Erik tracked down every lead, every whisper of mutants who might have a time travel mutation; someone that could help him undo what he'd never stop feeling responsible for. He would give anything to somehow stop Moria using that gun on the beach or that he'd been able to properly control that damn bullet's trajectory.

Dwelling on something he couldn't change drove him even further away from Charles than the Brotherhood ever could have.

That he could fix.

***

Before laying down in Charles' welcoming embrace, Erik promised he'd quit everything for a second chance, if only Charles could find it in his heart to someday consider forgiving him.

Charles carded his fingers gently through Erik's hair to ease his worry and guilt, infusing him with feelings of warmth and love. Erik was able to see how happy they'd been in those early days, learning each others' strengths and limitations, domestic quirks, and hidden sensitive spots on their bodies that only each other knew. Erik silently promised himself (and Charles, too, who might just have heard it) that he'd try his damnedest not to repeat the same old mistakes.