Odd, that puzzlement would be the feeling to rattle Ned out of his momentary gloom, give him the impetus to look up at Erik with a small crease of confusion between his brows. Why is he talking about politeness and threats, at a time like this? What do they have to do with anything?

Gradually, awareness and understanding creep up on him. Erik is a keen observer, and some of his own distaste for what he's just done must have showed. There is a context for that sadness but, of course, Erik does not know it. So, once he'd picked up on it, Erik had started to worry (or perhaps that is too strong a word - consider) that he'd pressured Ned, coerced him into something he wasn't comfortable with. Which is funny, really, considering that, of the people he has met in this place, Erik has been in many ways the most respectful of his wishes.

"You didn't force me," Ned reassures, standing up as well. His voice is normal again now. He shoves his hands into his pockets, shoulders hunching, defensively. Not defending himself from Erik, though. "I'm the one that offered. I didn't have to. It's just, I'm not used to people seeing." Even that, though, doesn't quite encapsulate what he wants to say. He adds, "Nothing about it is trivial. To me."

How can Erik still say that? How can he still call it extraordinary, in that exact same tone of voice, after seeing both sides? Ned shifts his weight from foot to foot restlessly. Perhaps he ought to take advantage to Erik's professed (and demonstrated, in times past) rejection of politeness and just ask.

"You don't find it... disgusting?" To say that Ned is insecure would be a vast understatement. But extraordinary and disgusting are not mutually exclusive. It could be that Erik has a kind of respect for the potential of Ned's powers, but still finds them repugnant.