Erik watched her lips move silently as she learned the words. His own sweet tenor reverberated off the snow-laden angels that covered the rooftop. The Parisian night sky was as clear as he had ever seen it, not a whisper of dark cloud loomed. He finished the line, stopped and watched Christine. She was tracing the notes with a fingertip, lost in the world of music. He could not help but smile.
"Perhaps we should journey back Christine, it-" Erik began
"But it is so beautiful, the way the snow covers everything."
Like a mask, thought Erik sadly. He smiled down at her, took the paper gently and folded it away into his jacket. "It is cold," Erik said, helping her to her feet, "and besides, I have more gifts for you at the house."
"Ah I see the way of it!" Christine said playfully "you feign concern for my health, but secretly you are planning to ply me with Christmas gifts!"
Christine lifted her hand to his cheek, but swiftly he moved back. "If that is what you think my intentions are, then perhaps it would be best if I gave you no gifts at all," light flared in his eyes, a passion, Christine could not tell if it was sadness or anger. Erik was incensed, she thought he intended to buy her, like the fop her had rescued her from. It had been over a year since she came to him, and yet he had never asked her for a single thing. No, that wasn't quite true. He had not been able to resist asking to hear her angelic voice.
"I didn't mean… Erik. I know you don't want to bribe me, or convince me to stay here. How many times must we speak of it, I chose to be here. It was my decision all along."
She stepped onto the tip of her delicate shoes and pressed a kiss against his ice cold cheek; beneath her lips it flushed a pleasant pink. "Erik I have something to give you, but first you must close your eyes."
Suspicious, Erik bowed his head slightly and closed his eyes. Christine, at least a head shorter, remained on tip-toes. She pressed her lips to his, her tongue gently pushing against his lips. They kissed gently, exploring each other's mouths for the first time.
"That is a fine Christmas gift Christine," said Erik.