There's a sinking feeling in his stomach as she talks. The way she explains it--the gifts, the air of mentorship--alarms him infinitely more than if she'd simply expressed affection for Erik, because it's so very familiar. He gives a small, tight nod.

"He's very good at that, being kind." His words are sharp, bitter, but nostalgic too, because he remembers what being under Magneto's wing was like, at first. "Right up until he needs you to kill for him – or die for him – and then, well, you're no more important to him than a bullet."

"I would not call him family, whatever the world, and I cannot stress enough the danger of calling him friend."