[Erik looks up from - well, aggressive negotiations isn't quite the word. But he remembers what worked, last time: power, exuding a sense of control, and that's what he does now. He gives them a choice, and makes it seem that the only logical choice is to agree. To work with them, to be one brotherhood, one united front. He's just finished shaking hands with Azazel when Charles speaks.

He's not overly worried about anyone trying to stab the telepath in the back, but all the same, he stands shoulder to shoulder with Charles, back to the ocean. His eyes find Alex's, Raven's, and he wonders when they will remember, when all of their lives will realign.

Soon, he hopes.

Erik doesn't say a word while Charles works, though he moves away to check on the boys, make sure Sean isn't too badly hurt. He stays close enough. Just in case.

And he's back at Charles' side when he finishes. A hand immediately grips his arm as he sways, tight, and some of the tension, the concern that he would not show when he realized what Charles was doing comes through. Thousands of men, thousands of minds. Charles hasn't pushed himself, not like Erik has, to learn his limits, and though Erik does not think this is his limit, the fear that it is was there.]

Incredible, [He says, because Charles deserves the praise of a job well done, too. Lifting his free hand, he waves them forward, watching two groups grudgingly inch toward becoming one.]

We're safe to leave. And eventually, [he glances at Charles,] under better circumstances, they'll learn about us. When we don't have to worry about the world equating us to a near disaster. [His voice is still dry, ironic, because he is still not happy with hiding. But at least they won't hide in fear.]

Azazel. [He reaches out, offering his hand to Raven, watches hands link, watches hesitations. They don't matter, right now. It's time to go home.]