[ Erik turns to face him. And then lowers to one knee so they're on more even footing. ]

I do. I have, for some time. It just never...

[ He looks down and strokes the back of Charles' hand with his thumb. ]

There was a time when the school was everything to me. But that time ended very quickly, and I knew I couldn't stay there. I also knew I couldn't ask you to leave it. But that's changed.[ He meets his eye again. ] I just want you to know that if you choose it, you don't have to be alone.