Once Erik was sure Crystal wasn't going to go hijack one of the cars, he went and peeked into the study, checking on Charles and Paige.

Charles still had Paige comfortably cuddled in with him, comforting her. He didn't mind, after all, and he'd stay there as long as it took.

But he did give Erik a bit of a Look. Because while he approved of Erik stopping Crystal (and yes, of course he knew about that), they were going to have a Talk anyway.

Erik knew very well that there was a Talk coming. It was inevitable, in this situation.

Should I put some water on for tea? he asked. Legitimate question, really.

Yes, Charles said. Keep an eye on Crystal as well, please. He knew he didn't need to tell Erik that he was worried about her.

Of course. With that, Erik went back into the kitchen to put the kettle on and keep an eye on Crystal.

Crystal was making cookies. She had two batches going at the moment, the ovens humming quietly as they heated up. She had already put the kettle on to boil on the stove.

Erik noticed the kettle and just leaned against the doorframe, watching her.

"Charles is looking after Paige right now," he said after a moment.

"I figured," she said, mixing the dough with more force than was necessary. "Good, I'm sure she needs him right now."

Erik nodded.

"He will make sure she is alright," he said. He was quiet for a moment. "Paige's relatives should not be allowed near her anymore."

"No," Crystal agreed with a little growl, putting dough onto cookie sheets with more force than necessary. "I doubt she'll see them again. But if they do come near her..." She trailed off. She figured she didn't need to spell out what she'd do to them.

Erik nodded once.

"We'll make sure they don't," he said. "This will not happen again."

Crystal nodded, glancing over at him. She was surprised, actually, at how protective he was. But she knew better than to call him out on it.

Erik waited until the tea was ready, and then he took it into the study. He wasn't sure if Paige would still be in there, so he grabbed enough cups, just in case.

Charles hadn't let go of Paige yet, and he shot Erik a quick smile when he came in with the tea.

Thank you, love. How is Crystal?

Calmer, Erik replied as he set down the tea. Attempting to drown us all in sweets. How is Paige?

Calmer, Charles replied. Still upset, but calmer. So far, I think she just needs some quiet to unwind again. And tea.

Erik nodded. It was probably for the best that they hadn't been there for most of the incident.

Perhaps send Crystal to retrieve something for Paige to change into, he suggested. Have her change out of the dress.

Charles nodded and relayed the message to Crystal, listening to her pelt up the stairs with amusement. She brought the clothes in but left them on the table before retreating again.

Once Crystal had brought the clothes in, Erik stepped out of the study briefly so Charles could coax Paige into changing out of her dress.

Fortunately it didn't take Charles long to get her to change, and then he got a blanket around the two of them, getting comfortable again.

Erik came back in and sat down next to Charles.

Has she said anything about what happened before we got there? he asked.

No, not yet, Charles said. I'm not sure if she will, or if she'd prefer not to talk about it.

I should have taken care of things, Erik said. Made sure those relatives can't hurt her again.

No, it's a very good thing you didn't, Charles said, giving Erik another Look.

You should have let me, Erik replied, ignoring the Look. They needed to be reminded exactly why they shouldn't upset mutants.