A few months later.

"Good morning, my love," Charlotte said softly, turning over to face her husband.

"Good morning," Erik groaned, his voice still rough with sleep. "Do we really have to get up?"

"Only if you don't wish for your son to starve," Charlotte chuckled.

"I don't, but even if I didn't get up, he'll be in here. Just give him a few-" Erik began to say.

"Papa, I'm hungry," Gustave whined as he entered the master bedroom, hopping onto Erik and Charlotte's bed.

Charlotte giggled, turning to her husband. "I told you."

"Go make your own breakfast, Gustave. Charlotte and I are sleeping in," Erik said.

"No," Gustave whined.

"I'll make you breakfast," Charlotte giggled. "Get off."

"You give up too easily, my love," Erik replied

"No, I just need to get up," Charlotte said, quickly pushing Gustave off and rushing into the ensuite.

Erik frowned. "Charlotte?" he asked, but received no response. "What on earth was that?"

"Is she getting sick in there?" Gustave asked after a moment.

"I think so," Erik said, hopping out of bed and walking to the ensuite, then lightly knocking on the door. "Charlotte, are you alright? What's going on?"

"Fine, darling. Just...female problems."

"As far as I recall from our time together, that didn't involve you being ill usually. Can I come in?"

"If you wish," Charlotte sighed.

Erik turned back to his son. "Just give us a few minutes, Gustave. We'll both be down shortly," he said with a small smile.

"Okay," Gustave shrugged, leaving the room.

Erik then opened the door to the ensuite and quickly kneeled next to Charlotte, who was leaning over the toilet. "Love, what's happening?" he asked as he pulled her hair back for her.

"I'm not sure. It started a few days ago," Charlotte said with a small shrug. "I'm supposed to get...a certain thing tomorrow and it's not unusual for me to feel ill the day prior. It's never made me ill multiple days in a row, though."

Erik frowned as he tried to think of any possible reason behind what was happening. "That's bizarre," he said. "You should go see the doctor, love. We should make sure everything is alright. I would hate for us to ignore a problem, only for it to turn out to be something serious."

"I doubt it's anything serious, but if it'll make you happy, then I'll go," Charlotte nodded.

"It would, yes. I want to make sure you're okay," Erik replied.

"Okay," Charlotte said with a sigh, resting her head on his shoulder. "I'll make an appointment. Now, I'm going to go make breakfast."

"No, no. You are going back to bed."

"Why?" Charlotte pouted.

"Because you are unwell and need your rest, young lady. Come on, let's go," Erik replied.

"What did you just call me?" Charlotte chuckled.

"Young lady. You heard me," Erik said with a smile. "Are you going to get up and walk or not?"

"I'm fine," Charlotte sighed, standing up. "See? Now let me go downstairs."

"No, you are going back to bed. It is my turn as primary caregiver."

"You won't let this go, will you?"

"No, because I want to take care of you for once. You are clearly unwell," Erik said. "Charlotte, please. Just let me do this for you."

"Okay," Charlotte said softly, giving a small smile. "Thank you."

"Of course." Erik wrapped his arm around her waist and led her back to bed. "There you are," he said as he tucked her in and pressed a kiss to her forehead. "No fever, so that's good. Now try and rest. Gustave and I can handle ourselves."

Charlotte raised an eyebrow. "Are you certain? Your cooking endeavors never seem to end well."

"I will be perfectly fine. Would you like something to eat?"

"Maybe eggs and toast?"

"I'll go do that now. You just rest."

"Thank you," Charlotte smiled. "Kiss, please."

Erik smiled and gave her the kiss that she had requested. "You don't have to ask, my love. I would have given you one anyway," he said.

"Then do it again," Charlotte giggled, pulling him on top of her.

Erik chuckled. "If you say so," he said, giving her another gentle kiss and wrapping his arms around her as he did. "I do have to tell you to get some sleep, as much as I would like to stay right here."

"Please stay. I won't sleep even if you leave," Charlotte sighed.

Erik sighed, leaning his head on her shoulder and pressing quick kisses to her neck. "I have to feed my son," he whispered. "I'm sorry."

"Okay, but promise me you'll come back after."

"I will always come back, my love."

"Good," Charlotte smiled, kissing his cheek. "Go feed Gustave. I'll be here."

"Okay. I won't be long," he said as he got to his feet and headed downstairs. "Gustave, what would you like for breakfast?"

"Eggs," Gustave smiled, setting his book aside. "Is Charlotte okay?"

"Yes, she's alright. A little under the weather, but that's all. I'm going to make an appointment with the doctor for her just in case," he said as he walked over and gave Gustave a kiss on the top of his head. "I'm sure it will all be fine."

"I hope so," Gustave nodded. "It seemed like she was just suddenly really ill."

"I know it did. She did say it's been bothering her for a few days now, so it might just be a bad cold or flu. The doctor will figure it out, so don't worry."

"I hope it isn't anything serious," Gustave said quietly.

"I'm sure it isn't," Erik said as he kneeled in front of his son and held his face in his hands. "Try not to worry, okay? We're going to take care of her."

"Okay. Can I make her tea?" Gustave smiled.

"Certainly. Go put the kettle on and then put some toast in for her."

"Okay," Gustave grinned.

"You know, maybe we should tell Charlotte to call Nadir. We haven't seen him since the wedding. It could be nice to have him visit," Erik said as he set up to work on the eggs for their breakfasts.

"Yes, that would be nice," Gustave nodded, getting the kettle ready. "I like Nadir."

"Do you? Did you two get to talk very much after the wedding?" Erik asked. "I know you've heard stories from me, but I'm curious if he told you stories of his own."

"He told me stories about Charlotte," Gustave smiled.

Erik smirked. "Like what?" he asked.

"Like how she used to make him breakfast every morning," Gustave nodded. "And how she used to compose songs on the piano."

"Compose? Interesting. I'll have to ask her about that."

"Perhaps you will," Gustave chuckled.

—————

"Erik?" Charlotte sighed. "Can you help me tie my corset?"

"You're actually asking for my help with it? You can usually manage," Erik said as he put down his book and got off the bed to walk over to her.

"I don't know what it is," Charlotte shrugged. "Just a little fatigued, I guess."

"And that's why I'm glad you're going to the doctor," Erik replied as he stepped behind her and grabbed the corset's laces to to tie it up. "Corsets are the work of the devil himself, though, so I'm not shocked that it's difficult, fatigued or not."

"Yes, well, I think I've put on a couple pounds, so I'm sure that isn't helping either," Charlotte sighed. "Thank you, darling."

Erik wrapped his arms around her waist, holding her to his chest. "Even if you have put on a little weight, you still look lovely, my love," he whispered in her ear.

"Thank you," Charlotte smiled, kissing his cheek. "If...if I don't...if something's wrong...I love you."

"Don't talk like that," Erik said softly as he turned her around to face him. "I'm sure everything is fine."

"I know, but if it isn't, just know that I love you," Charlotte nodded.

Erik smiled. "I love you too."

"I have to go," Charlotte whispered, giving his cheek another quick kiss. "I'll be back soon, alright?"

"Okay. I'll be here waiting for you when you get back."

"Okay. Oh, before I forget, I decided to call Papa earlier and he's coming to visit. He'll be here later."

Erik smiled. "Good. Gustave and I were just talking about that this morning," he said

"Wonderful," Charlotte smiled. "Alright, I really have to go. Bye, darling."

—————

About an hour later.

Charlotte came through the front door and gave a sigh as she hung her cloak in the closet.

"Papa, Charlotte's home!" Gustave called as he walked into the foyer and gave her a hug. "Hi, Charlotte."

"Hello," she smiled, embracing him tightly. "Did you two have fun while I was gone?"

Gustave nodded. "We played a game of chess, which was short because Papa beat me pretty fast, and then he let me give my opinion on a couple details of his new house design."

"How interesting," Charlotte chuckled. "Would you like to help me start dinner?"

"Yes, please. What are we making?" Gustave asked as he followed Charlotte into the kitchen.

"I was thinking lasagna, since it's your father's favorite. Would you mind letting him know I'm home? I don't think he heard you a moment ago."

Gustave nodded and hurried up the stairs, knocking on the door to his father's study. "Papa? Charlotte's home," he said.

Erik opened the door. "She is? Wonderful. I'll follow you downstairs."

Gustave smiled and took his father by the hand, leading him back to the kitchen. "Here's Papa," he said to Charlotte as they walked in.

"Hello, Erik," Charlotte smiled. "I'm making lasagna for dinner. By the way, Papa will be here soon."

"Nadir is coming?" Gustave piped up, immediately getting excited.

"He is," Charlotte nodded, kissing the top of his head. "Surprise."

"Good! I like Nadir. I wish you would tell me more stories, Papa," he said. "Charlotte, do you know any of the stories?"

"I know of one really embarrassing one," Charlotte said with a smirk.

"Please tell me!" Gustave begged, starting to laugh when he saw the frown on Erik's face.

"Charlotte, what are you talking about?" Erik asked.

"Your father fancied the shah's wife," Charlotte giggled.

Erik's jaw dropped, his eyes wide. "I did not!" he exclaimed, trying to ignore the giddy look on Gustave's face.

"Then why did you stalk her?" Charlotte smirked.

"I did nothing of the sort! I was employed in the palace!"

"You sent white roses to her room because white was her favorite color. You did that every day for a month."

"I..." Erik's cheeks flushed as he turned away, which only made Gustave laugh even harder.

"Papa, you loved the queen of Persia?!" he asked through his giggles.

"Not only that, he composed several love songs about her. Papa even showed me a couple."

Erik turned back to Charlotte. "He did what?!" he demanded.

"He showed me the songs you composed for the shah's wife," Charlotte repeated with a giggle.

"I'm going to kill him when he gets here."

"It was before you and I met. My god, you have such a temper," Charlotte laughed softly.

"That's not why I'm upset," Erik replied. "It's...embarrassing! I was a teenager, I didn't know what I was doing."

"I think it's adorable," Charlotte smiled, giving him a quick kiss. "If you calm down, I'll let you help with dinner."

Erik sighed, looking over at Gustave and groaning. "Look at him! He's thrilled to have an embarrassing story about his father stored away in that little mind of his," he said.

"You're welcome," Charlotte chuckled. "Now, I'm making it a point to make your favorite dinner. Do you want to help or not?"

Erik rolled his eyes, but paused. "Are you...inviting me to help with dinner?"

Charlotte nodded. "Indeed, I am."

"Why? You never let me help," he said, only for his eyes to go wide again, but with worry instead of embarrassment. "What is this? Is this so you can break some horrible news to me? What did the doctor say?"

"Everything's fine," Charlotte said softly. "I'll explain later, alright?"

Erik frowned. "I'm believing you for now," he said. "But why do you want my help? I'm happy to do it, just...confused."

"Because you have two hands," Charlotte giggled. "Come on. You can help make the ricotta mixture."

"Alright, then." Erik let Charlotte set him up, then quickly got to work when he was joined by Gustave. "She seems off. I can't place my finger on it, but she's letting me help. She never lets me do that," he said softly.

"I know," Gustave nodded. "And she's oddly cheery."

"She is, isn't she? I suppose that writes off anything bad," Erik said. "Did she say anything to you about the doctor's visit?"

"Not a word," Gustave sighed. "But don't you think it's odd that see just decided to phone Nadir and ask him to visit?"

Erik shrugged. "They're very close, so it's not too shocking. But her not saying a word to me beforehand about thinking of inviting him was a bit strange."

"I agree. She would usually talk to you about stuff like that first."

"My thoughts exactly. It will be nice to see him, but he's coming from London, so there must be something. I hope all is well."

"She is starting to concern me," Gustave admitted with a nod.

Erik smiled and pulled his son close to him. "Don't worry. She seems too happy for something to be seriously wrong. If something were, she would tell Nadir privately. We just have to be patient, alright?" he said, bending over to kiss the top of Gustave's head.

"Alright," he sighed.

A few minutes later, the front door opened and they heard someone step inside. "Hello? Is anyone home?"

Charlotte's eyes brightened immediately at the sound of the man's voice. "Papa!"

"Speak of the devil," Erik said, smirking at Gustave.

"I have to talk to Papa privately. Just stay in here and don't burn yourself," Charlotte said as she rushed out.

"Alright," Erik said as he leaned up against the counter and looked at Gustave, crossing his arms. "Now she's keeping secrets. Something is certainly going on."

"Agreed," Gustave nodded as he watched Charlotte leave the room.

"How was the appointment?" Nadir smiled.

"It's what we thought it was," Charlotte whispered with a grin.

Nadir smiled and gave Charlotte a tight hug. "Congratulations, my darling," he whispered.

"Thank you," Charlotte replied quietly. "I hope Erik and Gustave take it well."

"Oh, they will. Gustave will be ecstatic, that much is for certain. Erik...he might panic a little initially, - in fact, that's probably guaranteed - but he'll come around. You've seen him - he adores the son he does have and he will love this little one all the same," Nadir said reassuringly. "You understand that I'm thrilled, at least. I'm going to be a grandfather of sorts."

"I'm glad you're happy," Charlotte grinned. "I'm already three months along."

"Wonderful. And all is well so far? You're healthy?"

"Yes, everything's fine," Charlotte assured, kissing his cheek. "I have to finish dinner, but I'm going to send out Erik to keep you company."

"You don't need to. I doubt he wants to be around me. We just annoy each other, after all, even if it is out of love," Nadir replied with a chuckle.

"Please get him out of my kitchen," Charlotte chuckled. "I don't need him to get hurt again."

"Oh, it's a theme is it?"

"Every time he's in the kitchen, it seems. Remember I told you about the pot getting dropped on his foot and him burning his hand?"

Nadir laughed. "I remember it fondly," he said.

"Good. Then I beg you, take him off my hands."

"Alright, alright. I'll go to the guest room and unpack. Send him my way whenever you wish."

"I will," Charlotte smiled, returning to the kitchen. "Alright, I can finish up. Go keep our guest company."

"Do I have to?" Erik groaned, though he was smiling through it.

"Yes. Give me back my kitchen."

"Is this not our kitchen?"

"Nope. Bye," Charlotte smirked.

"Wow, alright," Erik said as he started to walk out. "I love you too."

"I know," Charlotte grinned. "Now, go chat."

With a sigh, Erik walked down the hall to the guest bedroom, leaning on the doorway and watching Nadir set his bags on the bed. "Hello, Nadir. This will do for you, I hope?" he asked.

"Yes, very nicely. Thank you," Nadir nodded. "How's Charlotte?"

"She's alright, though she's acting a bit strange," Erik replied.

"It's no surprise, if you consider the condition she's in."

Erik swore he felt the blood drain from his face. "Condition? What condition? What has she told you?"

"I can't say, but...well, the doctor said she has six months left," Nadir nodded. "I'll be staying with you until it happens and likely for a bit after to help you adjust."

Feeling his knees go weak, Erik grabbed the dresser beside him for support. "What are you talking about?" he managed to ask.

"I promised I wouldn't tell," Nadir said with a sigh. "But I mean, she clearly isn't herself. It's just a matter of time before things change around here."

"Nadir, please," Erik begged. "You need to say something because she won't. She hates to worry me and she won't say a word."

"Just go talk to her," Nadir nodded. "It needs to come from her."

"It's bad, isn't it?"

"Only time will tell."

Taking a deep breath, Erik turned on his heel and hurried back to the kitchen. "What's going on, Charlotte?" He asked frantically.

"What do you mean?" She asked as she put the pan in the oven.

"What did the doctor tell you today? Why aren't you telling me how serious this is?"

Charlotte face palmed. "I told Papa not to tell you anything. How much did he tell you?"

"Oh, plenty," Erik said. "That you have six months left! That he's here to help me cope when things change after!" He could tell he was choking up, but his throat only tightened when he noticed Gustave listening in, tears in his eyes. "Charlotte, why aren't you telling me these things?"

"Shh. Sweetheart, calm down," Charlotte said softly, turning to Gustave. "I have to have a short talk with your father. Could you please tell Papa dinner is almost ready?"

"Okay," Gustave said quietly as he hurried out of the room, keeping his eyes on his feet while he ran to find Nadir.

"Charlotte, please. I can't lose you too," Erik begged, reaching for her hand.

"Come sit down, okay?" Charlotte said softly, kissing his cheek. "I have to tell you something."

Erik followed her over to the table and took a seat, taking deep breaths. "What's going on?" he asked.

"Everything Papa said was true," Charlotte nodded. "But I'm not dying."

"And how can any of it be true if you aren't ill? It wouldn't make any sense."

"Erik, we're having a baby," Charlotte said softly, putting a hand to his cheek.

Erik's brow creased into a frown as he stared blankly at Charlotte. "What?" he breathed.

"I'm pregnant," Charlotte chuckled. "I'm not dying."

"Wait, but...what? How?"

"Oh, I think you know how," Charlotte replied with a smirk.

Erik managed a laugh. "Well, yes, but...what?" he asked again.

Charlotte laughed as she pulled him into a hug. "Are you alright, my darling?"

"Yes, just a little shocked," Erik said as he slowly wrapped his arms around her. "That's incredible, love."

"I'm very happy," Charlotte smiled. "I hope you are too."

"Yes. Yes, I'm thrilled!" Erik said. "Nervous, but very excited."

"I'm glad," Charlotte said softly. "Congratulations."

"Oh, congratulations to you! This is your first baby! You're going to be a mother," Erik said as he gave her a kiss.

Charlotte smiled against his lips. "As much as I hate to break up this moment, I think you freaked out Gustave."

Erik pulled away quickly. "Dear god, did I?" he asked as he got to his feet. "I have to go check on him. Then we can tell him the news."

"Let me go with you," Charlotte nodded, taking his hand and leading him upstairs.

Erik hurried ahead of her and reached Gustave's bedroom, finding the door closed. "Gustave, it's Papa. Can I come in?" he asked.

"Yes," Gustave sniffled.

Erik opened the door and find his heart break a little when he saw his son in tears. "Hey, it's alright," he said, hurrying over and kneeling by his side before pulling Gustave into his arms. "Everything's okay."

"What did you mean about Charlotte only having six months left?" Gustave asked brokenly.

"I misunderstood something and panicked. She's fine, everything's fine," Erik promised. "I'm sorry I scared you."

Charlotte came in and sat down next to the boy. "Gustave, what we have to tell you is indeed very happy news. I'm not dying. It's something else."

"Yes, it's very good news," Erik repeated. "And Charlotte and I are very excited about it."

Charlotte wrapped an arm around Gustave, drying his cheeks. "Your father and I are going to have a baby," she said softly.

Gustave sniffled, lifting his head off of his father's shoulder to look at Charlotte. "You're pregnant?" he asked quietly.

Charlotte nodded. "Three months."

Gustave then turned to Erik, a smile quickly forming on his face. "I'm going to be a big brother?"

"Yes, my boy, you are," Erik said, leaning his forehead against Gustave's.

Charlotte smiled fondly at the two. "See? Everything'a fine and we can all calm down."

Gustave gave his father a tight hug before he did the same .for Charlotte. "Thank you! I've always wanted a little sister!" he exclaimed

Charlotte laughed softly. "Well, we don't know whether or not it'll be a girl. But we can certainly hope."

"So you both are wanting a girl, are you?" Erik asked. "And what will you do if it ends up being a little boy?"

"Then we'll love him just the same," Charlotte smiled. "Why? What are you hoping for?"

"Well, as wonderful as another son would be, I think having a daughter would be amazing," Erik said with a smile.

"I personally think it would be nice to not be surrounded by boys."

Erik laughed. "You couldn't handle that?" he asked teasingly.

"I don't supposed I'd have a choice," Charlotte replied with a chuckle.

"No, not really."

"Don't get me wrong, though. I'll be pleased with whatever we have."

Erik nodded. "I can't help but be nervous that it will end up looking like...like me," he said with a sigh. "I would hate for my son or daughter to have to deal with what I did."

"Look at me," Charlotte said softly. "It won't matter what he or she looks like. We'll love them and cherish them no matter what."

"I know we will," Erik said with a small nod. "Just thinking of my child going through anything is difficult to think about."

Charlotte pulled him into a hug. "It's going to be okay."

Erik nodded. "I know. We'll manage somehow," he said with a little laugh.

"Although, I'll have to figure out what to do with a baby. I'm entirely new to that concept." He sighed and pulled away from Charlotte's arms. "Taking care of an infant is something we'll have to work on together," he said.

"You'll be fine once you get the hang of it," Charlotte smiled. "I used to help care for the babies at the orphanage all the time."

"I hope so. I can barely take care of Gustave," Erik replied.

"That's not true, Papa," he said softly.

Erik smiled. "You think I'm doing alright?"

Gustave nodded, wrapping his arms around his father's neck. "I love you, Papa."

"I love you too, my boy. I'm glad I'm doing a relatively decent job at parenting."

"You're doing a great job," Gustave smiled. "You're the best father ever."

"Oh, thank you. You're sweet."

"It's the truth," Charlotte added with a smiled. "You really are a wonderful father, Erik."

"Oh, thank you. You can stop complimenting me now," he said with a little shake of his head.

"Never," Charlotte chuckled, kissing his cheek. "Now, we should all get up and go downstairs."

"Agreed. I'm starving, so I certainly can't wait for dinner to finish. And you have a little one to feed, so I'm sure that you're very hungry as well."

"Oh, dear," Charlotte sighed, getting up off the bed. "And the worrying begins."

Erik smiled and got to his feet to give her a hug. "Worried about what, my love?" he asked.

"I'm talking about you," Charlotte chuckled. "You're going to be one of those husbands who is constantly worrying about his pregnant wife's health."

"Okay, do you blame me? I actually get to be here when you're pregnant. I didn't have that with Christine. Of course I'm going to worry," Erik replied.

"No, I suppose I can't blame you," Charlotte smiled, wrapping her arms around his neck. "I love you."

"I love you too," Erik said, setting his hand on her belly. "I love you both."

"Baby loves you too," Charlotte giggled.

Erik smiled. "I'm glad to hear that. Let's go downstairs, shall we?"

"Yes, we shall," Charlotte smiled, taking his hand. "Come on, Gustave."

The family walked down the stairs and met up with Nadir, who Erik was quick to glare at. "You are horrible, you know," he said.

"Who, me?" Nadir chuckled. "I haven't the slightest idea what you're talking about."

"You tried to make me think my wife was dying. You're horrible."

"I didn't try to do anything. You just misunderstood what I said," Nadir shrugged.

Erik rolled his eyes and moved to the cupboard to start pulling out plates so that he could set the table. "All that aside, I would think you're pleased about this little one," he said.

"Yes, I am," Nadir smiled. "Of course I'm pleased about becoming a grandfather."

"How long do you think you'll stay? If you'll stay, of course."

"Ideally, I'll stay until the baby is a few months old."

Erik nodded. "Perfect. I'll have some sort of guidance while Charlotte's pregnant from someone who's had a pregnant wife," he said with a smile.

"That was precisely what we thought," Charlotte smiled, taking the plates from him and setting them aside. "We'll set the table later."

"Alright. And at least someone will know what they're doing," Erik replied.

"Yes, someone has to keep you calm," Charlotte giggled as she pressed a kiss to his cheek.

Erik laughed. "That's the ultimate goal, is it?"

Charlotte nodded. "If I know you at all, you'll panic at every little thing."

"I'm nervous, what can I say? I want to make sure mother and child are healthy."

"Yes, but sometimes, you need to worry about you own health. Getting stressed about everything takes its tax on your heart."

"I'll make sure I'm alright as well. Trust me."

"Are you sure?" Charlotte asked softly. "Because I don't want anything to happen to you."

"I promise, love. I won't let anything happen to me," Erik replied. "I'm going to be here for you and our little one. Now, did the doctor say anything else while you were there?"

"Not particularly. Just to take it easy," Charlotte shrugged.

"He agrees with me! Now you have to listen to that advice."

"He didn't mean permanent bed rest, which is what I know you're thinking," Charlotte giggled. "He just meant that I shouldn't over exert myself, and if I feel I need to sit, then I should.

"I didn't mean permanent bed rest. I've done extensive periods of bed rest and I hate it, so I wouldn't make you do it. I just want you to take it slow, like he said."

"That's not what he said," Charlotte chuckled. "Papa, help."

"Just leave her alone, Erik. She's a smart girl, she knows what she's going," Nadir nodded.

"Okay, alright, I'll step back. It's your body, you know what's right," Erik said, raising his hands in surrender.

"Thank you," Charlotte smiled, kissing his cheek. "I love you."

"I love you too," he replied with a grin.

—————

Later that night.

Erik gave a yawn and rested his head on Charlotte's shoulder. "I think I'm going to go to bed."

"Alright, dear. I'll be up in a moment," Charlotte nodded, stroking Gustave's arm as he lay asleep on her lap. "I'm going to take him up to his room first."

"I can carry him. I don't think he'll wake up easily," Erik said, chuckling as he watched Gustave shift around in his sleep.

"That's alright. I've got him," Charlotte shrugged. "You go to bed."

"No, it's fine. I've got him," Erik replied as he got to his feet and lifted Gustave into his arms, starting to quietly hum to keep him asleep.

"Are you sure?" Charlotte sighed.

"I'm positive. I don't want you to strain yourself, love."

"I'm not a frail, elderly woman. There's no need to treat me as such."

"I know and I don't want to. I just..." Erik sighed. "I know I'm being overbearing. I'm sorry."

"It's alright. It means you care," Charlotte smiled. "Go put him in bed. I'll be up in a moment, okay?"

Erik nodded, saying a quick goodnight to Nadir before he headed upstairs with Gustave.

"Would you like a cup of coffee, Papa?" Charlotte offered. "I know I wouldn't mind one myself."

"I wouldn't mind a cup, yes," Nadir replied.

"Splendid," Charlotte smiled, getting up and going to the kitchen to put the kettle on. "Would you mind taking down the cups?"

"Of course," Nadir said as he followed her into the kitchen, only to pause. "I don't know where those are."

"The cabinet on the left," Charlotte chuckled, beginning to heat the kettle.

"Thank you," he replied as he turned around to open the cupboard and pull out the two coffee cups

"Thank you," Charlotte smiled. "You still take your coffee black, right?"

"I do, yes. I'm surprised you remember."

"Of course I remember. How could I forget?"

"I would assume you've had other things on your mind since you left my care."

"Well, some things just stick," Charlotte chuckled, pouring a cup and handing it to him. "One of them being how you take your coffee. I can't say it's hard, though, since it's the same way I take mine."

"Ah. That would make it easier," Nadir said as he took his cup and sipped it.

"Much," Charlotte smiled. "You know, I was hoping to talk to you...I worry about how the new baby will affect Gustave and Erik's relationship."

"What do you mean?" Nadir asked.

"Well...Erik wasn't there when Christine was pregnant with Gustave, obviously, and I'm just worried that because Erik will get to experience everything with this baby, that maybe he'll have a stronger bond with it. And at the same time, I'm worried that because Gustave belongs to Christine, Erik will favor him and that this baby will feel left out. Maybe I'm just being crazy, but I don't want anyone's feelings to get hurt."

Nadir nodded. "I see. Well, I mean, that paternal instinct is in him and is going to kick in with the baby. There's nothing to be done about that. Even still, Gustave is one of Erik's last connections to Christine. You as well, of course, but Gustave lived with her for ten years. Erik can hear stories and talk to his son about her. That is something that the two of them have that Erik will never have with the new baby. And with the baby...this is Erik's second child, but first infant. He will continue to love and cherish Gustave, but this baby is going to be so special to him. Plus...he went unloved as an infant and as a child. He would never let either of his own children feel that way."

"Thanks, Papa. I needed to hear that," Charlotte replied with a smile, finishing her coffee. "I should go up with Erik. As you know, he gets nightmares every night that wake him up, so I like to be there for him. Hopefully he hasn't fallen asleep just yet."

"He's still tortured by them, is he?" Nadir asked quietly.

Charlotte nodded. "It's terrible. He wakes up screaming sometimes...I wish there was more I could do for him."

"You're doing what you can do, dear. Supporting him. That's all I could do when he suffered the same way back in Persia. Just kept him close and talked him through it. My son helped him through the nightmares too."

"That's very kind," Charlotte smiled. As she opened her mouth to continue, though, they heard Erik scream from the bedroom, and Charlotte immediately turned and ran upstairs. "Shh. It's alright, darling," she said softly as she sat on the side of the bed.

Nadir was close behind her, but hung back by the door to watch from a distance, giving Erik the space he needed.

"Charlotte," Erik managed to say as he buried his face in her shoulder, his arms wrapped tight around her.

"It's okay, my love," Charlotte whispered softly, rubbing gentle circles on his back. "You're safe."

Nadir slowly walked over to Erik's side, setting his hand on his friend's shoulder. "You're alright, Erik," he said softly. "What was the dream about?"

Erik simply shook his head, unable to form words.

"Tell us, darling. It's okay," Charlotte sad soothingly, kissing his cheek.

"It was about the...the gypsies I was a slave to. They found me and took you and Gustave and...and the baby. I didn't know where you were or what they were doing to you," Erik finally explained as he moved to look at her, his tears overtaking him by the end of his sentence.

"It was only a dream, dearest. I'm right here," Charlotte nodded, pressing a kiss to his forehead.

Erik leaned his head on her shoulder again, his hand moving to rest on her stomach. "I can't lose you, I can't," he whispered.

"You aren't losing anyone, my darling. We're all safe," Charlotte assured.

"Yes, Charlotte is fine, Gustave is sleeping soundly in his room, and your little one is perfectly safe. All is okay, Erik," Nadir nodded, giving his friend a gentle pat on the shoulder. "I'll leave the two of you alone. Goodnight."

"Goodnight, Papa," Charlotte said as he shut the door.

Erik buried his face in Charlotte's shoulder with a whimper, knowing his friend's words to be true but still too high strung to believe them.

"It's alright, my love," Charlotte said softly, still rubbing his back to help calm him down. "Don't be frightened."

"Why won't they stop?" Erik croaked. "Nightmares have plagued me all my life. I just want to sleep."

"I wish there was something I could do to stop them," Charlotte sighed, gently rocking him back and forth. "I'm sorry."

"It's not your fault, darling."

"I know, but I don't like to see you like this. I feel bad," Charlotte said softly, kissing his cheek. "I'm going to change into my night things and then I'll join you in bed, alright?"

Erik nodded, pulling away from hugging her so she could stand up and get changed. As he sat back, his attention turned to the door, which slowly opened to reveal Gustave. "Why aren't you asleep?" Erik asked.

"I heard you scream. Nadir said it was a nightmare and I wanted to see if you were okay," Gustave said softly.

Erik nodded. "I'm alright. Come here," he said.

Gustave nodded and climbed onto the bed, wrapping his arms around his father.

"Thank you for coming to check on me. I'm okay."

"You're welcome, Papa," Gustave smiled.

Charlotte gave the boy's cheek a quick kiss. "He was just a bit frightened, but everything's alright now."

Erik nodded and hugged his son tight. "Everything's fine."

"Good," Gustave nodded.

"You both should get back to sleep," Charlotte said softly.

"Yes, we should," Erik said, looking down at where Gustave was cuddled up on his chest. "I hate to make you move, my boy."

"That's okay. Charlotte's right, you should sleep," Gustave replied. "Goodnight, Papa."

"Goodnight, Gustave. Get some rest," Erik said, smoothing down his son's hair before watching him walk out of the room and close the door behind him.

Charlotte quickly changed clothes after Gustave left before she climbed into bed with her husband. "Do you think you'll be able to get to sleep?"

"I would like to think so, but I have a feeling I'm a bit too anxious still," Erik replied, leaning against the headboard with a sigh.

"Poor darling," Charlotte said softly, resting her head on his shoulder. "Is there something I could do?"

Erik smirked. "If you could make them go away, that would be wonderful."

"Are you implying what I think you're implying?" Charlotte giggled.

Erik looked over at her. "I hadn't been, no," he said with a smirk.

"That's too bad," Charlotte chuckled.

"I didn't say I couldn't change my mind," he said with a playful smile.

"Well then, change your mind," Charlotte grinned.

Erik laughed as he held her face in his hands. "Maybe I will," he said as he pulled her close for a kiss