Erik gave a nod. Just as there was much he wanted to know about Charles, he realized that the other man must be curious about himself. Even moreso, he was concerned with the knowledge that Charles had apparently heard things about him -- about this version of him -- from others of his own universe. They had not discussed this subject in much depth at all, so he did not know who it was who was spreading this information or what it was that they had told Charles. He was very much conscious of his own reputation, after all. In fact, he felt dwarfed by his own reputation at times, a man living in his own shadow, a symbol of something bigger than he had imagined or intended. Those who knew him the most personally would certainly paint a different picture of him than those who had only met him in brief, or even those who had never met him at all.

He considered himself fortunate that he did not need to entertain any doubt that Charles was a practical enough man to get to know Erik himself, rather than relying upon the opinions of others.

"Know that I want to be completely open with you, Charles. Do not hesitate to ask me anything you wish."