"Good morning," Charlotte said softly, putting a hand to her husband's cheek.

"Hello," Erik replied, wrapping his arm around his wife and pulling her close to his chest. "Did you sleep well?"

"Very," Charlotte smiled as she rested her head on his shoulder. "And you?"

"Yes, I got a good rest once I finally got to sleep. With your help, of course."

Charlotte chuckled, kissing his cheek. "You're welcome."

Erik smiled, pulling her into a proper kiss before he tilted his head back to look at her. "I suppose we can't stay in bed all day, can we?" he asked quietly.

"No, unfortunately. Let's go downstairs and I'll make breakfast."

"Alright. I need to get dressed first, but I'll be down soon enough. Even though I would much prefer to stay here with you."

"I'd prefer to stay here too," Charlotte sighed, kissing his cheek. "But I'm pretty sure Gustave and Papa will want breakfast."

"Nadir can make breakfast, can't he?" Erik asked as he leaned over and pressed a kiss to Charlotte's cheek, resting his head on her shoulder.

"It's not kind to force our guest to make his own food," Charlotte chuckled.

"He'll survive," Erik groaned.

"Erik, we have to eat too," Charlotte giggled. "Baby's hungry."

"That's true. You do have to feed the little one." Erik gave her a quick kiss, his hand resting on her stomach. "So I guess we'll get up."

"Thank you," Charlotte smiled. "How about we stay in our night clothes?"

"Oh, yes. I wasn't planning on changing just yet."

"Good," Charlotte chuckled, sitting up. "Because I don't feel like struggling with my corset quite yet."

"You're still going to wear your corset?" Erik asked. "Even though you're pregnant?"

"Why wouldn't I?" Charlotte laughed, slipping on her white lace robe.

"Well, I don't know. Wouldn't you think the tightness of it wouldn't be healthy for the baby?" Erik suggested as he got out of bed and grabbed his own dressing gown. "That's...that's what I figured, at least."

"The doctor said it's perfectly fine," Charlotte shrugged, opening the door. "I trust his opinion."

"I know you do, as do I. I'm just afraid, you know that."

"I won't wear it if it'll make you feel better," Charlotte said softly. "Alright?"

"If you could, that would put my mind at ease, yes," Erik replied, taking her hand in his as they walked downstairs.

"Alright, I won't wear it at home. I will when I go out, though," Charlotte nodded. "Does that sound reasonable?"

"A good compromise."

"Wonderful," Charlotte smiled as they entered the kitchen. "Good morning, Papa. Good morning, Gustave. Who wants breakfast?"

"Both of us! Nadir was going to start cooking if you two hadn't gotten up," Gustave said.

"Yes, well, we can't have that, now can we? Papa is our guest, and guests don't cook."

Erik sighed. "He would have done it and we could have stayed in bed," he mumbled as he sat at the table. "Great."

"Hush," Charlotte chuckled, beginning to heat up a pan on the stove.

"Fine, fine. Can I help with anything?"

"If you could just grab the- ah," Charlotte winced, recoiling has she burned her hand on the stove. "That bloody thing is hot."

Erik bounced up again, hurrying over to her. "Are you alright?" he asked, turning on the faucet to run cold water over her hand.

"I'm fine, I'm fine," Charlotte sighed. "It's just a little burn."

"I made the same argument and you insisted upon wrapping my hand. I intend to do the same, now sit down."

"Erik, I burned my finger. You burned the entire palm of your hand. That's hardly the same thing."

"I'm panicking, aren't I? I'm sorry," Erik said as he let go of her hand. "I suppose I'm just high strung, I don't know."

"It's okay. I think it's sweet," Charlotte said softly, giving his cheek a kiss. "I promise, I'm perfectly fine."

"I know you are," Erik replied, giving her a kiss. "I'm just worried."

"I know, but it's not going to affect the baby."

"I know that too! Alas, my anxious self refuses to think rationally about these things."

Charlotte laughed softly and gave him another kiss. "Relax. I'm fine. Just let me finish making breakfast."

Erik nodded. "Of course. Let me know if you need any help."

"You want to help me now, don't you?" Charlotte sighed.

"Maybe a little bit, but not because you burned yourself! Just because I love you and want to help you."

"Alright," Charlotte said softly. "You can help."

"Thank you," Erik replied. "What can I do?"

"Make the toast," Charlotte nodded. "I'll scramble the eggs."

"That I can do without injury," Erik said as he pulled out pieces of bread and put it in the toaster.

"Are you sure?" Charlotte frowned.

"You truly have so little faith in me?"

"Well...you get yourself hurt a lot."

"I do, yes, but I can use a toaster."

"You burned yourself on the toaster last week," Charlotte chuckled. "Don't think I didn't see that."

Erik found himself blushing as he heard Gustave giggle from where he sat at the table. "The toast was hot, leave me alone," he mumbled.

Nadir laughed. "Let me get this straight, you burn yourself on the toaster?"

"You, stop talking," Erik said with a point in his friend's direction.

"My god, are you clumsy," Nadir chuckled, deliberately ignoring his friend's request.

"Did I not say stop talking?"

"When have I ever listened to you?"

Erik rolled his eyes, grabbing a plate to set the toast on. "You should try it for a change," he mumbled.

"Oh, like you listening to your own advice has ever gone well."

"Speaking of that, we need to talk about the stories you're telling my family," Erik said, turning to his friend. "The shah's wife? Really?"

"That was before you and Charlotte met," Nadir chuckled.

"What about when Papa tried to train the monkeys?" Gustave giggled.

"I told you not to tell him that I told you that story."

"First off, I'm not upset that you told Charlotte that I liked another woman - it's the fact that you mentioned my teenage endeavors, which I am mortified by!" Erik exclaimed. "And secondly, you told him about the monkey incident?!"

"He told both of us," Charlotte laughed.

"God, I hate you," he said, glaring at Nadir.

"It wasn't as bad as the time you tripped on your cloak and shattered the shah's crown," Nadir shrugged.

"Stop speaking."

"Alright," Nadir smirked. "Oh, and Charlotte, remind me to tell you about the time when he nearly got trampled by an elephant."

"Oh my god," Erik said, putting his face in his hands. "To be fair, though, that elephant was not being handled properly. It's not my fault."

"I think you told me that one," Charlotte nodded. "Wasn't he doing something to impress the queen and it went terribly wrong?"

"I was doing my job as a magician at the palace! I performed at a parade, the queen happened to be there, yes, and the elephant ended up where it wasn't supposed to be! It wasn't my fault, and I wasn't trying to impress anyone!" Erik said in his defense.

"You were trying to impress her," Nadir nodded.

"I was not. In no way was I trying to impress her."

Nadir leaned over to Charlotte. "He was," he whispered.

"I know," Charlotte nodded.

Erik rolled his eyes. "Okay, since my word means nothing, I'm going to stop arguing. Nadir can spread rumors about me loving the empress all he wants," he said.

"We're only teasing you, dear," Charlotte giggled.

"You are. I'm not so sure about him."

"I'm just telling them what happened," Nadir shrugged as Charlotte set a plate in front on him. "Thank you, dear."

"What you think happened," Erik replied as he sat back down at the table.

"Erik, you sent the shah's wife chocolates and white roses for a month straight. You fancied her."

"Okay, maybe I did! Are you happy? I'm admitting to it," Erik finally said.

Charlotte giggled. "Who wants coffee?"

"Me, please," Erik mumbled.

"Here you are, darling," Charlotte smiled, kissing his cheek as she set a cup in front of him.

"Thank you, Charlotte."

"You're welcome," she nodded. "I'll be back in moment to give you your breakfast."

"Of course. Take your time."

"So, what are your plans for the day?" Nadir asked as he watched Charlotte hurriedly leave the room.

"Work. What else is new?" Erik asked.

Nadir chuckled. "Well, maybe I can talk Charlotte into showing me around."

"That could be good. Maybe take Gustave with you - he always has fun running around town," Erik replied, smiling at his son.

"That could be fun," Nadir nodded before pausing for a second. "She's been up there for a few moments."

Erik frowned. "She has, yes. I'm going to check on her. Just give me a moment," he said as he got to his feet and walk upstairs. "Charlotte? Are you alright?"

"Morning sickness," she replied with a sigh. "This child already hates me."

Erik walked into the ensuite in their bedroom, kneeling beside her. "The child doesn't hate you, love. These things happen to women when they're pregnant," he replied as he rubbed her back gently.

"I'm not looking for a science lesson, believe it or not."

"I know, I'm sorry," he said. "Are you alright now?"

Charlotte nodded leaning her head on his shoulder. "I just don't feel great yet."

"I see. Well, just try and take it easy this morning. If you need myself or Nadir to handle anything, we'd be happy to help."

"I'll be alright in a moment," Charlotte sighed. "Thank you for checking on me. I love you."

"I love you too," Erik replied as he kissed her head. "This child will be worth it all in the end. I know you know that already."

"Yes, but things are going to get so much worse," Charlotte said with another sigh.

"You can't focus on that, love."

"I'm not focusing on it, I was just mentioning that. Be prepared."

"I'll try to prepare myself," Erik said with a smirk. "But you know I'm going to help you deal with anything and everything."

"I know. Thank you," Charlotte smiled, wrapping her arms around his waist.

"My pleasure, my darling."

"Can we go downstairs now? I'm starving."

"Yes, of course," Erik replied as he got to his feet and helped her up, his arm around her waist. "Let's go."

"Thank you again for doing this, dear," Charlotte said with a smile.

"You're welcome. If I can't make your discomfort go away, I can at least help you cope."

"You're really sweet. I hope you know that."

Erik smiled. "Thank you," he said softly.

"You're welcome," Charlotte replied with a grin, kissing his cheek. "You're going to be a great father...again."

"God, I hope so. I can only wish I'll manage to be a good father to this little one," Erik replied.

"I'm sure he or she will love you," Charlotte said softly. "You're such a wonderful father already."

Erik shrugged. "I'm trying," he whispered.

"And you're doing wonderful," Charlotte smiled.

Erik smiled back at her before he gave her a quick kiss. "Thank you," he said. "Now, you need to eat breakfast downstairs before the food gets cold."

"Alright, alright, let's go," Charlotte giggled.

The couple walked back to the kitchen, where Erik quickly served Charlotte her breakfast before pouring himself another cup of coffee. "Oh, Charlotte, Nadir was thinking of asking you if you were up to showing him around town today," he said.

"I'd love to," Charlotte smiled, taking a seat at the table. "I can show you the Opera House and your can meet my friend Elizabeth."

Nadir nodded. "That would be wonderful. Considering you've mentioned Elizabeth to me, I would like to finally put a face to the name."

"Yes, she's a wonderful person. You'll just love her, Papa," Charlotte nodded. "She was the one who helped me find my wedding dress."

"Well, she's a brilliant young lady, then. You looked beautiful," Nadir said with a smile.

"Thank you, Papa," Charlotte giggled, kissing his cheek. "Erik, what are doing today?"

"Work! Endless work," Erik said as he sipped his coffee.

"Poor darling," Charlotte chuckled, resting her head on his shoulder. "Is there anything I could help with?"

"No, I'll survive. Being busy is good, I suppose. People like my work, and being busy means I get paid, so it all works out in the end."

"Yes, but you overwork yourself and then you get cross, and I'd rather not deal with that."

Erik laughed. "I'm sorry. I don't mean to get irritable," he said.

"It's not your fault that you have to work so much."

"Well, I take on the commissions. I could say no."

"Well, then start declining them once in a while. You need to relax," Charlotte said with a quiet laugh.

Erik nodded. "Okay. I'll turn one or two down now and then," he said.

"Good," Charlotte smiled. "You need to rest while you can before the baby's born."

"I do still have six months before that happens, but I see your point," Erik replied with a sigh.

"Take my advice and start resting now," Nadir nodded. "You may regret not doing so."

"Sleep while we can, right?" Erik asked.

"Precisely. Babies wake up frequently in the middle of the night."

"So I've heard," Erik replied with a sigh. "How often were you up with your son? He was such a quiet little boy when I was in your home."

"Yes, but when he was an infant, he would wake up about every two to four hours during the night," Nadir replied with a chuckle.

"Fantastic. I cannot wait to be waking up that often. Though I feel like I won't be able to be of much help."

"That depends. Sometimes they wake up because they need to be feed. Other times...they just wake up and cry for an hour."

Erik nodded and looked at Charlotte with a nervous smile. "We have our work cut out for us, love," he said.

"Can I help?" Gustave grinned.

"Maybe once in a while," Erik replied with a smile.

"Yay," Gustave smiled. "I want to spend a lot of time with the baby."

"You certainly will," Charlotte said as she got up to put her plate in the sink. "They're going to love you, I'm sure."

"I hope so," Gustave nodded.

"They will," Charlotte assured. "Now, would you like to join Papa and I while I show him around Paris?"

"Yes, please. I'll just go change my clothes," Gustave said as he got out of his chair and hurried up the stairs.

"Where that boy gets all his energy from, I will never know," Erik said with a chuckle.

"You're more energetic than you think," Charlotte nodded, bending over to kiss his cheek before she sat beside him again.

"Am I? It doesn't feel like it sometimes," Erik replied with a smile.

"Well, you are. But it's usually when you get excited or panicked," Charlotte said with a giggle.

"Oh, certainly when I'm panicked. That much I know."

"I certainly know it too," Charlotte mumbled.

Erik smirked and gave her a hug. "I know I panic too much," he said softly.

"It isn't good for you," Charlotte sighed, wrapping her arms around his neck. "I worry about you, that's all."

"I know you do, and I'm thankful that you do. At least one of us can keep our head on our shoulders."

"Yes, I suppose that is a good thing. Well, Papa, Gustave, and I should get going. Do you mind helping me change, dear? I need you to tie my corset."

"Of course," Erik said with a nod.

Charlotte took his hand and led him upstairs to the bedroom, where she quickly changed her clothes. "Can't you tie it any tighter than that?" She asked her husband as he tied her corset laces.

"You want it tighter? I thought it was fairly tight already," Erik said with a frown.

"It needs to be tighter for the dress to fit," Charlotte chuckled.

Erik sighed, hesitating before he pulled the laces a bit tighter. "I know, I'm sorry. You know how hesitant I am about the corset, that's all it is."

"I know, I know, but the baby is perfectly fine," Charlotte said softly. "There's no need to worry."

"I know," Erik said as he tied the laces, then turned his wife around and wrapped his arms around her waist. "I'm trying not to."

"Good," Charlotte nodded, leaning against his chest. "I love you so much."

"I love you too," Erik replied as he dipped his head down to kiss her cheek. "Which is why I worry."

"That's why I love you," Charlotte chuckled, pulling him into a kiss.

Erik smiled through it, moving to hold her face in his hands. "I'm glad someone loves me and my anxious nature," he replied with a quiet laugh.

"How could I not? You're perfect," Charlotte said softly, pulling him into another tender kiss.

"In your eyes, I am. I'm still coming to terms with that thought."

"Well, it's true, my love," Charlotte smiled. "Now, I really must go."

"Now I don't want you to," Erik said, wrapping his arms tightly around her waist again. "But I am well aware that Nadir wants to see the sights, so I'll let you go."

"You know that I would love to stay here with you, but you have work, dear."

"Which I don't want to do, really."

"Then come out with us instead. It'll be much more entertaining."

"I could do that. I just need to think about how far behind on work that would put me," Erik said.

"Figure it out later," Charlotte shrugged. "Please come."

Erik sighed. "Alright. I'll join you. Perhaps I'll find some inspiration around the city."

"Just design them a replica of the Populaire," Charlotte giggled, kissing his cheek.

"Do you want me to lock myself in the office for who knows how long to get that done? I thought you didn't want me overworking myself," Erik replied with a chuckle.

"I'm joking, darling. Come on, let's go," Charlotte nodded, kissing his cheek.