Months later.

Charlotte buried her face in her pillow and moaned. "Erik, deal with your child. It keeps kicking me."

"I'm sorry, love," Erik said, still half asleep as he reached over to rest his hand on her stomach. "You're carrying the child, I'm afraid I can't do much."

"Fine, but I'm blaming you for this," Charlotte groaned. "Ow."

"I apologize for getting you pregnant."

"Good," Charlotte sighed. "Let's go downstairs. I'm starving."

Erik nodded and slowly sat up in bed, helping Charlotte to do the same. "Do you want me to rub your back a little before we go?" he asked, rubbing his face to try and wake himself up.

"That can wait until later, but thank you. Our child is demanding food at the moment," Charlotte chuckled.

"Then we ought to satisfy that demand before they start kicking your even harder."

"I hardly think they can- ow! God," Charlotte winced, bracing herself on her husband's arm. "That was my rib."

Erik sighed, reaching over and resting his hand on her stomach. "I'm sorry, darling. I really wish there was more I could do," he said softly.

"It's fine, it's fine," Charlotte sighed. "Perhaps breakfast will make them stop."

"You said that yesterday and then they kept it up for a couple hours after that. Let's hope today is different."

"Maybe I'll just give birth. That would be nice."

"Yes, maybe today will be the day. Though I doubt 'nice' will be the word you'll use when it does happen," Erik said.

"Probably not, no," Charlotte sighed. "Someone just kill me now."

Erik adjusted his position so that he could sit behind her and put his hands on her shoulders, gently leaning her back until she was resting up against his chest. "Just take a deep breath, love. It will be fine," he said, kissing the top of her head.

"Okay," Charlotte nodded. "I love you. Thank you for being so wonderful and putting up with my moods."

"Of course. You're carrying my baby. I'll do whatever I can to help you. It's the least I can do, after all."

"Thank you," Charlotte smiled. "That means a lot."

"I love you," Erik said, dipping his head down to press a quick kiss to her neck.

"I love you more," Charlotte replied softly. "Now, can we please go have breakfast? It'll just be the two of us, since Papa took Gustave somewhere."

"Somewhere?" Erik asked with a chuckle.

"I don't remember," Charlotte laughed. "Give me a break. I've got more important things to think about, like pushing a human being out of my body."

"I know, I know, I'm only teasing you," Erik said as he gave her cheek a kiss. "I would think that the prospect of giving birth would take up much of your thoughts."

"More than you'd think," Charlotte nodded, getting to her feet and taking her husband's hand before they walked downstairs together.

"It's so quiet. It's bizarre," Erik said as he walked into the kitchen and filled the kettle with water to boil.

"It's nice," Charlotte replied with a smile. "God, I feel huge. I've forgotten what it's like not to be expanding."

"Expanding. Interesting word choice," Erik said, laughing quietly.

Charlotte chuckled, kissing his cheek. "By the way, we haven't decided where the baby will be born."

"At home."

"I agree," Charlotte nodded. "I was worried you'd say hospital."

"No, no. Doctors and I have never gotten along, and although I trust that they would take care of you, I still would prefer the baby to be born here."

Charlotte smirked. "Also, you have a fear of needles and being in a hospital freaks you out."

"That contributes to it as well, yes," Erik admitted.

"You never cease to amaze me," Charlotte giggled. "You can kill a man using a lasso and your bare hands, but you can't get a little vaccination."

"I don't like being poked and prodded, what can I say?" he asked.

"Well, I guess you probably aren't going to like what I have to tell you next, then."

Erik turned to her slowly. "What?" he asked.

"You're going to the doctor in a little less than an hour to get a smallpox vaccine."

"I'm sorry? No, I'm not."

"Yes, you are. I made the appointment a week ago," Charlotte nodded. "I knew that if I told you then, you'd be halfway to Coney Island by now, so I waited as long as possible to tell you."

"Oh, you're a cruel, cruel woman, aren't you?" Erik asked, sending her a glare.

"I do what I have to do to keep my family in good health," Charlotte replied, giving him a kiss on the cheek.

"I was doing fine up until now," Erik pointed out as he went to the front door to pick up the newspaper. "I don't see why I need a vaccination all of a sudden."

"We're having a baby and we can't take any chances," Charlotte said softly.

Erik sighed as he walked back into the room. "Playing the baby card, are you? Pulling at my paternal instincts?"

"It works every time," Charlotte replied with a grin.

Erik rolled his eyes. "Well then, I suppose I'll go change into nicer clothes and call my client to reschedule our meeting."

"Already done, dearest. I knew Papa would be up before us and I asked him to do it," Charlotte smiled. "Let's go get ready."

"Well then. I don't even have to run my own business anymore. Lovely."

"Yes, well, I had to make sure you'd go. Otherwise you'd use that as an excuse to get out of the doctor's appointment."

Erik sighed. "You know me too well, my love," he said.

"Yes, I do," Charlotte chuckled. "Come on, let's go."

Erik followed her back upstairs, slipping off his dressing gown as they walked. "I really don't want to do this, Charlotte," he whined as they got into their bedroom.

"I know, but it's time you get over this irrational fear."

"And what if I'm comfortable having my irrational fear?" Erik asked, pulling his shirt off and grabbing his button-down shirt for the day.

"Then I think that's wonderful, but you need to get over it," Charlotte chuckled.

"Do I really?" Erik sighed, sitting down on the end of their bed.

"Yes," Charlotte nodded, kissing his forehead. "Could you tie my dress in the back?"

"Of course," Erik said as he got to his feet and started to tie up her dress. "But if I get super panicked at the doctor's office, do not be surprised."

"I'll be right there with you," Charlotte said softly. "Try not to worry too much."

"I always do try, but how often I succeed is another matter entirely."

"I know, darling," Charlotte chuckled, kissing his cheek. "Ready to go?"

"As ready as I'll ever be," Erik said with a sigh.

—————

"Monsieur Destler," the receptionist called as she opened the door, looking at her clipboard. "Monsieur Destler, the doctor will see you now."

Erik clenched his fist, but not wanting to make a scene, he got up and forced a smile at the receptionist as he and Charlotte walked by to get to the examination room. "I hate this," he mumbled as they stepped in.

"I know, my darling," Charlotte said softly, kissing his cheek. "How are your nerves?"

"My nerves are shot, but I'm managing," he replied.

"It'll be over before you know it," Charlotte nodded.

"I would like to hope so."

A few moments later, there was a knock on the door before it was opened by the doctor. "Hello, Monsieur."

"Good morning," Erik managed to say, fidgeting with his fingers to distract himself from his own nerves.

"It's just a smallpox vaccination for today, correct?" The doctor asked, setting Erik's file down.

"That's right," Charlotte said. "He's a little nervous, though, so if you could try and do it quickly, that would be wonderful."

"That won't be a problem," the doctor replied. "Would you like me to explain the process, Monsieur, or would you just like to have it done?"

"Talking about it will only make me more nervous, so if you could just get it over with, that would be great," Erik said with a nervous smile.

"Alright. Just give me a moment to get my supplies ready," the doctor nodded. "Roll up your sleeve please, Monsieur."

Erik followed the instruction, turning to Charlotte right after with a nervous expression on his face.

"You'll be fine," his wife whispered reassuringly. "Just hold my hand."

Nodding, Erik took his hand in hers, locking their fingers together. "I just want this to be over with," he said with a stressed sigh.

"I know," Charlotte nodded, kissing his cheek.

"Ready?" The doctor asked as he positioned the bifurcated needle.

"Not really, but go ahead," Erik replied.

The doctor nodded and set to work, pricking Erik's arm with the needle fifteen times.

"Good god," Erik said, biting his lip and leaning his head on Charlotte's shoulder.

"I know, darling. I'm sorry," Charlotte sighed, kissing the top of his head.

"Just let me know when it's over," he requested, squeezing her hand and shutting his eyes.

"You're done," the doctor said a moment later with a nod, placing a  bandage over the vaccination sight. "That will turn into a scab over the next few weeks, so don't be alarmed. If you have any questions, feel free to give me a call."

"Thank you," Erik said as he lifted his head up and looked over at the doctor. "I'll be sure to call if I need anything, but we're hoping that the next time we call, it will because we have a little baby on the way."

"Yes, how is everything going with that?"

"I'm ready to give birth," Charlotte sighed. "This last month has been very uncomfortable."

"I'm sure. Many women would agree and say that their third trimester is the hardest. Despite that, you've been in excellent health. Delivery, when the time comes for it, should go smoothly," the doctor said.

"Yes, now if only we could hurry that process, things would be great," Charlotte chuckled. "I don't quite look forward to the actual birth part, I am quite anxious for this whole experience to be through and done."

The doctor nodded. "Understandable. From what I've observed, birth is far from an enjoyable experience, which you seem to understand as well. That's typically why the men leave the room. Everything about it makes them queasy."

"Yes, I'm not looking forward to that either," Charlotte chuckled, nudging her husband.

Erik laughed a little. "Neither am I," he said. "There's nothing I can do to help her, correct? Moral support, of course, but is there anything I could do for the slightest bit of relief?"

"You can let her squeeze your hand as hard as she needs," the doctor nodded. "Other than that, no. And if you would like to stay in the room while the child is born, you may ask the midwife."

"Right. Thank you," Erik said with a nod.

"You're welcome," the doctor smiled. "Well, if that's all, then I bid you a good day. Hopefully, I'll get that call soon."

"Yes, I hope so too. Thank you," Charlotte said.

Erik smiled at the doctor as he left the room with Charlotte, walking hand in hand with her out of the office. "That was horrendous," he said, gently touching his arm.

"I know, my love. I'm sorry," Charlotte said softly, kissing his cheek. "And don't touch it. You'll just make it hurt."

"Sorry, you're right," Erik said as he dropped his hand. "And don't apologize, you didn't do anything. I did it to make sure our family would be happy and healthy, so that's fine by me."

"Well, I'm proud of you for going through with it," Charlotte smiled. "You were really brave."

"Thank you. I didn't feel very brave at the moment, but I'm pleased that I came across that way."

"You did it. That's what makes you brave," Charlotte chuckled, kissing his cheek again. "It's nearing lunchtime. When should we eat?"

"You're the one who's the slightest bit picky about what you want. Or what the baby wants, rather. You choose," Erik said.

"How about the café near home?"

"Sounds perfect."

—————

"Erik, can you get me a cup of coffee, please?" Charlotte asked as she looked up from her book.

"Of course," Erik replied, getting to his feet and walking into the kitchen, returning a moment later with a cup in his hand. "Here you are, love."

"Thank you," Charlotte smiled. "You know, I think the baby might come soon."

"Really?" Erik asked, his eyes wide. "What makes you think so?"

"I got a couple contractions."

Erik nodded. "Well, we'll just keep our eye on it and see where it goes. Today could be the day."

"I hope so," Charlotte sighed. "Is your arm sore at all?"

"It feels a little bruised, but that's all."

"Poor dear," Charlotte said softly. "Do you think you could rub my back a bit? Not with the injured arm, though."

Erik nodded and moved over to sit behind her, massaging her back as best he could with one hand. "Any particular spot I should rub more?" he asked. "Tell me so I can try and help as best I can."

"I've got a knot in my left shoulder," Charlotte sighed. "Thank you."

Erik moved his hand up to her shoulder, pressing on it to try and release some of the tension. "You've been so tense about the baby, so I'm not surprised. Plus the extra weight wouldn't help, I imagine."

"The extra what?" Charlotte frowned.

"Weight, b-because you have had a healthy pregnancy and are taking good care of our baby," Erik said frantically. "I didn't mean to offend you, I'm sorry."

"I'm only teasing you," Charlotte giggled. "I know you meant."

Erik sighed, leaning his head against her shoulder. "Sometimes I'm not sure," he said with a quiet laugh.

"Well, you won't have to put up with it much longer."

"I'm glad. If this mood swings are this hard on me, I can only imagine what they're like for you."

"You're very sweet," Charlotte smiled, kissing his cheek. "Thank you."

"Oh, on the topic of the baby, I thought I would ask. Have you considered the possibility of a wet nurse at all?" Erik asked.

"Unnecessary," Charlotte shrugged.

Erik frowned. "That was a fast reaction. Why so sure, if I may ask?"

"I don't want to lose out on that time with my baby."

"You wouldn't be losing out on all of that sort of bonding time. Should the need arise, however, say you have an important art showcase, the baby would still be able to get what he or she needs."

"Erik, I said no and that's my final decision," Charlotte said flatly.

"Charlotte, I'm only trying to get my opinion across. I'm not discouraging you feeding the child whatsoever," Erik replied, shifting over on the sofa so he could see his wife's face.

"Yes, well, don't keep pushing it, then," Charlotte sighed.

"Are you not hearing me out for any particular reason? Or does my opinion on anything to do with the baby hold no weight in your mind?"

"Oh, here we go. It's always about you," Charlotte said as she rolled her eyes.

"I beg your pardon? Since when is that the case?" Erik demanded.

"It's always been like that. Every time there's something to discuss, you make it about you."

Erik scoffed. "I'm just trying to get my opinions across, but yours are clearly always too high and mighty to even contest with those of other people. Your husband included," he replied.

Charlotte rolled her eyes again. "And now here come the part where you make me the bad person."

"Oh, I do that on a regular basis as well, do I?"

"Yes, as a matter of fact," Charlotte nodded.

"Well, perhaps if you stopped saying things to make me feel that way, I would stop doing that," Erik said as he got up off the sofa.

"Oh, I'm sorry, did I hurt your feelings? Are you going to run away and cry like usual?" Charlotte asked with an unenthusiastic laugh.

Erik turned back to face her. "Really? Attacking my emotional state? You are something else," he said.

"I'm just saying that you're awfully- ow," Charlotte said suddenly as her face drained of color.

Erik's anger immediately ceased when he saw the look on his wife's face. "Charlotte?" he asked.

"My water just broke," she replied nervously.

"What?" Erik asked, walking back over to sit next to her again.

"My water just broke. The baby is coming."

"Oh god, alright." Erik helped Charlotte to stand up, letting her lean against him as a contraction hit her. "Can you make it upstairs, love?" he asked

Charlotte nodded. "In a moment. Ow," she moaned.

"Shh, it's alright," Erik said softly as he rubbed her back. "You're alright."

"It hurts. It hurts a lot."

"I know, but you're doing just fine. It'll be over in a moment."

Charlotte nodded again, burying her face in his shoulder.

Erik held her tight, trying his best to help her get through the contraction. "How's the pain now?" he asked after a moment had passed.

"It stopped," Charlotte sighed. "Help me up to the bedroom, please."

"Of course. Come on," Erik said as he wrapped an arm around her and helped up the stairs to the room. "Do you want to change into lighter clothes? Do you need anything?"

"Maybe if you could help me change into my night things," Charlotte nodded.

Erik nodded and grabbed Charlotte's nightgown before he started untying her dress. "Just let me know how you're feeling, alright?" he requested.

"Okay," Charlotte bracing herself on him as he helped her slip out of her dress. "Thank you."

"Of course, love. I want to try and make this as smooth as possible for you, even with the discomfort levels." Erik helped her step into her nightgown before he got her into their bed. "I'm going to go let Nadir know what's going on. Just stay here for a moment, alright?"

"Alright," Charlotte nodded, kissing his cheek. "Bring back some water, please."

"I will. I'll be right back," Erik said as he hurried out of the room and down kitchen, where Nadir and Gustave were playing chess. "Hello, boys. How are you?"

"Well, I'm losing at chess," Gustave sighed. "Why?"

"Oh, no reason. Only that Charlotte just went into labor," Erik said with a sigh.

Nadir immediately jumped up. "What?"

Erik nodded. "Her water broke a few moments ago."

"Alright. Go be with her. I'll call the doctor," Nadir nodded.

Erik started to reply, but had to turn his head when he heard Charlotte cry out from upstairs. "Yes, good idea. Gustave, just stay here and...and plug your ears," he advised.

"Okay," Gustave replied, a worried look on his face.

Erik walked over to him and pressed a kiss to his forehead. "Everything that is going to happen today is natural, sadly. Birth is not kind to women, but we're going to take good care of Charlotte. I promise," he said.

"Alright," Gustave nodded. "You'd better go to her."

Erik smiled. "I'll check in on you soon," he said as he grabbed a glass of water before he hurried back upstairs to the bedroom. "I'm right here, Charlotte, I'm sorry."

"Ow, it hurts," Charlotte moaned.

"I know, love, I know," Erik replied, sitting next to her and taking her hand in his.

"Oh, I'm sorry, I didn't know you've done this before," Charlotte snapped.

Erik laughed. "Sorry," he said softly.

"No, I'm sorry. That was rude," Charlotte sighed. "You're just trying to be supportive."

"It's fine. You're in a lot of pain, I don't blame you for snapping," Erik replied as he leaned over to kiss her forehead. "Your water is right here if you want it. Can I do anything else for you?"

"Just stay here," Charlotte said with a weak smile. "Thanks."

"Of course. I'll be right here."