[This is still weird, to be feeling gratitude instead of resentment towards Erik, but it overwhelms him suddenly when Erik makes room for him. This is how it should have been - the automatic assumption that they would all be there to help if something bad happened.]
[He swallows, doesn't say anything, and steps to the other side, nudging Charles's arm up over his shoulder. Charles is going to be safe, and Erik's going to be . . . he doesn't know what, but something different, if things keep going like this. Better not to talk at all right now.]
spam
[He swallows, doesn't say anything, and steps to the other side, nudging Charles's arm up over his shoulder. Charles is going to be safe, and Erik's going to be . . . he doesn't know what, but something different, if things keep going like this. Better not to talk at all right now.]