
Oh, Charles fell in love with Erik before he saw him, the instant he felt Erik’s mind on the boat in Miami. I have absolutely no doubt about this; it’s not even an article of faith, it’s an article of firm, unwavering conviction.
He also fell in love with Raven the same way, once he realized what Raven was. That’s the thing about Charles, is when he falls in love, it’s complete and total and there’s no going back.
Which of course makes it all the more tragic, because he spends XMFC being completely enthralled with Erik, and the same moment Erik realizes he feels the same way is the moment Charles realizes that there’s one thing he can’t give Erik: his support for Erik’s actions.