( She stiffens, and Charles feels a sharp bolt of shame sing through him. Has he messed everything up so badly that she can't even bear to be touched by him? Has he lost two friendships in one fell swoop?

There's something sad about his gaze, the tell-tale sign of rallying his emotions in the clenched muscle of his jaw. He'll fix this, but for now making sure she's safe is his top priority. His hand drops, awkward at his side. He hates this uniform and he can't quite find the right footing to look comfortable. )

Are you hurt? I lost sight of you before. ( He was so focused on helping Erik, stopping Shaw, keeping the children from harm. ) If I'd have known you were here too, I'd have looked for you, I promise. It took me some time to -- gather myself.

( His mind has been a mess, death and despair filling him up. )