Erik's presence does actually startle Charles, who seemed to have been on the edge of dosing a moment ago. On top of immediately stiffening --which Erik will know is unusual for him-- he also grasps the side of the couch, as if he were about to fall off. The panic in his eyes dissipates when he sees who it is, which proceeds to mental scolding because who else would it be.

Easing back down again, he makes a sort of 'nngh' noise that can roughly be translated to agreement, then manages, "Something like that," and closes his eyes once more.

And then something else occurs to him, and his face becomes slightly more serene, smiling even, as he says, "One hundred thousand dollars should be a good start towards establishing a community outsource project in this city, don't you think?"

One eye is peeked open slightly. He hopes that elicits some kind of positive reaction from his friend. Of course, he has no way of knowing.