Once the kids started to filter in, Paige got up and started to quietly make her way back to the door. Charles should have the time with his family, she reasoned. She could wait.

You don't have to leave if you don't want to, Charles told her, letting the kids climb up on the bed. Don't feel obligated to leave, Paige, you are just as welcome here as the children are.

It's the kids' time right now, Paige responded, desperately trying not to think about the last time someone said something similar to her. It had been just before one of her aunts had forbidden her to contact that part of the family. Spend time with them. I'm fine.

Charles didn't quite get a chance to protest, since then he had the children up on the bed with him, and he was suddenly quite busy keeping track of them.

Paige seized the opportunity and slipped out the door, into the hallway again. She leaned against the wall for a moment to compose herself, and then headed towards the kitchen.

It didn't take much longer for Erik to come home, and he went straight back to the bedroom to check on Charles and their little one.

Charles, by that point, had managed to gather the children all onto the bed so they could see the little one.

"Vati!" Wanda said when Erik walked in. "Vati come look!"

"I'm coming, darling," Erik said. "Keep your voice down a bit for the little one." He managed to find a clear space to perch, looking down at his newest son.

Charles beamed as Erik found a spot, holding the little one so that he could see him.

Erik smiled softly when he saw the little one. "He's perfect," he murmured to Charles, leaning over a bit to give him a quick kiss.

"Yes he is," Charles agreed, returning the kiss. And he's been waiting for his Vati to come home and give him a name.

Erik huffed a little laugh against Charles' cheek. He needs a good strong name. And I did name our twins. So if you have an idea...?

I was waiting for you to get home so we could discuss it, Charles replied. Perhaps the name Scott?

Hmm. Maybe. Erik frowned a bit at the boy. Although he doesn't quite strike me as a Scott, honestly.

What would you suggest? Charles asked. I'm not dead set on that name, suggestions are welcome.

Thomas, maybe? Erik shrugged a bit mentally. He liked the name, anyway.

Thomas. Charles considered it for a moment, and then smiled. I like it.

Erik smiled at that. Little Thomas, he said, touching the newborn's cheek gently with one finger.

Charles smiled and handed the little one over to Erik.

Here, he said. It's about time it's your turn.

Erik took Thomas carefully, settling him in easily.

How are you doing? Tired at all, hungry, thirsty?

I'm fine, Charles replied. Really, I've been well-looked after.

Good. Who was here? Because of course he knew the children had left, but someone had to have stayed.

Crystal stayed here, Charles replied. She has since gone to rest, she was up the entire time. Raven took everyone else to descend on Stark Tower for the night.

Good. Have you rested yet? Erik glanced at the children, who were still wide awake but could easily be put down to nap.

I'm fine, Charles replied, giving Erik a fondly exasperated look. Really.