me, old friend, I'm-- [how does he feel about this?] thankful, but even you have to admit, it doesn't sound much like you.