Can’t get rid of the thought that Erik resented the helmet the second he put it on. Up until that moment Charles was there with him, all that time, and then suddenly--nothing. He put on the helmet because he was afraid that Charles would’ve stopped him otherwise, and he couldn’t let him; but if he truly believed that Charles could do it, had enough power to spare while still holding Shaw in place, don’t you think, by his own logic, Charles would’ve also had enough power to sense Erik’s intention to take the helmet, could’ve stopped him before that? How many times Erik had to tell himself that the only reason Charles didn't stop him from putting it on in the first place was because holding Shaw was already taking too much from him? Because believing otherwise, that Charles would’ve never used his power against him, would’ve meant admitting that Charles put that much more trust in him than he trusted Charles--

And that’s just it. He’s not afraid that Charles would take over him if he takes off the helmet now; he’s afraid that this empty space where Charles was before would remain just that. Empty. That Charles wouldn’t want anything to do with him now. As long as the helmet stays, he can pretend that Charles would still reach out, but on top of everything else that just happened -- he can’t stand finding out if he’s right or wrong. Especially after Charles rejects him verbally.