Charles sighed softly as he leaned against the pillows, closing his eyes briefly to collect his thoughts.

In the past month, he had been presented to his alpha, and the most recent thing was trying to keep up with the wedding arrangements while dealing with the occasional police questioning. It wasn't that he minded the police asking questions, but that he knew he was just an omega - a broken little omega that was to be pitied and looked after more than any other. He'd just overheard a nurse trying to convince Erik that marrying him wasn't worth it. Erik had told her to leave and reported her. He'd been away for a few days for business reasons.

Erik sighed as he knockd on the door to Charles's room. He didn't wait for a response before entering the room. Charles was curled up on his side as he closed his eyes tight.

'Is something wrong maus?' He asked softly.

'I'm fine.'

'It doesn't seem to me like you are.'

'Just a bit overwhelmed is all.'

'It seeems a bit more than that. Please tell me, maus.'

Charles hesitated for a moment. He couldn't be too bothered to really care too much about it and he certainly didn't want to tell his alpha how he felt. It was probably stupid anyway. He didn't want Erik to think less of him.

'I'm tired of everyone treating me like an invalid. Then agin, maybe she was right. Maybe I am useless and broken.'

'Charles, you aren't broken. You aren't useless,' Erik spoke, completely serious. 'In fact, why don't you tell me your biggest dream.'

'I want to go to university and study genetics.'

'Why?'

'So I can open a school to help people like us.'

'That's such a noble dream, maus.'

'The thing is, I can't attend without the authorising signature of the alpha that has custody over me.'

Erik hummed in thought for a moment. That wasn't a fair rule at all. While he agreed there were certain areas omegas didn't belong in - such as battlefields - he thought all omegas should have the ability to attend classes freely and of their own choosing. He never saw the point in restricting education. It didn't take him long to figure out that he wanted to help Charles realise his dream.

'I'll tell you what... Once you're discharged and we're married, I'll have legal custody over you and I'll sign those papers for you.

Charles looked up at Erik with wide eyes. Part of him was quite excited at e prospect of actually doing what he wanted.

'Really?'

'Yes, really.'

'What about classes? I'm not sure they'll accomodate me.'

'I'm sure they would, even if they don't, we'll figure something out.'

'Thank you, Erik, really.'

'You're welcome, maus.'

'Do you happen to know when they'll discharge me?

'I'm not sure. It's been almost a month. I'm sure it'll be soon.'

Charles nodded and pulled him into the bd, curling up against his side. Erik smiled a bit and wrapped his arms around Charles, holding him protectively, wanting to bring him some comfort. Charles turned to face him and laid his head on Erik's chest, nuzzling him lightly. He was quite happy in the moment. Erik seemed content just to hold him.