Two months later...

"Gustave, can you go get Angelina for me?" Charlotte asked from the kitchen. "Your father is working and Nadir is preparing to go back to London."

"Mother, I'm doing my homework," Gustave replied with a sigh.

"And I'm making dinner. Please?" Charlotte asked softly.

With another sigh, Gustave put his pencil down and walked to the parlor, returning with a squirming Angelina in his arms. "She's not pleased about this," he said.

"Just put her in her chair," Charlotte nodded. "Thank you."

"She won't be happy about that either, but I'll try," Gustave replied as he lifted Angelina into her high chair.

"No," Angelina whined, grabbing onto his shirt with her little hands.

"I told you," he said as he lifted her back up. "Now what do I do? I still have to do my work."

"Can you hold her while you finish it?"

"Mother..."

"Gustave, please," Charlotte sighed.

Gustave took a deep breath, but nodded. "Okay, fine. You're cooking, I don't want you to get hurt," he said as he sat back in his chair. "Okay, Angelina, you have to sit still so I can work."

Angelina nodded, smiling up at him before she pressed a kiss to her brother's cheek.

"Thank you," Gustave said as he started to work again, only to have to pause when his sister started trying to grab his pencil. "Angelina, please."

Angelina began to whine as her brother gently pushed her little hands away, looking up at him with wide eyes.

Gustave sighed, abandoning his homework so he could pick her up and stand up to bounce her. "Will Papa be done his work soon?"

"I believe so," Charlotte smiled. "Thank you for watching her."

"Sure, sure." Gustave glanced down at Angelina when he noticed that she had stopped fussing. He noticed that she was resting her head on his shoulder, her eyelids heavy. "I'm going to go into the parlor. She might fall asleep."

"Alright," Charlotte said softly, kissing his cheek. "You're a wonderful older brother."

"Thank you," Gustave replied as he walked out of the room, still bouncing Angelina as he walked.

Nadir returned downstairs just as the boy was leaving the kitchen, giving Charlotte a smile. "Alright, my darling, I'll be off."

"I wish you didn't have to go," Charlotte sighed. "How long will it take you to collect the rest of your things in London?"

"It should be just about two weeks, my darling," Nadir said with a nod as he kissed her forehead. "You'll be alright."

"I know, but I'll miss you," Charlotte smiled. "Erik, please come down here to say goodbye!"

"He's busy, Charlotte, you don't need to bother him. It's fine, really."

"He's probably just composing another opera or something," Charlotte shrugged. "Erik, get down here now!"

Within a moment, Erik walked into the kitchen, his hair a mess after running his fingers through it while he worked. "I was in the middle of a composition," he said with a sigh. "What is it?"

"I told you," Charlotte chuckled before turning to her husband. "Papa is leaving to go back to London."

"Ah, I see. You're off, are you?" Erik asked, giving his friend a firm handshake.

"Yes, but fear not, I'll be back soon," Nadir nodded. "I'm certain you miss me."

"Oh, of course. I'll be a complete wreck. I don't know how I'll manage without you."

"Well, as civil as that was," Charlotte chuckled. "We'll see you soon, Papa."

"Yes, that we shall. Take care, Nadir. Safe travels," Erik said.

Nadir gave the couple a nod and a final wave before he walked out the door, and Charlotte leaned against Erik so he could wrap his arm around her. "It'll be alright. He'll be back here before you know it," he said quietly.

"I know," Charlotte sighed. "I'm just worried about how Angelina will react to him not being here. He's lived here ever since she was born. She's not used to him not being here."

Erik nodded. "I understand, my love. But at the moment..." he said, glancing into the parlor and smiling when he saw Gustave rocking a sleeping Angelina in his arms. "I think she'll be alright."

"They love each other so much," Charlotte smiled. "It's adorable."

"I know. I'm glad about that. Sometimes an only child doesn't respond well to a new addition, but this went over very well," Erik replied.

"I almost wonder if a third would be a bad thing."

"Now it's your turn to second guess a third baby, hm? If it's any consolation, I don't think it would be so bad," Erik said with a small smile.

"I'm not second guessing anything. It's just that I sometimes wonder if Gustave would get jealous of Angelina having someone closer to her own age to play with," Charlotte shrugged.

"Well, it's not like he doesn't have any friends of his own age. Think of his rambunctious little group - him, Jean, and James are practically joined at the hip. It would be fine, I think," Erik reasoned.

"I supposed," Charlotte nodded, kissing his cheek. "Look at how cute they are together."

"I know. They're precious."

"I don't want to disturb them, but dinner's ready," Charlotte sighed.

"Then just leave them be. Gustave can come in when he's ready. You and I can eat together," Erik said

Charlotte nodded, interlocking her fingers with his as she led him to the kitchen.

"It smells fantastic in here," he said.

"Thank you. I made lasagna," Charlotte grinned.

Erik smiled wide. "I didn't think it was quite possible to love you more than I already do."

Charlotte giggled, giving him a tender kiss. "Hey, do you think we could try to...make another baby tonight?" She asked softly.

Erik raised his brow. "You want to?" he asked.

"Of course," Charlotte nodded.

Erik smirked, wrapping his arms around her waist to pull her close before giving her another kiss. "In that case, I would love to," he said. "We just need to get the children to go to bed and stay in bed."

"Oh, I can make sure of that. I'll gross them into going to bed," Charlotte smirked.

"Which means what..." Erik asked hesitantly

"You'll see," Charlotte grinned.

"That frightens me slightly."

"You should be," Charlotte laughed.

Erik nodded, giving her another kiss. "Even though I don't know what you're thinking, I hope it works. If we're hoping to have baby number three any time soon, Gustave and Angelina will need to get to sleep at a reasonable time tonight."

"Yes, they will," Charlotte chuckled, wrapping her arms around his shoulders.

"Can I kiss you again before Gustave walks in here and breaks us up?" Erik asked. "Because you know he will break us up. Us kissing puts him off."

"You never have to ask to kiss me," Charlotte smiled.

"Good," Erik said as he gave her another tender kiss, his hand on her back to keep her close.

"I love you, Charlotte whispered as they pulled apart. "Ever so much."

"I love you more," Erik replied, leaning his forehead against hers.

"Can someone take her?" They heard Gustave whisper from the doorway. "I can't feel my arms."

Erik turned around and smiled. "Charlotte, go get her," he said.

Charlotte nodded, gently taking the baby from Gustave. "You go ahead and eat, dear."

"Thank you for getting her to sleep, Gustave. We appreciate it."

"You're welcome," Gustave smiled, getting himself some lasagna and sitting down at the table.

"Did you get all your homework done?" Erik asked.

"Almost. I just have to finish my math homework and the reading assignment," Gustave nodded.

"Well, you must be tired," Charlotte replied before she handed her husband a plate.

"Oh no," Erik mumbled as he sat down at the table.

"I'm not tired enough for bed just yet," Gustave shrugged, beginning to eat his dinner.

"Well, you may want to get to bed soon. Your father and I have been discussing having another child soon, and we're planning to do more...discussing tonight," Charlotte said with a small smirk.

Erik laughed and put his face in his hands. "Charlotte, dear god," he mumbled.

"Anything you would like to add?" Charlotte chuckled.

"No, you've covered it."

"Ew, I just got what you meant," Gustave gagged, burying his face in his hands.

"Look, you've traumatized him," Erik said, gesturing to his son.

"I could have said a lot worse," Charlotte giggled.

"Thank god you didn't."

"Oh, mental image, be gone," Gustave moaned.

Charlotte chuckled. "You poor, innocent child."

"He's twelve! He's meant to be innocent!" Erik said. "Why are you scarring my son?"

"I was not that innocent at his age," Charlotte replied with a quiet snort.

"Yes, but he was brought up in a relatively normal living scenario. He has no reason to be aware of that sort of thing just yet "

"Neither of you would have lasted a day in that orphanage," Charlotte chuckled.

"That may be so," Erik said, looking over and chuckling at Gustave, who looked nothing short of traumatized. "I'm sorry, my boy."

"I think I'll be going to bed now," Gustave nodded, quickly getting up and hurrying from the room.

"Can you take Angelina with you, then?" Erik asked with a hesitant smile.

"I'll take her to her room," Charlotte chuckled. "Just let the boy flee."

"Alright, alright," Erik said, leaning his head in his hands. "Why, Charlotte?"

"I did what I had to do," she shrugged, getting up. "I'm going to put Angelina in her bassinet. Excuse me for just a moment."

"Okay," Erik replied with a chuckle.

—————

The next morning...

"Good morning, Gustave," Charlotte smiled. "How did you sleep?"

"Not very well," he replied, sitting down at the table.

Charlotte bent over, tightly wrapping her arms around his shoulders. "I'm sorry about last night, dear," she chuckled. "I hope you know that I was only kidding."

"I don't think you were," he mumbled.

"Maybe not completely," Charlotte laughed softly.

Gustave stifled a groan and leaned his head on the table.

"Last night's chat has continued?" Erik asked as he walked into the room in his dressing robe. "Poor child."

"I was trying to do some damage control," Charlotte sighed. "You're not helping."

"It seems your so-called damage control wasn't helping much either."

"Oh, hush," Charlotte said, rolling her eyes. "Who wants breakfast?"

"Me, please," Gustave said quietly.

Just then, there was a knock on the door, making Charlotte groan. "Bloody heck. Who's visiting at this hour?"

"Answer it. I just heard Angelina fuss, so I'll be right back," Erik said, turning to go back up the stairs.

"Okay," Charlotte nodded, getting up and walking to the foyer. "Bon jour, Monsieur," she said as she opened the door. "Can I help you?"

"Yes, Madame, um...is there a man here by the name of Erik?" the man asked, fidgeting with the brim of his hat in his hands.

"Yes, there is," Charlotte nodded, not moving from her place. "Was there a reason why you're asking, or did that just happen to be the first thing that popped into your head?"

"No, I...we know each other from years ago. I'd like to speak to him. If he'll see me, that is."

"Alright. Please, come in."

"Thank you, Madame," the man said as he stepped into the foyer.

"Erik, there's someone to see you!" Charlotte called.

"To see me? Who would want to-" Erik froze as he came down the stairs, holding Angelina a bit closer to him when he saw Raoul standing in the foyer. "What are you doing here?" He demanded.

"Erik, I wanted to see Gustave," Raoul said.

"And what makes you think I would allow that to happen?" Erik asked.

"The fact that I raised him for ten years."

"Raised is a questionable term. More like put him up," Erik replied, turning his head when Gustave walked over to him.

"Papa, who's-" the boy began, only to freeze when he saw Raoul.

"Okay, someone please fill me in here," Charlotte sighed.

"Charlotte, this is Raoul, the Vicomte de Chagny. Christine's widower and the man who should have been the protector to her and Gustave. He fell remarkably short of that privilege," Erik explained as he gently pushed Gustave behind him, his eyes locked on Raoul.

"Oh, alright. That makes sense, then," Charlotte nodded, looking over to the man in question. "That would explain why I recognize you. I've seen your picture in the paper."

"Yes, that would be why. Pardon me, Madame but you too look incredibly familiar," Raoul frowned. "Have we met?"

Charlotte shook her head. "Not to my knowledge."

"She's Christine's sister," Erik said.

"How?" Raoul asked in astonishment. "My Christine never mentioned a sister."

"She didn't know about me until just before your trip to Coney Island," Charlotte explained.

"'My Christine'," Erik repeated under his breath before he cleared his throat and said, "I'm not surprised she never mentioned Charlotte. How often were you two having deep conversations that didn't involve your family's financial state? I can't imagine that happened often."

"You haven't changed much, I see," Raoul sighed.

"You expect me to be less bitter about how difficult you made the lives of my angel and my son?"

"If she was your angel, as you say, then why did you impregnate her and then leave her in the middle of the night, then pretend to be dead for ten years?" Raoul scoffed.

"Do not speak of situations you have no understanding of," Erik growled, his free hand balled into fists as he turned to Charlotte and handed her Angelina. "Stay in the kitchen with the children, please. The Vicomte and I will be up in my study."

"Of course. Banish the wife when the interesting part of the conversation begins," Charlotte sighed, taking Gustave's hand. "Come on."

"Charlotte, I'm sorry," Erik whispered. "You can join us after if you want. It's nothing against you, I just want to make sure Gustave is okay."

"I know, I know," Charlotte grumbled. "Follow me, Gustave."

Erik watched her go with a sigh, but caught his son's worried glance as he walked away. "It's okay," he mouthed to the boy.

Raoul glanced to Charlotte, who merely shrugged in reply. "Let's go up to your study, Erik," the former nodded.

"Yes. Let's," Erik said as he led him upstairs and into his study, waiting for Raoul to walk in before he shut the door. "Were you truly asking why I left? I have an answer to give you," Erik said, sitting in the seat at his desk and looking at the man.

"That's not why I came, but sure, give me an answer," Raoul shrugged.

"For the record, cowardice doesn't play into it, because I know that's what you're thinking. I realize I made a mistake and left in order to give her a better life, a chance at a beautiful existence with someone who I thought could support her. How wrong was I," he explained. "Had I known she was pregnant, I would never have gone."

"Well, I must say, hats off for finding a decent replacement," Raoul said, rolling his eyes.

"Oh, pardon me for being able to find another woman to love. Has your alcoholism and gambling not been particularly attractive to women?" Erik asked.

"How soon after Christine's death did you start preying on her younger sister?" Raoul shot back. "Couldn't have been long, considering the two of you have a child together. Unless this child was also born out of wedlock, that is."

"We met not long after Christine passed. She had nowhere to stay, so I put her up in my home and she spent time with Gustave and I. Any sort of relationship wasn't on the table to begin with. Our daughter was born after our wedding." Erik paused and rolled his eyes. "I don't have to defend myself to you about anything. Why are you here? Exactly?"

"Well, I was here to apologize, but you're too high on your horse to care, it seems."

"I'm keeping my son and daughter safe and defending my family's name," Erik said, glancing at the door as it opened and Charlotte stepped in. "Even still, go ahead. Make your attempt at an apology."

"I'd like to apologize for the events in Coney Island," Raoul sighed. "It was wrong of me to wager my family."

"I'm not the one you should be apologizing to about the wager, but it's too late to apologize to one party. Continue, though. I can tell there's more to it," Erik replied.

"Yes. I...I realize that Christine loved you more. I shouldn't have tried to stand in the way of that."

Erik managed to keep a smirk to himself. He realized that even now, with this man in front of him, the time wasn't right. "The marriage struggled, didn't it?" he asked, not quite sure where the gentility in his voice had come from.

"Very much," Raoul nodded, clearly a bit uncomfortable. "Could I speak with Gustave for a moment?"

"About what?"

"I would like to apologize to him too," Raoul replied. "I shouldn't have left him alone. If I had been with him, he wouldn't have gotten kidnapped."

Erik sighed. "As much as I hate to say it...both of us were to blame for that. I knew he was mine at that point, but was so blinded by Christine and...I was petrified about what he'd think if he knew. I saw him backstage but thought nothing of it," he admitted, taking in Raoul's state. It didn't take a genius to notice how much of a toll the past year or so had taken - the bitter comments were a defense mechanism for them both. "You truly want to see him?" Erik asked softly.

"I do, yes," Raoul nodded. "Please."

"He's in the kitchen, Monsieur, I could get him if you'd like," Charlotte nodded.

Erik paused, but nodded. "Alright," he said. "Charlotte, go bring him upstairs, please."

Raoul's eyes immediately lit up, Erik noticed. "Really?" he asked, his voice barely a whisper.

"You really thought I would say no?"

"I assumed you wouldn't want me to see him."

"Monsieur, I may not like or trust you all that much, and I'm sure it goes both ways. Time apart, however...time without Christine in our lives changes things." Erik looked to Charlotte, who still had yet to move from where she stood. "Please, my love. Tell Gustave that I'll be here with him. That will hopefully help encourage him to join us."

"Alright," Charlotte nodded, stepping out.

"I have to ask one thing," Raoul sighed. "Do you love her as much as Christine?"

Erik sighed, crossing his arms. "I love them both with all my heart, that much is for certain, but they are both so different. It's impossible to compare them and my admiration. Christine will always be my angel...my Angel of Music. That's how it always will be, no matter how much time passes. With Charlotte, though...I've raised a baby with her. Something changes when you actively raise a child with someone. Christine means so much to me, though. She has a special place in my heart. But Charlotte is my wife. I adore her," he said.

"Well, if I were you, I wouldn't mention Christine too much in front of Charlotte. As you mentioned, Charlotte is your wife. You don't need her thinking that Christine still has your heart," Raoul advised. "I've been in that place. I know how it feels."

Erik nodded, looking down at his lap. "I try not to. That thought has occurred to me," he admitted quietly.

After a moment of silence, Charlotte returned to the room with Gustave in tow. "Hi, Papa," he said quietly.

"Hello, my boy. Come in. Everything's okay," Erik said softly.

Gustave nodded, approaching his father.

"I'm going to go get Angelina into her day clothes and then do the same myself," Charlotte said quietly. "Excuse me."

Erik nodded at his wife, taking Gustave by the hand and sitting him on his knee. "The Vicomte just wants to say a few things to you, alright?" he said.

"Gustave," Raoul sighed, "I was a horrible father to you and I want to apologize. And I should have been watching you that day your mother was killed."

Gustave was quiet, his foot tapping on the floor a clear show of his anxiety.

Erik rubbed his back gently. "Did you hear him?" he asked softly.

Gustave nodded silently in reply.

"Is there anything you want to say to him?"

Gustave simply shook his head.

"Okay. That's alright," Erik said, giving Raoul a small nod.

"Thank you both for your time," Raoul said quietly. "I'll show myself out."

"No, I'll walk you out in a moment," Erik replied, giving Gustave a kiss on the top of his head. "Just go to your room for now. I'll come see you in a moment."

"Okay," Gustave nodded, hurrying out of the room.

Raoul sighed. "Is he truly so afraid of me? So desperate to not even be in the same room as me?"

"He's not completely over everything yet," Erik shrugged. "He's only just turned twelve. It takes longer for children to get over these things."

"I understand," Raoul nodded, getting to his feet. "I should be going. Thank you for this, Erik. In all honesty, I am glad to see him happy with you...and his new baby sister, I noticed."

"Right. I'll show you to the door," Erik nodded, showing him out of his study and down the steps. "Good day, Monsieur...all the best."

"Thank you. You as well," Raoul said with a small smile.

Erik shut the door as he left before he slouched against it with a deep, shaky sigh.

Charlotte came down the stairs a moment later, Angelina in her arms. "Darling? Are you alright?"

Erik nodded and covered his face with his hands. "I'm fine," he replied.

"Then let me see your face," Charlotte said softly.

Eventually, he dropped his hands and showed his wife his face and his red-rimmed eyes. "I don't even know why I'm like this."

"Because he brings up painful memories for you," Charlotte nodded, embracing him with one arm.

"And Gustave...oh, my poor boy. I can appreciate that Raoul wished to apologize, but I never wanted the two of them to meet again. For Gustave's sake."

"I know, darling, but he'll be fine. He'll spend time with Angelina and forget all about it," Charlotte said softly. "Come sit on the couch with me."

Erik straightened up and followed her into the parlor to the couch. "The things he said...I know you didn't hear, but they were about Christine and how I left her. About both of our actions, in fact. I defended myself but it was all true," he said.

"I know, dear. You've explained it to me," Charlotte nodded. "Don't worry about it now."

Erik sighed. "I miss her," he whispered. "I know I shouldn't say that so much around you, but...I can't help it."

"It's okay, darling. I know you miss her," Charlotte said softly as she set her daughter on her husband's lap.

"Papa?" Angelina frowned, tugging on his shirt.

"Hello, my angel," Erik said, gently cupping her cheek with his hand.

"Papa sad?"

"A little bit, yes."

Angelina gently reached up, picking at her father's mask and whining a bit.

"Oh, you want that off, do you?" Erik asked.

"Bad," Angelina said softly.

Erik chuckled. "I agree," he said as he slipped his mask off and set it next to him on the couch. "Is that better?"

Angelina grinned up at him. "Papa!"

"I thought so." Erik looked to Charlotte with a sigh. "I hope Gustave is alright. I told him to just wait in his room so I can talk to him soon. He was so anxious while he was in there with us," he said.

"Do you want me to bring him down here?"

"If you could. I want to make sure we talk and that he's alright."

"Alright, dear." Charlotte gave his hand a loving squeeze before going upstairs to Gustave's room, slowly opening the door. "Gustave? Are you alright?"

Gustave shrugged. "I guess," he replied.

Charlotte sat down next to him on the bed, pulling him onto her lap. "How do you really feel, dear?"

"I suppose I'm upset. I didn't want to see him again after the funeral, and I didn't even talk to him there. I just didn't want to see him at all," Gustave mumbled.

"That's understandable," Charlotte nodded, kissing his cheek. "But he did seem truly sorry - I overheard some of what he said."

"I don't know. Mother told me to accept an apology when someone gave it to me, but he did so much to me and her."

"You don't have to forgive him," Charlotte said softly. "I know that there are people in my past that I'd never forgive, no matter how many times they apologized."

Gustave sighed. "Was it good that I at least let him talk to me?" he asked quietly.

Charlotte nodded, holding him a bit closer. "I'm so proud of you for being the bigger man."

"I'm surprised Papa talked to him."

"Me too," Charlotte sighed. "He's a bit shaken by the whole affair."

"Is he downstairs?" Gustave asked.

"Yes. He's in the parlor."

Gustave nodded and slid off of her lap, then walked out of the room without saying another word to her.

Charlotte followed him downstairs and gave a sigh when she found him sitting on Erik's lap, his arms wrapped around his father.

Angelina crawled over to her a moment later and tugged on her skirt, reaching up for her mother.

"I know, Angel," Charlotte whispered with a quiet chuckle, picking up Her daughter. "You love me, don't you?"

"Mama," Angelina said with a smile up at her mother.

"I thought so," Charlotte smiled, still talking in a whisper. "Come on. Let's go somewhere and have lunch just the two of us. We can slip out the back so that we don't bother your father and brother."

Erik noticed his wife walk out of the room with Angelina out of the corner of his eye, but kept his attention on Gustave. With the way his son was holding him, Erik knew he was needed there at the moment. "You did well today, Gustave," he said as he rubbed the boy's back.

Gustave nodded. "Can we never see him again?"

"Of course. You are never going to have to see him again and neither will I. He said what he wanted to say. He needed to get that off of his chest so it didn't plague him for the rest of his life, I think," Erik explained. "Guilt catches up with people, eats away at them. It's brutal if you don't put that to rest, which is what he wanted to do."

"Charlotte said that listening to him made me the bigger man," Gustave sighed. "Is that true?"

"It couldn't be more true. You showed him how mature you are, how much you've grown up."

"Okay...I miss Mother," Gustave replied with a quiet sniffle.

"I know, Gustave," Erik said softly as he held his son tighter. "I miss her too. If you feel you want to cry, you can. That release will only be beneficial."

Gustave nodded, resting his head on his father's shoulder. "Do you think we should see what Charlotte and Angelina are up to?"

"We can, yes, as long as you're alright. I want to make sure you're feeling okay," Erik said, pressing a kiss to the top of Gustave's head.

"I know, but they've gone quiet and that's never a good thing. Especially with Angelina."

Erik paused to consider that. "That's very true. Let's go investigate."

Gustave got up and and went immediately to the kitchen. "Papa...they aren't in here."

"What?" Erik asked, getting to his feet and walking into the kitchen, which was indeed empty.

"They've just vanished into thin air. Where could they have gone?" Gustave asked with a frown.

"I don't know..."

Gustave looked around for a moment before his eyes set on a piece of paper that was lying on the countertop. "Look, Papa," he said, picking it up. "It's a note from Charlotte."

"Oh dear," Erik said with a chuckle. "Well, I suppose we're meant to read it, then. Go ahead, read it for us."

"Boys," Gustave read aloud, "Angelina and I have gone out for a spell. We'll be back shortly."

"Gone where, I wonder? Charlotte was going to give Angelina her lunch."

"Perhaps they went out for lunch."

"Maybe they did. I have to go out myself shortly to get more drafting paper, so maybe I'll run into them. For now, though, I suppose we have to occupy ourselves. Shall we continue with our violin lessons?"

"Fine," Gustave sighed.

—————

Meanwhile...

"You like that, baby?" Charlotte giggled, watching her daughter eat a piece of bread. "I'm glad we got to do this. We haven't gotten much mother-daughter time, have we?"

"Excuse me," a man said as he approached the table, "but didn't we meet earlier?"

"Raoul," Charlotte smiled. "It's good to see you."

"Yes, you too. It's Charlotte, right?" Raoul asked.

"That's correct," she nodded. "Please, have a seat and join us."

"If that wouldn't be a problem," Raoul replied with a small smile.

"Not at all," Charlotte smiled. "You'll never get a seat otherwise - it's quite crowded in here."

"Thank you." Raoul grabbed a spare chair and pulled it over to Charlotte's table, chuckling when Angelina waved at him. "So this is Erik's daughter, then?" he asked.

"Yes, it is," Charlotte nodded. "Her name is Angelina."

"Well then. Hello, Angelina," Raoul said to her with a smile. "She looks like him, and even with our history, I mean that as a compliment."

"Thank you," Charlotte chuckled. "So, I hear you are my sister's widower?"

"I am, yes. We were married for ten years."

"I think that's wonderful," Charlotte nodded. "Do you think you could tell me a bit about her? Erik can only tell me so much."

Raoul laughed. "Where would you like me to start?" he asked.

"I don't know...what was she like?"

"Well...she was the sweetest woman I had ever met. She brought light to a room from the second she walked in. She could make anyone smile - even your husband. She had a good heart, seeing the best in every person and every situation. The mother of all mothers as well - she was so wonderful with Gustave. She was...more than I deserved."

"That's very sweet," Charlotte smiled. "I can understand why Erik loved her so dearly."

Raoul nodded. "Yes, she was certainly a beautiful young woman. And with her voice, her talent...I'm not surprised that he adored her as he did," he said.

"Yes, he's often told me about her love of singing," Charlotte nodded. "I see why you both loved her so much."

"I did love her, very much. And she did love me as well, I think, but something dwindled over the years...her heart belonged to another," Raoul explained with a small sigh.

"I know how it feels to be on the receiving end of that," Charlotte admitted.

"Do you?" Raoul asked, only to shake his head. "It's...that's not my business. My apologies."

"No, I don't mind. Please continue."

"Well, in that case, my question stands. May I ask about your experience with that? Knowing the one you love yearns for another."

"Well...it isn't all the time, but I do often feel that Erik would rather have Christine with him than I."

Raoul nodded. "I see," he said. "But from what I saw today, he loves you very much. He did love Christine, that much I knew because I saw it firsthand, but something is different with the two of you."

"Really? What exactly?" Charlotte asked as she watched Angelina eat more bread.

"There's something about his demeanor around you, how he talks to you. Not to mention the way he looks at you. I saw how he looked at you when you walked into the study - something lit up in him, brought peace to his heart despite our argument. He adores you, Charlotte. Even I can see that," Raoul explained.

"Thank you," Charlotte smiled. "I'm really glad to hear that. I suppose I worry for nothing sometimes."

"Mama," Angelina said softly.

Raoul couldn't help but smile. "She's talking, is she? There's an interesting time of a parent's life," he said.

"Yes, it really is," Charlotte said with a soft laugh. "She's can speak in short sentences, which is adorable. And she absolutely adores Gustave. His name was actually her third word."

"Was it? I remember when Gustave started to talk. He just babbled 'Mama' for what felt like forever. Other than that, not one word made sense for a long time," Raoul said with a chuckle.

"I'm sure Erik can relate," Charlotte giggled. "Angelina's first word was 'Mama' as well. She still babbles a lot, but she can say short words and form short sentences, as I mentioned. I'm surprised at how intuitive she is."

"Well, with parents like you, I'm not surprised."

"Charlotte?" Looking up, Charlotte and Raoul saw Erik standing a few feet away. He looked thoroughly confused, but both could see that confusion morphing into anger. "What's going on?"

"Oh, we just bumped into each other. Charlotte offered for me to sit with her, and since there isn't another open table, I accepted," Raoul explained.

"I was actually just about to pay the bill and leave," Charlotte nodded.

"I see. Then please, pay the bill and we'll walk home together, Charlotte," Erik said as he walked over and picked Angelina up.

"Papa," the girl said with a smile.

The waitress came over and Charlotte quickly paid her before standing up. "Good day, Monsieur. Thank you for keeping me company."

"My pleasure. Have a good day, Madame. You too, Erik," Raoul said.

Erik gave him a firm nod. "Good day, Vicomte," he said, walking away with Angelina in his arms and stopping for only a moment so Charlotte could catch up.

"Where's Gustave? Is he home?" Charlotte asked as she wrapped her cloak around her shoulders.

"Yes," Erik replied quickly.

"Are you alright?" Charlotte frowned, slipping her hand into his.

"I'm fine, Charlotte."

"You're being very short with me."

"Am I?" Erik asked.

"Yes," Charlotte sighed.

"Well, pardon me for being the slightest bit irritated at the moment. Finding my wife having a seemingly amiable chat with a man I just so happen to hate doesn't inspire me to jump for joy," he said.

"So it's a crime for me to enjoy a conversation with someone? Well, excuse me."

"Enjoy conversation with a man who I want my family to have no relation with? That I do have an issue with," Erik replied firmly as he slipped his hand out of Charlotte's and into his pocket.

"Look, it's not like I sought him out. He was there and there wasn't an open table. It would have been rude to not invite him to sit down," Charlotte explained. "Besides, we were talking about Christine. What's so wrong with wanting to know more about my sister?"

"I appreciate that it was a kind gesture, but you didn't need to stay. I could have told you about Christine."

"I was finishing up lunch, Erik. What did you want me to do?" Charlotte sighed. "You know I'd never do anything to purposely hurt you. Don't be upset."

"I'll make an effort not to be," he said.

"I love you. I hope you know that."

Erik simply nodded, keeping quiet the rest of the way home. When they arrived, Erik handed Angelina back to her mother before he walked upstairs.

"Papa?" Angelina frowned.

"Papa isn't happy right now," Charlotte sighed, kicking off her shoes. "Come on. I have to figure out what I'm going to make for dinner."

"Hi, Mother," Gustave said as he walked out of the parlor a moment later, giving her a hug. "Where did Papa go?"

"He went up to his study. He's rather cross with me right now, so I'm not going to bother trying to talk to him."

"Why is he upset with you?" Gustave asked with a frown.

"I had an appointment to go to and I took Angelina with me so that you and your father could have some time alone. After the appointment, we stopped to eat lunch and Raoul was there. Angelina and I were nearly finished so I decided to be kind and let Raoul sit with us since there wasn't an open table. Your father saw us and thought I had purposely sought out Raoul, which I didn't, and now your father is upset."

Gustave nodded. "He was still upset when he went out to run an errand. We talked, but I could tell he still wasn't himself. I think he's just mad about all the things that happened today."

"I really just..." Charlotte sighed. "There's something I have to tell him and I don't want this to spoil the occasion."

"He should be okay if you just give him some time by himself," Gustave reasoned. "What's the occasion you don't want to spoil?"

"I'm having another baby," Charlotte whispered with a small smile.

Gustave grinned. "Really?" he asked.

Charlotte nodded, wrapping her free arm around him. "Are you happy?"

He nodded, but cringed a little. "It brings back my trauma after what you told me about having a baby, but I'm excited," he said.

"I'm sorry, darling," Charlotte chuckled, hugging him again. "Listen...could you maybe tell your father the good news? He won't want to speak with me now."

"I'm sure he isn't that upset."

"Gustave, please. I know he won't let me in. He can't say no to you, though."

Gustave nodded. "I'll go talk to him, Mother. I'm just trying to help you feel better. I don't think Papa's that mad," he said.

"Thank you, but I disagree," Charlotte sighed. "Just...just talk to him."

"Okay...but how should I tell him you're pregnant?"

"You'll figure something out. I'm going to see if I have the ingredients to make spaghetti and meatballs for dinner."

Gustave nodded. "I'll go talk to Papa," he said, giving Charlotte's cheek a kiss before he walked to the stairs. He knocked on the door with a bit of hesitation. "Papa?"

He heard his father simply hum in response and he opened the door to see his father sitting at his keyboard, scribbling down music notes. "What is it, Gustave?" Erik asked without looking up.

"Are you okay? You seemed upset when you rushed up here," Gustave said as he sat down in his father's desk chair.

"Gustave, it's..." Erik sighed and set his pen back down. "It's complicated. It doesn't concern you."

"Mother told me what happened. It was all just a coincidence. She didn't mean to upset you," Gustave sighed. "Don't be mad."

Erik shook his head. "She told you?" he asked.

Gustave nodded.

"Well, now that our children are getting involved in all our conversations," he said under his breath. "Gustave, I'm not angry. Just frustrated."

"Don't take that tone," Gustave said with a roll of his brown eyes. "You need to need to be nice with Mother. Getting upset won't get you anywhere."

"Don't tell me what tone to take, Gustave," Erik snapped, only to bite his tongue when he realized who he was talking to. "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have been so short with you. I know you're only trying to help, but...couples argue from time to time. Eventually, you'll come to learn that."

"But Mother has something important to tell you and I really think you're going to want to hear it."

"Does she? Why isn't she up here, then?"

"Because she thought it would be better if I told you."

Erik scoffed. "She really does think I'm angry with her, doesn't she?"

Gustave nodded, again, folding his hands in his lap.

"And did she say anything else to you about that? Considering she's filling you in on everything else."

Gustave rolled his eyes. "I'm beginning to see what she means. You are impossible to talk to when you want to be."

"Gustave, enough. Either tell me what she said or don't," Erik said, returning to his composition.

"Fine. She's pregnant."

Erik dropped his pen and turned back to his son. "What?" he asked.

"Mother's pregnant again," Gustave repeated.

"She is?" Erik said with a little laugh. "And she thought I would be too stuck in my own irritation to hear that?"

Gustave nodded.

Erik shook his head, putting his face in his hands. "I'm such an idiot sometimes," he mumbled. "I manage to mess up just about everything, don't I?"

"Not everything," Gustave said with a small smile.

Erik laughed quietly and looked up at his son, then pulled him into a hug. "I shouldn't have been so cross with you. You didn't do anything," he said softly. "Thank you for coming to talk to me, my boy."

"You're welcome," Gustave smiled. "But I'm not the one you need to apologize to."

"I know. I need to go talk to Charlotte," Erik said with a sigh. "Before I do, though, how do you feel about all this? Charlotte was a bit worried that you'd feel left out if Angelina had someone closer to her age to play with."

"I'm excited," Gustave grinned. "Go talk to her."

Erik nodded, hurrying downstairs. Finding Charlotte in the kitchen, he lifted her into his arms and twirled her around before he set her back down and gave her a kiss. "I love you so much," he whispered.

Charlotte couldn't help but giggle, taken aback by his sudden change in mood. "I love you too," she smiled. "What's all this for?"

"Gustave told me," Erik said with a grin as his hand moved to rest on her stomach. "I'm thrilled."

"Me too. Congratulations," Charlotte said softly, giving his another kiss. "Can we just forget everything that's happened?"

"Gladly. I'm sorry. That was stupid, I shouldn't have reacted the way I did and gotten so upset," her husband replied.

"I forgive you, dear," Charlotte smiled, wrapping her arms around his neck. "I love you so much."

"I love you more, my darling."

"I hope so. I am carrying your baby, after all."

Erik laughed and hugged her tight. "I'm so excited," he said quietly.

"I'm excited too," Charlotte grinned, kissing his cheek as she rested her head on his shoulder and buried her face in the crook of his neck.

Erik smiled as he wrapped his arms around her and slowly swayed back and forth. "How are you feeling?" he asked.

"I'm feeling good at the moment," Charlotte nodded. "Very comfortable."

"Good," Erik replied. "Let's hope it stays that way."

"Yes, I hope so," Charlotte smiled. "The morning sickness stopped a few days ago."

"Wonderful. I'm surprised you managed to keep that from me this time."

"Well, I just found out that I was pregnant earlier. I didn't want to say anything before in case I wasn't."

Erik nodded. "I'm glad you are," he whispered, leaning his head against hers.

"Me too," Charlotte whispered back. "I love you so much."

"I love you too, Charlotte," Erik said as he leaned back a bit so he could give her a gentle kiss.

"Do you want to help with dinner?"

"Oh, you are certainly pregnant. You're asking me to help you?" Erik asked with a chuckle.

"I'm not asking. I'm offering to let you help," Charlotte grinned.

"Still just as feisty, I see," he replied.

"I'm not feisty!" Charlotte laughed, looking down as Angelina crawled over, tugging at her father's pants leg.

"You are, but believe what you wish," Erik replied as he smiled down at Angelina. "Hello, young lady! Mama and Papa have a surprise!"

"Up," Angelina said softly, reaching up to him.

"Okay, come here," Erik said as he bent over to lift Angelina into his arms. "Guess what, my dear? Mama's going to have a baby!"

"Baby?" Angelina asked with a small frown.

"Yes, a baby! It's in Mama's belly right now," Erik tried to explain, gesturing to Charlotte. "You're going to be a big sister!"

Angelina grinned and clapped her hands together. "Baby!"

Erik smiled and gave Angelina a hug before passing her over to Charlotte. "Well, she's excited, even if she doesn't entirely grasp the concept."

"Either way, it's adorable," Charlotte chuckled, kissing Angelina's cheek.

"It is. Her little frown was so cute when I told her. Did you see that?"

"I did," Charlotte giggled. "You make the same face when you're confused."

"I don't make that face," Erik said with a frown.

"Yes, you do."

"No, I really don't."

"Yes, you really do."

Erik shook his head. "Sure, fine. Whatever helps you sleep at night."

"Your body next to mine," Charlotte smirked.

"That was a rhetorical statement, but I wholeheartedly agree," Erik said with a smile.

"Why?!" The couple turned around to see Gustave in the doorway, a grimace on his face. "Why do I always hear these kinds of conversations?"

"Oh god, that wasn't what I meant," Charlotte chuckled.

"Well, it sounded like that!" Gustave exclaimed.

"I love you," Charlotte giggled. "You're too innocent for your own good."

The boy simply shook his head and walked over to Erik, burying his face in his father's chest.

"I think I meant that," Erik said with a chuckle.

"Erik!" Charlotte laughed. "My goodness."

"Hey. You did it once, now I get to do it. It's only fair," he replied.

"Ew," Gustave whined.

"It's a fact of life, my boy. How do you imagine you were created?" Erik asked, raising his eyebrow when Gustave looked up at him.

"At least you're can't blame me for that one," Charlotte chuckled, kissing the top of the boy's head.

Gustave then held out his hands to Angelina, who reached over to him. "And with the baby in the room? Shame on you," he said.

Angelina merely babbled something softly before she leaned her head in his shoulder and said, "Gu-tav."

"Yes, Gustave. I'm the only normal one in this house," her brother replied.

Angelina gave a little frown as if to say, "No, you're not."

"I don't think she believes you, my boy," Erik said with a smile.

"She makes the same face you do, Papa," Gustave chuckled.

Erik threw up his hands. "I don't make that face!" he exclaimed.

"Yes, you do," Charlotte and Gustave said at the same time.

"Oh, whatever," Erik mumbled.

Charlotte couldn't help but giggle at the expression on her husband's face. "It's cute."

"Is it? It's cute when she does it, but I don't know how 'cute' I can be."

"Very," Charlotte grinned, wrapping her arms around his neck.

Erik smiled, giving her a kiss. "You can be quite cute yourself," he said.

"Oh, really?"

"Yes, really."

"Why, thank you," Charlotte chuckled.

"My pleasure," Erik replied as he pulled her into another kiss, ignoring Gustave's little groan when he did.

"I have an idea," Charlotte said as she pulled away. "We should think of a way to surprise Papa."

"Oh, definitely. He'll love that," Erik said with a nod.

"Maybe you could get him a little gift or something," Gustave suggested, kissing Angelina's cheek.

"What kind of gift? Baby booties, perhaps?" Charlotte smiled.

"Yes, in a little box for him to open and see," Erik added.

"Perfect," Charlotte nodded. "How about I bake a cake tonight in celebration of our new addition to the family?"

"Can it be chocolate?" Gustave asked excitedly.

"Of course," Charlotte replied with a grin. "You can even help frost it."

"I might have to steal him away from frosting duty so we can start planning the nursery. We'll have to convert a spare room into one, which means your dresses will need to vacate the closet, love," Erik said.

"Only if you don't mind giving up some closet space in our bedroom."

Erik scoffed. "I hardly take up any closet space."

"You've got ten cloaks that have taken up a third of our closet."

"It's not that bad."

"Oh, yes, it is," Charlotte chuckled.

Erik rolled his eyes. "Leave my cloaks alone," he mumbled.

"Then don't touch my dresses," Charlotte shrugged.

"You don't let me touch them, for the record," her husband replied. "But never mind that. I can move my cloaks and jackets elsewhere. Your dresses will turn our closet into a rainbow, but I can cope if it means we can start making room for baby number three."

"It's better than our closet being all black," Charlotte laughed. "Really, what is it with you and the color black?"

"I got into the habit of wearing things that drew no attention to myself and I've stuck to that." Erik paused, raising an eyebrow as he looked at Charlotte. "You're going to drag me out to buy colored clothes now, aren't you?"

"I'm thinking a glitter tuxedo," Charlotte replied, grinning mischievously.

"Good god, please no," Erik said with a little chuckle.

"I'm thinking gold, sliver, perhaps a nice flashy green," Charlotte teased.

Erik winced. "Me? In green? No, thank you."

"We could get a mask to match," Charlotte giggled.

"Ah, yes. A nice diamond encrusted mask. I can picture it now," he said with a playful roll of his eyes.

"Perfect! I'll visit the shops tomorrow," Charlotte grinned.

"Charlotte, don't you dare," Erik replied with a laugh.

"Oh, I'm definitely going to," Charlotte chuckled.

Erik sighed and hung his head. "Okay," he mumbled.

"In all seriousness, you do need more colors in your wardrobe than black and white."

"Do I now?" Erik turned to his children and asked, "Do you feel the same?"

"Papa!" Angelina grinned.

"Alright, noted. Gustave?"

"Papa, just because you were the Phantom of the Opera, it doesn't mean you need to look like a phantom," Gustave chuckled. "You need colors."

"Hey, my robe is maroon. That's something, isn't it?" Erik asked.

"Not unless you're planning to wear it outside of the house," Charlotte giggled.

"Which I don't," Erik sighed. "Alright, we can get some colors. But darker colors! Maroon, navy blue, charcoal grey. Things like that."

Charlotte rolled her eyes. "You're utterly hopeless."

"I'm sorry, I don't want to want suits for every color of the rainbow."

"Fine. We'll get you dark colors. Happy?"

"Yes, thank you," Erik said with a smile.

Charlotte smirked. "I can still work with that."

"I'm afraid, but it will make you happy, so I'll cope."

"How do you feel about dark pink?"

"I'm not sure. I suppose I would have to see it."

Charlotte giggled. "I'm only joking. Now, who wants to help me start on dinner?"

"I think we can all pitch in. Angelina can supervise us," Erik replied, smiling at his daughter.

"Splendid," Charlotte chuckled.

—————

Later that evening...

"I think we should paint the walls white," Gustave said with a nod as he looked around the spare room next to Angelina's.

"Agreed. We'll have to change these curtains," Erik said as he took hold of the dark blue curtains that were in the room. "These are a bit much. Maybe a light yellow?"

"Or even a lighter blue," Gustave suggested.

Erik sighed. "It would be so much easier if we knew if we were having a girl or a boy."

"Yes, it would," Gustave sighed. "Maybe we should let Angelina pick."

"Perfect idea. We like both ideas, so we can't go wrong no matter what she says," Erik said, sitting next to Angelina on the floor. "Blue or yellow, my angel? Blue? Yellow?"

"Pink," Angelina grinned.

Erik sighed. "That wasn't an option. Blue or yellow, my darling."

"Pink!" Angelina insisted.

"She can't say 'blue' or 'yellow' yet, my love," Charlotte said from the doorway.

"I was hoping to at least get something similar out of her," Erik replied.

"You have to show her and have her point to one. Get two of my dresses."

"Oh lord, but they're so heavy," Erik said with a chuckle as he got up to walk to their bedroom closet.

"I think you've just gotten weak," Charlotte teased.

"That is not it at all." Erik rolled his eyes at her as he walked back into the room, two dresses draped over his arms. "Women's dresses are just impossibly heavy with their impossible corsets. I'm only speaking the truth."

"I'm only hearing excuses," Charlotte smirked, sitting down on the floor beside Angelina.

"Sure, whatever. Anyway. I picked my favorites in these colors," Erik said, holding up the dresses in front of Angelina. "Which one do you like, my dear?"

Angelina looked at both before putting her hand on the yellow dress. "Elle," she said softly.

"Well, there we are. Yellow it is," Erik said, looking fondly at the dress in his hand. "I love this dress."

"I wore that one to dinner on our honeymoon," Charlotte smiled.

"I remember that, yes. I think that's why I love it so much."

"I loved our honeymoon," Charlotte said softly. "It couldn't have been more perfect."

"I couldn't agree more," Erik replied with a smile at her.

"I love you," Charlotte grinned.

"I love you too," he said. "And I can't believe we're going to have another baby."

"I can't either," Charlotte smiled. "It'll be wonderful."

"It will be, yes. I'm very excited."

"Me too," Charlotte said softly, pulling him into a kiss.

Erik couldn't help but smile through it. "To think I got used to sleep again," he mumbled.

"No nightmares?" Charlotte frowned.

"Not lately, as a matter of fact. It's been quite refreshing," he said.

"I'm glad," Charlotte smiled, wrapping her arms around his neck. "Let's hope it stays this way."

"Agreed. A man can dream."

"Yes, you can," Charlotte chuckled, kissing his cheek. "It sounds like the cake is ready. Let's go downstairs. Crawl to Mama, Angelina."

"Mama," Angelina said, getting onto her hands and knees to crawl over to her mother.

Charlotte lifted her into her arms before standing up and heading for the door. "Do you want cake, darling?"

"Cake," she replied simply.

"Yes, my dear," Charlotte giggled. "Gustave, Erik, come on."

"Coming! I want to help frost the cake," Gustave said.

"And I will take up my role of eating the cake once it's done," Erik added with a smile.

"Ah, I forgot about your role as 'Professional Cake Eater'," Charlotte laughed.

"That's me," Erik said with a chuckle as he followed his family down the stairs, waving at Angelina and making her giggle as she popped her head over Charlotte's shoulder.

"What's so funny?" Charlotte asked softly.

"Oh, just making my little angel laugh," Erik replied.

"You two are so cute," Charlotte chuckled. "Come on."

—————

Later that night...

Erik rolled over in bed, squeezing his eyes tight shut as he tried to get through the nightmare. The nightmares he thought had escaped. But his mind creating the terror of Raoul ripping Gustave away from him became too much to bear and he jolted awake. With a sigh, Erik sat up in bed, putting his face in his hands as he tried to calm himself down. "He's fine, Gustave's fine," he whispered to himself.

"Darling?" Charlotte whispered with a frown, waking up after feeling his sudden movements. "Erik, what's wrong?"

"Remember how I said I was free of nightmares?" Erik asked quietly. "I was wrong. So very wrong."

Charlotte sat upon bed and gently wrapped her arms around him. "It's alright, dear. Tell me about it."

Erik shook his head. "I don't want to talk about it now, just...just give me a moment," he whispered. "It involved Raoul. That much I will say."

"Alright. Just try to relax. Everything's okay," Charlotte assured.

Erik bit his lip, refusing to let himself cry. "I know it's all fine. Just convincing my own mind of that is much more difficult," he said, his throat tight as he spoke.

"If you need to cry, that's alright, darling. There's no need to hold it in," Charlotte said softly.

"I know, love. I'm just tired of this cycle. Nightmare, I wake up frantic and crying, then sleep restlessly. I hate it."

"I know, dear," Charlotte sighed, kissing his cheek. "Why don't you tell me about the dream?"

"The Vicomte...insisted upon holding the right to being Gustave's father. He tore him away from me and all I could do was watch," Erik explained, his voice breaking by the end of his sentence.

"Oh, darling," Charlotte frowned, rubbing his back. "Shh, it's alright."

Erik shook his head, turning to look at Charlotte. "I cannot be granted peace for a moment, can I?" he asked quietly.

"It would appear not," Charlotte sighed. "I'm sorry, my love."

"You have nothing to be sorry for. You've been nothing but supportive," Erik whispered as he raised his hand to dry his eyes. "And I thank you for that."

"Do you want to check on him? Would that make you feel better?" Charlotte asked softly, drying his cheeks.

Erik nodded. "It probably would."

Charlotte nodded and gently took his hand. "Come on."

Slowly, Erik got out of bed and followed Charlotte out of their room and over to Gustave's, where he pushed the door open and felt his heartbeat slow as he saw his son sleeping peacefully. "He's fine," he whispered.

"See? He's perfectly alright," Charlotte whispered. "Do you want to go back to bed?"

"In a second." Erik walked across the hallway and opened the door to Angelina's nursery, taking a deep breath when he saw her fast asleep as well. "There...now we can go," he said, turning back to Charlotte with a nod.

"Alright," Charlotte smiled. "Do you think you'll be able to sleep, or should I make you tea?"

"Tea...tea might be good."

"Okay," Charlotte nodded, kissing his cheek. "Go wait in the bedroom. I'll bring it up."

Erik gave her a nod back before he pulled her in for a proper kiss. "I love you," he whispered.

"I love you more," Charlotte smiled as she wrapped her arms around his neck. "Are you going to be alright?"

"I should be, yes. Tea and your company should help," he replied with a nod. "I'll see about other coping mechanisms if I need to."

"Okay. Go back to bed. I'll be in in a minute."

"Alright. Thank you."