Yes, that's a genius idea, Charles said rather acerbically. Scare them, have them press charges--because they are the kind to press charges--and have Paige be upset and reminded of this for months because we got involved.

Standing by and doing nothing is not how I choose to protect this family, Erik pointed out shortly.

Not getting hauled to jail is a very good way to help this family, Charles argued. Then he paused when he realized Erik had just included Paige--and likely Crystal--in the family.

Erik didn't have to be a mind-reader to understand the expression on Charles's face.

With as much as they do around here, as much as they've helped, yes, they are family. I would trust them with any one of the children the same as I do Alex or Darwin.

Charles smiled. Of course. At least you didn't threaten to take these two out back and kill them, even in the beginning.

I did try to make you get rid of them, Erik pointed out dryly.

But not like you tried with Alex for the first few days, Charles pointed out, grinning. It didn't even take a shovel talk for you to trust them with the children.

They proved I could trust them when Thomas was born, Erik said pointed out in return.

Charles just grinned and settled in there. Erik was never going to be allowed to forget that they were family now.

Erik put an arm around Charles, being careful not to disturb Paige. Paige had, in fact, drifted off to sleep against Charles, snuggled under the blanket.

Charles was quite content to stay there for as long as Paige needed, especially since he had Erik there too. And he knew the children were fine.

After a while, Erik nudged Charles gently.

I can take her up to bed, he said. Settle her in for the night.

Alright, Charles agreed, rather reluctantly. She'd probably be more comfortable in her own bed, anyway.

Erik gently picked up Paige, making sure not to wake her. Quietly, he took her upstairs to her room and tucked her into bed. Then he went back to Charles.

Charles had moved into the kitchen for the moment, snacking on a cookie and making more tea and watching Crystal scrub everything clean with energy still fueled by anger.

Erik just stayed out of Crystal's way, going over to sit down beside Charles.

Charles watched her for a few moments, debating if he should go try to help or stay out of her head and let her work it off on her own. Crystal just ignored them both very thoroughly as she cleaned.

Erik put an arm around Charles's waist.

Let her deal with it, he murmured. At least she's working it off constructively.

For now, Charles fussed, leaning into Erik for the moment. I'm more worried about what she'll do when she runs out of things to clean.

Charles, darling, have you seen the size of our home? Erik asked, a bit teasingly. There is plenty for her to clean, if she feels the need.

Charles grumbled a bit but sighed. Alright, fine, I concede defeat for the moment, he grumbled. It had been a long day for them all, after all.

It's been a long day for all of us, Erik unknowingly echoed. I do believe we should settle in for the evening. I'm sure Alex and Darwin are sick of looking after Thomas by now.

Indeed, Charles agreed, getting to his feet. Alright, we'll go to bed, and see if anyone needs anything in the morning.

Erik nodded and helped Charles to his feet.

"We're going to turn in for the night," he said to Crystal. "Paige is settled in bed already."

Crystal nodded to show she'd heard.

"I'll go to bed in a little while," she said vaguely, glancing over at them.