[ He frowns in thought as he leads them to his room. Sure they could stay in the living room, but he doesn't want to deal with his roommates wandering around when he's trying to have a conversation. Sex in the living room is fine. Talking about things is not. Go figure. Not all of Erik's gear is on display. Just the pieces that won't fit in the drawers. The spreader bar and some of the larger paddles. Mizuki's collar is on the dresser where it will remain. And the copy of The Once and Future Kingthat Charles gave him so many years ago is on Erik's nightstand. ]

Seven or eight months. It's easy to lose track, they use a different calendar. I left D.C., was on my way to Poland when I met a recruiter and... [ He waves his hand. ] Ended up here.

[ He sits on the edge of the bed, feeling old and tired. He feels it. The tug of friendship, of family, of love that he will never be free of no matter how far he runs or how resolute he is in his conviction to stay away. They don't want him, but he misses them. He looks at Charles. ]

How are you? And... Hank. Did Raven stay with you?