Well, he just always seemed to have a way when it came to tripping over himself when it came to things like that. Erik had just assumed that this place had been calm and removed from the sort of tragedy that had haunted them back in their own world. But from the look that settled over Charles, clearly he'd been mistaken in his assumptions.
"Just as many losses, then?" Erik questioned as delicately as he could. He knew that would likely provoke questions about what losses they had suffered. But he'd rather have a full understanding of where Charles was coming from than avoid having to tell him about everyone. "Because I know that look on you, my friend. I've seen it far too many times before."
It was almost an unconscious reflex, squeezing Charles's hand in reassurance. And while Erik hadn't commented on the contact, as he did there was new information that he filed away to address once they'd naturally reached that point. Intriguing.
"I am unaware of a Marie," Erik said, thoughtfulness crossing his expression. "Granted, it's been at least a decade since I've been back at the school proper, so she could quite easily be there without my realizing. Or she could be one of the ones that Hank was looking at bringing in now that you've passed the torch. I'm not sure how things are going to play out. I've no benefit of foreknowledge."
And yes, perhaps he was teasing a bit about that as well. But he thought he had the room right now. Before all the questions started.