[Erik will pleasantly be proven wrong for once. Something in Charles sags at the touch on his shoulder, rather than prickle. The illusion had been left behind at the door and there was the bed he'd so desperately wanted to flop face first on.]

Mostly I expect them to shut up and take my money. [It's said half-jokingly and he only realises a second too late how much of an over-privileged prat that made him sound. It's not always something he's sensitive towards, but even that comment manages to ping his radar.] What I mean is, I know there's enough places in the world that don't care so long as they have an excuse to tell themselves and you give generously, although I can't say I've ever needed such services myself. And that's just - well, it's how it should be. Everybody should mind their own bloody business for a change and leave people in peace.

[His features unknot a little, in response to Erik's uncertainty. And then he puts on primness to further joke - ] Although I did look fetching. [He catches Erik's eyes, mouth quirking into a smile slightly, and hopes that this is okay now. It smooths into something more apologetic a second later as he breathes out a sigh.] I'm sorry.