Chapter 8
“So, are you excited for your party?” Erik asked softly
“MY party?”
“Fine, OUR party,” Erik conceded gracefully.
“Better,” Charles sniffed imperiously causing Erik to snort and pause his belly massage to plant a kiss on the unsuspecting carrier.
“Oh!” he startled, “Behave yourself! My stomach won’t defend itself against stretch marks!” he insisted.
“Of course of course, but you have to stop being such a beautiful distraction or I’ll never get any work done!” Erik protested, warming more salve between his hands before beginning his massage once more.
Charles blushed happily at the compliment, “I’ll try.”
They quickly dressed and did a bit of last minute straightening of the apartment before Erik went to preheat the oven.
In the end they’d decided to throw their own baby shower and invite people who would truly celebrate with them.
Jakob and Edie were scheduled to arrive any minute as she was helping Erik finish the food since Charles wasn’t up to the task just yet.
A knock on the door startled the carrier from his reverie; he moved to answer the door, straightening his maternity cardigan as he went.
“Got it!” he called over his shoulder.
“Alright, send mom straight through, darling,” Erik called back.
Charles was more than happy to do so and after hugs galore and a brief interrogation of his eating and sleeping habits, Edie made her way to the kitchen while Jakob and Charles made their way to the chess board.
“I love playing you; I swear it’s not fair that Erik got to learn from a master since childhood!” Charles laughed at the end of their short match, reviewing the board to see where he went wrong.
“Ah but now your children will have the same advantage,” Jakob chuckled sagely, patting the young man’s hand where it rested on the table between them.
“Yes they will, are you excited to be a grandfather?” he asked eagerly, already knowing the answer.
“I’m thrilled, you’ll understand one day how it feels to know you’ve built something that will go on long after you’re gone,” he smiled and tweaked the end of Charles’ nose laughing at the younger man’s blush.
Just then the doorbell rang causing Jakob to frown, “Doesn’t this building have security?”
Charles laughed at the Erik-Like look on the older man’s face, “Yes, but we told the doorman to let anyone with invites up without calling,” he placated, attempting to soothe ruffled feathers as he pulled himself to his feet.
“Still,” Jakob grumbled, “I’ll come with you to the door-just in case,” he added as Charles opened his mouth to protest the necessity.
“Let me do this Charles, besides, I want to meet your friends,” he gave a wide smile.
Sure he did. Charles thought he just wanted an excuse to make a citizen’s arrest.
“Alright, lead the way,” Charles hid a smile and followed the older man to the door, making a mental note to tell Erik of his father’s behavior once they were alone, he knew where Erik got his protective streak.
~~
The party was a rousing success by any measure and nearly every invited guest made an appearance.
Logan was the next guest to arrive and won Jakob over with a disgusted, “Can you believe that rube down at the desk let me up without checking my ID? Is this what passes as security these days?”
After that, Charles was not permitted to answer the door. In fact once guests began to arrive in earnest he was barely permitted to stand, which his aching feet were thankful for.
This actually worked out well once Azazel turned up with his adorable son in tow. Kurt fell in love with Charles at first sight and sat at his side since his lap was full and asked endless babbling questions mostly centered on the carrier’s tummy. He seemed intrigued with the idea that a baby was inside and delighted in each move she made as she shifted beneath Charles' sweater.
Charles loved answering his battery of inquiries and tousling his jet black hair as the little charmer blinked up at him with ice blue eyes.
Azazel sat with them and kept his mirror image from getting too rowdy and tiring Charles unduly.
“Here, let me fetch you another drink,” Azazel stood as soon as Charles so much as glanced at the laden refreshments table Erik had set up the night before that had been filled and emptied twice so far by his count.
Now that the food had been consumed, Erik was actually making conversation for once. Though it was with one of his own invites so Charles tried not to be too surprised.
Still, it was nice to see him so animated around other people.
Kitty and her husband Piotr arrived gifts in hand and smiles on their faces with their two children in tow, “You’ll see Erik, soon you won’t turn down a night off cooking either!” she said with a laugh as she kissed his cheek. She’d soon made her way over to Charles and kissed him lightly as well, “You’re looking well darling, how do you feel?”
“Excited, anxious, ready to get things moving,” Charles laughed as Kurt’s pleased gasp and shocked expression as the baby moved again.
“Oh he’s so sweet, who’s your little friend?” she cooed, settling down next to him with her baby sleeping in a wrap against her chest.
“Ah this is Kurt, his father works with Erik in some capacity,”
“Hi Kurt!" she smiled as he shyly hid his face against Charles' belly, "He’s darling, reminds me of David’s eldest with those eyes.”
Charles smiled back, pleased for once that something had gone right, Edie had been correct in presuming that Erik’s Aunt Ruth and cousin David would be there for him. He loved the idea of their daughter growing up with a supportive extended family like the ones he’d envied his whole life.
Azazel finally returned with cups of punch for the three of them, but this time he didn't stick around, Charles thought nothing of it and gratefully took a sip of the refreshing beverage.
Meanwhile, Kitty’s other son was clinging to his fathers’ legs, shyly gazing at all the strangers with wide, dark eyes.
“He’ll be fine once he’s had some punch,” she assured a concerned Charles who was currently helping Kurt hold his cup in a tiny, unsteady hand.
“Do you want to take him some?” he asked, concerned that he was keeping her away from her parenting duties.
“Oh no, Piotr will get him some in good time, besides, mama needs to rest her feet,” she chuckled, readjusting the baby sling as she settled back into the couch.
“Ugh, tell me about it!” he groaned dramatically in commiseration before helping Kurt clamber across his girth to snuggle between him and Kitty and promptly fall asleep.
“Too much excitement,” she nodded sagely, “we should put him in the bedroom so he doesn’t wake up, and I can show you feeding again, you look ready to pop, if you’re still planning to breastfeed another lesson won’t go amiss,” she offered kindly.
“I’m going to give it my best shot,” he smiled nervously; “I am a little scared though.”
“That’s normal, just remember you can call me anytime you have questions, but so much is natural I’m sure you and the little one will get along well together,” she gave him a reassuring smile.
They made their way to the bedroom, Azazel obliging to carry his son once he saw Charles shifting to lift the sleeping toddler, “He weighs far more than six pounds,” the Russian chided gently, following them from the room then leaving them to their nursing demonstration without further comment.
“Strong silent type,” he gestured towards the man’s retreating figure.
“Still flirtatious though,” Kitty smirked at Charles’ look of outrage.
“Did he say something to you?” he demanded, scandalized.
She burst into soft laughter, handing her son to Charles so she could undo her nursing blouse, “No, not me, that gorgeous African woman with the dyed hair!”
He looked taken aback, trying to remember seeing them talking to one another, “She’s my yoga teacher, we really hit it off. She teaches a baby class too, maybe he’s thinking about taking Kurt…” he trailed off, lost in thought.
“Didn’t look like it from where I was sitting, but that class does sound interesting. I need to get out more,” she confided softly.
“Well, once mine is out and old enough, we could try it together,” he offered tentatively, “you could go first and see how it is. I can introduce you to Ororo before you leave.
She beamed, “I’d love that, unless of course that handsome Russian has whisked her away to his private island to wine and dine her in the lap of luxury.”
Charles was sharply reminded of Erik’s opinion that his cousin was too romantic for her own good.
“He wouldn’t leave Kurt,” he handed the baby back and watched her tilt his head and help him get a proper latch.
“True, but a girl can dream,” she giggled as Charles rolled eyes playfully.
He watched them silently for a moment before tentatively asking, “Can I change him when you’re done?”
She looked at him like he was crazy, “I’m not going to say no to that!”
~~
Erik was having a nice time, the apartment wasn’t crowded and he was surrounded by friends and family. It was…nice.
He glanced around for Charles but couldn’t place him; he frowned at the empty space on the couch where he’d last seen his boyfriend and cousin chatting while the unbelievably adorable Kurt napped between them.
He turned to look for him when his attention was caught by Armando arriving with his husband Alex and their sons Scott and Miles.
Charles’ absence slipped to the back of his mind as they three of them caught up while the kids ran off to play in the office with the other children in attendance, who sounded like they were playing “let’s destroy Erik’s office as thoroughly as possible!”
But it was better than having them underfoot so he let it slide.
Charles had eventually made his way to Erik’s side, eager to meet two of Erik’s few remaining friends. He hit it off with them right away and happily looked through the family pictures Armando kept on his phone.
Time flew and soon it was time to cut the cake. Kurt was awake by then, happily perched in his fathers’ arms, high enough to see the action. Ororo stood next to them with a soft smile on her face as she took them in.
Charles strategically ignored Kitty's suggestive eyebrow waggle in their direction.
The other kids had eagerly made their way to the living room and were happily enjoying more snacks and while unsubtly eyeing the happy couple as they cut the first slice together.
In honor of their daughter they’d ordered a pink velvet cake with white chocolate buttercream icing from Charles’ favorite bakery. He blushed to match the delicate pink of the cake as Erik fed him the first bite to a round of applause.
After everyone had been fed, they moved to open presents, marveling at the tiny clothes and shoes. Socks with lace and a working mobile of the planets and their moons.
Charles teared up more than once and allowed himself to be soothed by his adoring partner who was on cloud nine.
Then there came another knock on the door, they both tensed at the sound, wondering who their late guest could be. Erik shot Logan a look and the burly Canadian wrestled himself free of the dog pile of children he was half buried under and made his way to the door.
Erik reached over and grasped Charles’ hand, knowing the other man would be hoping for and dreading a visit from his sister. He squeezed back desperately only to look surprised when a handsome man in a tailored three piece suit strolled in flanked by two men bearing an unreasonable amount of professionally wrapped presents.
“You didn’t tell me you invited your boss,” Charles hissed as Tony Stark made his way around the room charming everyone in his path before stopping in front of the happy couple.
“That’s because I didn’t,” Erik sighed, pretending to be more irritated than he was.
“Erik I’m hurt! Logan gets and invite and I don’t? And with such happy news!” the grown man pouted.
“Hello Tony, I wish I could say I was surprised but you’re nosy so…”
“Exactly, Erik! I’m nosy and I love all of my employees, I like to think that we are one big happy family and you mister, are adding to it. Any moment now it seems,” he added glibly at the sight of Charles’ prominent bump.
“And you must be the Charles I’ve researched so much about, of the Westchester Xaviers?”
“Yes, hello Mr. Stark,” Charles offered his hand once both men stopped his efforts to rise and greet his guest.
“Please, call me Tony,” he offered an elaborate bow and kissed his hand ceremoniously, winking at Erik’s irritation as Charles blushed prettily.
“I hope you don’t mind me crashing, I had a bit of time and decided to stop by with a few gifts and welcome you and your, he glanced around at the pink and yellow themed decorations, “daughter, to the Stark family.”
“Why thank you Mr. Stark, you’re always welcome,” Charles beamed happily at the charismatic genius in front of him.
“Yes, Tony, have some cake, have some fun, try not to rewire anything while you’re here,” Erik fixed him with a stern look that brought about another full pout.
“You’re no fun,” they all glanced up at the sound of a war cry as Logan fought what appeared to be a losing tickle fight with five children, “See, Howlett knows how to party! Cake you said?” he glanced around, “Is that Azazel? Now I’m really hurt!”
Charles laughed at Erik’s exasperation with his hyperactive boss, “Please Tony, have a seat, let’s see some of those presents you brought our girl,”
“Yes, yes," he snapped his fingers and the two men who had remained silent and motionless where he’d left them inside the door moved to place the presents in the unopened pile to one side of the couch.
“But before you open those I come bearing good news,” he paused dramatically, waiting to have everyone’s attention before continuing, “May I be the first to congratulate you on your purchase? Put her there neighbor!” he grinned as Charles’ confusion melted into understanding then happiness.
“Oh! Are you on the buildings board? Did they vote on the buy?”
“Ah my lovely Charles, I basically am the buildings board, I own the place you see, or I did before you bought it this morning. I normally shut down any property buys near the Tower but I saw the name on the inquest and I wondered, could it be? And yes, the inquiry came from the same Charles Xavier my own favorite engineer knocked up. Lo and behold! Charles, I live to make dreams come true,” he concluded with a megawatt smile.
“Oh thank you Tony! this is the best present we could receive, just in time for the baby and everything!” Charles gushed happily.
“Thank you Stark, this means a lot, we were worried about the delay,” Erik smiled as well, pleased to note that his grin still put Tony off his stride.
“That’s because it’s a usual automatic no, of course I can override that,” he said smugly, steadfastly ignoring the creepy face his best engineer made when he was happy.
Both men noticed Charles’ frown at the same moment, “is everything all right love?” Erik asked, concerned by the shift in his mood.
“Yes it’s just, with that high of a transfer of funds I should have been notified that it was approved.”
Here Tony looked sheepish, “Ah yes, I can explain that too. You see the building you bought?”
They nodded at him warily, “you bought it for a dollar.”
“What!?”
“Stark!”
“But I could’ve-“
“I know I know! But I wanted too! It’s not like I needed the money, not with your man here churning out designs like it’s going out of style!” he gestured defensively in Erik’s general direction.
Charles took a deep breath and spoke up softly, “Alright, alright, let’s be reasonable. Thank you Tony, you are a true friend,” he said even as the news of their big move spread quickly around the room.
Tony leaned in close, “even though we just met today, I feel the same.”
Erik simply rolled his eyes and muttered something about them forming a trust fund club causing them both to chortle and agree that it might be an idea worth pursuing.
~~
After the rest of the presents were opened and admired and everyone was well fed the party wound down until it was just Charles and the Lehnsherr’s once again.
“Oh, that was so much fun!” Charles snuggled into the couch, smiling at a tired looking Edie as she slumped next to him
“And that Tony, such a sweet boy, I wonder why Erik hasn’t brought him around more?”
“We’ll see about changing that, he seems lonely,” Charles mused, shifting to find a comfortable position.
“Hmm, I could see that", Edie commiserated, tucking her feet beneath her.
“It was great seeing Kitty again, she’s an angel,” Charles smiled softly.
“Yes! They told me you were a hit with the Reform girls, and they’re eager to give you a proper Kiddush when the day arrives,” She looked pleased as punch to say so.
“Yes, they’re a great bunch,” Charles agreed happily.
“Well, I may attend services a few time there myself, just until the gossip at temple moves on to someone else,” she sighed tiredly, clearly having been thinking on the matter for a while.
“That may be for the best, you don’t need that stress.”
“No, I don’t besides, Jakobs’ sister has been trying to get us to attend there for years, may as well give in,” she shrugged.
“Yes, and I’m sure gossip will move on sooner or later,” Charles soothed.
“Oh sooner I’m sure, someone will get a divorce or have an affair or an outside child and we will be old news of interest to no one.”
“Hmm, especially once Magda moves on, then there won’t be any reason to bring it up anymore,” Charles said lightly, not noticing the light of interest that entered Edie’s eyes at the notion.
“Yes…that’s not a bad idea,” she whispered under her breath.
“What was that?”
“Oh nothing, have you heard from your sister?”
“No, I don’t think she’s ready to apologize and I’m not willing to budge on this,” he sighed, “She’s so stubborn. Once she gets an idea into her head it’s hard to get out.”
“And she has ideas about Erik that won’t quit," she stated sadly.
“Pretty much. Sometimes I miss her and her friends, but not enough to deal with anymore nonsense,” he sighed and took another drink of water.
“You’re so loyal to my Erik, you’re good for him. He doesn’t doubt himself with you.”
“Well, he’s good for me too,” they looked over at the kitchen where Erik and Jakob were having their own conversation while cleaning the kitchen.
“I like that Howlett fellow, he said he’s never been a godfather you know?”
“Did he get you on his side for this? Dad!”
“What? I can’t give an opinion?”
Erik muttered something unkind that set his father off laughing.
They finished up and moved to join the others in the living room.
“I can’t believe you agreed to let Stark move us into our new penthouse,” Erik chided lightly as he sank down next to his partner and wrapped an arm around his slim shoulders.
“He said his crew could have a total teardown and reset in three hours! I bet they couldn’t, not with traffic so we’ll see,” Charles sniffed imperiously.
“And what, loser owes winner a private island?” he snickered at his own joke, dodging the playful elbow Charles aimed at his ribs
“Something that,” Charles winced halfway through a laugh.
“What is it, darling?” Erik asked, instantly on alert.
“Nothing, just tired I think. My back has been aching.”
“Ah do you want a rub?” he offered solicitously.
“Maybe later,” he blushed, knowing where those usually led but not wanting to say anything in front of Erik’s parents.
“That’s our cue then," Jakob said with a wink,"it was nice seeing you both, we’ll come see the new place as soon as it’s set up,” he smiled, and stood before offering a hand to his wife to help her do the same.
“Yes, boys, I can’t wait to see the view!” Edie kissed them both soundly and called out more goodbyes as her husband helped her into her coat.
Erik rose to lock up behind them, “Thanks again for everything,” he said quietly, more thankful than ever for the ones who’d stuck by him through thick and thin.
“Ah, what are parents for? You’ll see for yourself soon,” She kissed his cheek and followed Jakob out into the hall where he was waiting to slip his arm around her waist and lead the way to the elevator.
Erik closed the door thoughtfully; he would know soon, the thought struck him anew sometimes, filling him with joy and fear in equal measure.
~~
Later that night, after the promised backrub had led to exactly what Charles had suspected it would, they shared a shower, Erik was less comfortable leaving Charles alone in the tiled room since the baby had dropped and offset his balance.
Besides, it was nice having someone else shampoo his hair.
His back twinged again and he sighed leaning back against Erik’s lean form.
“Spot still giving you trouble, love?”
“Yes, maybe I pulled something,” he wondered aloud.
“Maybe, but I’m betting its nothing a good night’s sleep won’t cure,” he assured lightly.
But later that night as they were sleeping half reclined in the couch in the most comfortable position for Charles, the ache turned to pressure.
He rose from Erik’s slack grip and went to the bathroom, but that did nothing to ease the tension that now wrapped around his abdomen like a band.
He frowned, sleepily contemplating the restless tension that filled his body and slowly began pacing the length of the hall in a soothing pattern when a sudden true spasm wracked his frame and he realized that he’d just had his first contraction.
His heart leapt as he braced himself against the wall and attempted to steady his breathing. After a moment he succeeded and resumed his steady pacing, deciding to let Erik sleep until the contractions were consistent.
After another hour and a half a pattern had developed and his contractions were about fifteen minutes apart. He woke Erik with a gentle hand on his shoulder, stifling a laugh at the bewildered expression and ruffled hair that greeted him once his lover jolted up at his light touch.
“What? Charles? What time is it?” he yawned and opened his arms, clearly expecting him to crawl back into his warm embrace.
“It’s um, almost three,” he glanced at the clock, surprised to see how much time had passed while he was caught up in the changes his body was going through.
“Oh, everything alright?” Erik asked, clearly still more asleep than not.
“Yes and no,” Charles said shaking his arm again as he seemed to be drifting.
“What? Why no?” he asked, confusion and concern bringing him around to full consciousness in a heartbeat.
“Erik, darling, I’m in labor,” Charles said as calmly as possible, though that had no effect on how the news hit Erik.
“Oh my god! Your backache! I should have known! Are you alright? How long have you been awake?” he ran his hands over Charles nervously as though he might find some treatable wound at any moment.
“Not long,” he lied, “My contractions are steady and about fifteen minutes apart.”
“Alright, I’ll text Marie and let her know what’s going on; she can alert the doctor and meet us at the hospital.”
“Sweetie you know we don’t need to worry before they’re five minutes apart, Marie and Dr. Miller were very clear that first deliveries take time.”
“What do they know?! You’re having a baby!” Erik demanded nonsensically as he went to text their midwife who had been attending another birth so hadn’t been able to make their party.
“Alright, darling,” his breath hitched and he clutched his belly as Erik glanced at the time to monitor his contractions.
“Do you need anything? Water? A snack? Anything?” he asked, panicked after the contraction had passed and the text had been sent.
“Just you to hold my hand.” Erik was only too happy to oblige.
They spent the next two hours in the quiet dark of their apartment talking very little and simply holding one another. Charles’ water eventually broke of its own accord and Erik helped him change into comfortable, dry clothes before checking that their grab bag had everything they’d need.
When the contractions were seven minutes apart, Erik called the front desk to have the car brought around.
“Ready to go?” he asked looking nervous in jeans and a sweater, wrapped up in his overcoat.
“As I’ll ever be,” Charles smiled as Erik zipped him into his own winter jacket, arms unable to reach the pinnacle of his belly anymore.
“Alright then, let’s do this,” Erik clasped his hand tightly.
They paused on the threshold and shared a small kiss that ended when Charles sucked in a breath between clenched teeth and clutched his Erik's biceps tightly for a long moment.
“Okay, just a bit longer, darling, Marie says she’ll meet us there and Dr. Miller is already on call,” Erik said as he bustled them down the hall.
“Good, good, everything’s going fine then."
“Yes, so far,” Erik agreed begrudgingly, glancing around the deserted lobby suspiciously, only heading into the cold once the car was pulled to a stop in front of the building.
He slung the bag at the doorman and helped Charles get settled into the passenger seat, happy to note that the man had done as he demanded and warmed the interior and the seats before bringing it around.
“Did you call your parents?” Charles asked once they were on the route Erik had been practicing for weeks.
“No, I’ll call once we’re settled in a room; they need their sleep and you now they’ll rush out as soon as they hear,” he smiled at the thought.
“True, true…” Charles gasped as another contraction hit.
“Almost there, love, just breathe,” Erik tried to sound calm as he maneuvered the light traffic and icy streets as quickly yet safely as possible, "We should schedule the next one for summer, he muttered to himself.
"I'll see what I can do," Charles laughed at his side causing Erik to blush as he hadn't meant the other man to overhear, but at least it helped relax the tension in the car.
They finally arrived and Erik let Charles out into the waiting arms of Marie while he parked the car, by the time he made it in they had checked him in and were getting settled into his room.
“Alright, you two, anyone else coming to the dance?” she asked happily, accent seeming thicker than ever.
“Yes, my parents should be arriving within the hour,” Erik stood by the bed feeling useless as Marie conducted her initial exam which concluded with a surprised look.
“What? What is it?” Charles asked nervously.
“Um, I think your little lady will be doing the same,” she pressed back in to check Charles’ cervix once more.
“Yer fully dilated sugga, and these contractions are coming fast since you got in.”
Charles stared at her in shock, “but you said first times take hours!”
“Well, it has been hours, just not that many,” Erik said, ignoring the glare Charles shot him to focus on the smile Maries gave.
“That’s the spirit daddy-to-be! I’ll let the doctor know but I’ll do the delivery myself unless something goes wrong, juss like we talked about, right Charles?” she patted his leg reassuringly.
“Right Marie, right, I’m fine,” he breathed through another contraction under her knowing eyes.
“Thas three minutes by my count, get geared up daddy-to-be, don’t wanna get splashed do ya?”
Erik shuddered at the thought and hurriedly changed into the scrubs the nurse provided in the attached suite bathroom.
When he came back Marie had Charles positioned on a birthing stool and instructed Erik to sit in front of him and hold his hands as she crouched on a low seat behind him to do the catching.
The next forty minutes were simultaneously the longest and shortest of his life. The baby was well on her way to being out when his parents arrived.
The nurse informed them that they were waiting in the hall just outside.
“Oh good they made it!” Charles grunted as his body bore down once more.
“Alright darlin’ one more big one and we should have the head out!” Marie encouraged cheerfully.
“Come on sweetheart, you can do it” Erik pressed his lips to his sweaty temple, “just one more she said then you can rest.”
Charles sobbed for breath then clenched his teeth and clutched Erik’s hands in a vice like grip. They locked gazes, foreheads pressed together. Erik held his breath as Charles pushed with all his might until he sighed and suddenly relaxed as the reedy cry of an infant filled the air.
“And that’s done, little one, here’s your mama,” Marie handed him the most beautiful thing he’d ever seen.
She was gray and wrinkled and covered in slime with a pointy little cone head. He laughed and clutched her to his chest where she nuzzled against him with a whimper.
“Oh Charles, she’s beautiful. You’re amazing, darling, that was amazing,” Erik whispered, wrapping his arms around them as tears streamed down his face.
Charles was inclined to agree.
~~
Erik went to tell his parents the news while Marie and the nurse checked them both over and got them cleaned and changed.
Once they were presented with a clean bill of health, Erik brought his parents in to meet their granddaughter.
“Smart girl,” Jakob cooed at the little bundle cradled in his arms, “its good luck to be born on a Monday, you know.”
Edie sniffled happily and held an exhausted Charles’ hand, “she looks just like Erik did as a baby with that red hair, but the eyes are all yours,” she smiled and brushed his hair back gently.
“I’d like to see those pictures again,” he smiled at the sight of his daughter wriggling about in her grandfathers’ hold.
“Anytime you like,” she assured.
“Ah, I think she’s ready to eat,” Jakob gently set her back in Charles’ arms where Jean immediate began rooting for him and eagerly latched on once she found what she was looking for.
“Oh!” Charles startled at the sensation.
Edie laughed kindly, “You’ll get used to it, there’s nothing like the bond you form while she’s feeding.”
Charles nodded vision blurry from the sight if his little one gazing up at him as she took nourishment from his body, he could already tell she was right.
~~
They were cleared to leave after a brief nap and another check up for the two of them. Erik bundled them into the car and headed back home.
Charles rode in the back next Jean who was sleeping through her first car trip with no trouble; he only looked up when they pulled up in front of the building they’d toured the week before.
“Erik? Oh he didn’t!” Charles gasped scandalized.
“Oh he did. He texted me congratulations and told me which home to drive to,” Erik couldn’t help but laugh at the look on Charles’ face in the rearview mirror.
“What? You're the one who told him you told him you hate moving! Come on; let’s get my sweet girl inside where it’s warm.”
“It’s an underground garage, Erik, it is warm,” Charles chuckled as he gingerly got out of the car while Erik unstrapped Jean who woke for a moment only to fall back asleep immediately, clearly disinterested in the goings on of her parents.
The thought brought a sweet smile to Erik’s face. Something he’d given up ever calling himself and now he was a dad.
He tucked Jean close and pulled Charles under one arm as they stepped into the private elevator that led to the penthouse.
He smiled to himself as he imagined Charles’ reaction to the ring he planned to give him later that night. Charles caught his smile and sent him a questioning look, but Erik simply shook his head, he’d find out soon enough.