Disclaimer-I don't own phantom of the opera
This is going to be a AU short story, only a few chapters long, and it's all finished (nearly) so there will be no worries about lack of updates. I wrote it practically in one go, writing what came into my head, so it is rather plotless, and very fluffy. So without further ado let the fluff commence!
As Erik stared longingly at her across the crowded room, he knew it was either now or never. If he did not tell her tonight, then she would be gone forever. Christine Daae had been his student for just over 6 weeks. They had been the happiest 6 weeks of his life. He had first met her through his close friend Raoul de Chagny. Raoul had known her since they were both children, and Christine had come to visit him after the death of her father, not having anywhere else to go. As he was visiting his friend he had met the young woman, and had instantly been captured by her flawless beauty. It was only later when he heard her sing, that he insisted he must give her singing lessons. She had been hesitant at first, but after a little persuasion, she had agreed. It was during these lessons that he had begun on the inevitable path of falling hopelessly and completely in love with her. She was his life, his reason for going on, and yet however many times he told himself that she could never be his, a small part of him buried deep in his cold, lonely heart held the tiniest piece of hope that just maybe she could feel the same way.
He took a gulp of the whiskey he held in his hand, trying to steady his nerves. Tonight was Christine's leaving party, which he was hosting for her in his large country mansion. Not one for putting on parties, due to the hordes of crowds which he despised, he was even more nervous. She was leaving to pursue her dreams of singing at the Paris opera house. He was of no doubt that she would succeed. Even if he did say so himself, he believed he had done a fantastic job at training her voice. She would most definitely be the new star of the opera. Tonight, he planned on taking her someplace quiet, where he would go down on his knees before her, confess his undying love and ask her to be his wife. If she said yes, then he would go with her to Paris. He would buy a house close by, where Christine could commute easily to the opera, and he could continue with his composing. All of this was of course reliant on her saying yes, and Erik had never been so terrified in all his life. He knew however, that he had do it. If he did not, then he would forever think about what would have happened if he had asked, if she just possibly may have said yes. Either she said yes, and made him the happiest man in the world, or said no, and broke his already half destroyed heart.
Ever since he was a child he had been treated with hatred and revulsion from most of the human race, and he had hardened his heart from the pain. It was only when he had come into great wealth that people seemed to change their opinions. He was not fooled however, and always kept people at a distance. For Christine he was willing to put doubt aside, and would marry her, if she would have him.
Having finally summed up enough courage to go and find Christine, he made his way over to where she stood next to Raoul by the dance floor.
She beamed at him as he came over to her. My God she was so beautiful, and she looked so happy. Perhaps he truly was making a huge mistake in telling her of his love. What if he ruined her evening? Such a beautiful woman could not possibly wish to tie her life to a man who looked like a monster for the rest of her life.
"Christine, you look exquisite tonight." He took her hand and placed a soft kiss on her fingers, removing his lips sooner than he wished.
"Thank you Erik and thank you for tonight. You have no idea how much all this means to me", she gestured around the large extravagant ball room. "And I know how much you hate large crowds. How can I ever repay you?"
"Simply to see you smile is reward enough Christine." He replied.
"Oh Erik, you are such a flatterer." she beamed up at him again, and Erik felt his heart skip a beat.
"Would you like to dance Christine?" He extended his arm to her leading her to the dance floor. He had to hold her in his arms, knowing that there was a great possibility he would never have the chance again.
He swirled her around the dance floor reveling in her sweet scent, and golden hair flowing about them both. When the piece of music came to an end, he knew the time was right.
"Would you like to come out onto the balcony with me my dear? I believe we may be able to see the stars tonight." Christine happily allowed Erik to lead her out the door to the huge balcony, which usually boasted an impressive view of the vast countryside, around which Erik lived. Tonight however the view was even more spectacular. Away from the lights of Paris the millions of stars across the night's sky were clearly visible.
"Wow" she exclaimed, "I have never seen anything so beautiful in all my life."
"Me neither" Erik replied looking directly at her.
She giggled, perhaps the sweetest sound on this earth he thought.
"Erik! You are not even looking!"
"I know" He gently pulled her around to face him, and he stared into her memorizing eyes, trying to sum up the courage to do what he was about to do. "Christine, my dear. I am afraid I have not simply brought you out here to admire the view."
She frowned, not understanding his meaning. Having begun, he knew he must finish.
"Christine, I have brought you out here, as I must make a confession. Over these past months I have begun to develop deep feelings for you, which I am afraid I can no longer keep quiet." At this he fell to one knee before her, reached into his breast pocket and took out a box, which he opened to reveal a huge diamond ring with emeralds on either side. "Christine Daae, I have fallen hopelessly in love with you, and I am asking you if you may be able to find it in your beautiful heart to put me out of my agony, by agreeing to be my wife?"
Christine stared at him dumbfounded, and he knew the answer without her having to say anything. The dream was over.
The next chapter will be up tomorrow, and is a lot longer. Don't worry, things will work out for Erik and Christine. I promised fluff didn't I. (: Also i am still trying to think of a title for this story, so it may be changing.
