That wasn't what he expected and he opens his mouth and closes it before rubbing his temple. There's a fresh spike of pain and he hates this, which is stupid.

He's an intelligent man and Erik has made it clear that he will not be trifled with. That isn't what he wants either but what he wants doesn't seem to be an option. His desires are unhelpful since they're not terribly rational, yet he trusts in the truth of emotion.

It feels like it takes him too long to answer, "If that's what you want then I'm certain you wouldn't."