[ There are more than just a few parallels between them, it seems. Erik smiles, but it's a sad thing, the realization of their shared misfortunes, and perhaps, their similar mistakes. ]

And yet, here you are. A second chance of sorts.

[ Or third, fourth, whichever one it is. Erik's lost count of his, at this point. Maybe this time, it'll actually stick. He has to believe it will. ]

Well, I... founded the Brotherhood of Mutants. A less peaceful approach to the way humans treated us. We were hunted down, I was arrested, Charles and some of his allies broke me out. Long story, but he needed me for a mission that involved changing the future. Which we did, though I nearly ruined it.

I went into hiding for a while after that. [ He won't go into details, it's too painful. Too personal. ] People eventually found out who I was. I joined a megalomaniac intent on remaking the world. Turned against him and joined Charles's team in the end. But it was a close call.

[ There are a lot of details he's glossing over, but he would rather this not be an overly detailed account of the last decades of his life. Instead, he leaves it at that, tilting his head to meet her gaze. ]

You're not the only one. I've made my fair share of mistakes.