[ Again her words echo Charles', and Erik wonders if this is some sort of divine test. Or joke. He is not angry with her. He is simply tired of spending his life beating against the current, endlessly arguing with people who cannot accept that his point of view is fundamentally different. His goals are not the same as theirs, but that does not mean there is no merit to what he believes.

He lifts his hand and folds his hand around her upper arm. And can't help but notice how strong she is, but is not distracted. ]

Diana. Please. I understand what you're saying. But I am not a problem to be solved.

[ He slides his hand up her arm, taking her hand in his and takes it from his shoulder. But instead of letting go, like he probably should, he wraps his other hand around hers, as well. ]

I would still like to dance with you sometime. When you are ready.

[ The invitation had so troubled her last time, he would not surprise her with that again. Instead, for now, he lifts her fingertips to his lips and kisses them softly before letting go. ]