Charles waited just outside the front doors, the cool air rushing around him. The click of an opening door preceded quick, sharp footfalls.
Pushing himself away from the wall, he called out to the retreating figure, "From what I know about you, I'm surprised you've managed to stay this long."
Arik stopped and turned around sharply. "What do you know about me?"
"Everything," Charles stated simply.
"Then you know to stay out of my head," he growled, turning on his heel.
Charles pursued him, continuing fiercely, "I'm sorry, Arik.-But I've seen what Shaw did to you. I can help you."
"I don't need your help," he snapped over his shoulder.
"Don't kid yourself," Charles scoffed. "You needed my help last night. It's not just me you're walking away from." Arik froze. "Did you think that by telling her all about your past, you could justify using us for your own gain? That she'd suddenly be fine with you walking out on us?!"
Arik spun around, face red and eyes lit with rage.
"Leave her out of his," he said through gritted teeth.
"Here you have the chance to be part of something much bigger than yourself."
Arik merely stared stonily back at him.
Sighing in resignation, Charles stated flatly, "I won't stop you leaving. -I could, but I won't."
He turned and headed back into the facility, calling over his shoulder, "Shaw has got friends! You could do with some."