As part of my 200 follower celebration, an R/C Mini fic as requested by sopranomonroe! :)

Prompt: A gift

The Music Box

The day was bitter and cold, but Raoul de Chagny was determined this winter morning. Christmas was quickly approaching, and he found himself in a panic. He had no gift to present to Christine, and was driving himself mad… He hadn't the slightest idea as to what he wanted to give her. He had briefly considered chocolates or jewelry, but these were not enough for his Christine! Chocolates and jewelry were just fine when they were children, but they were not children anymore, and he needed to prove this to her. He needed to prove he was no longer the soaking wet school boy… he was a man who was madly in love with her.

"Monsieur le Vicomte! What are you doing out this dreadful morning?" A young woman asked as he entered a tiny shop. "Where is Anne-Marie?" Raoul asked curiously. "She's dreadfully sick I'm afraid, it's this awful winter… Terrible, terrible winter. I hope spring comes sooner than later." she said with a small smile. Raoul frowned. He was very fond of Anne Marie. He took some coins out of his pocket and gave them to the young girl. "Monsieur?" She stared at him confused and tried to give them back but Raoul shook his head. "Make sure Anne-Marie is granted proper treatment." He grinned and pressed the coins into her palm, before beginning to look around the store. The girl blinked back tears before putting them in her pocket.

"I-Is there anything I may help you with then, monsieur?" She asked as she regained her composure. "Well… I must be truthful. I am at a loss as to what to give as a gift.." "A young lass?" Raoul nodded. "Well, we have lovely jewels here, many lovely trinkets for young ladies to-" "Ah, no… I don't think I want to give her jewelry…" He murmured as he continued to look about the store. "Well, what about a fur? We have some very lovely furs, fox, rabbit-" "No, no, I don't want to give her that either…" The young lady blinked before quickly going to the back of the store. "What about some of our luxuries from Asia? Or perhaps the America's? Oh, we have some very lovely Indian spices, Anne-Marie swears that the stuff is lovely in the baths…" Raoul frowned. They were all lovely gifts, but not enough for Christine. "We even have this!" She exclaimed as she returned to the front of the store with a Faberge egg.

She could see from the look on his face though that even this was not enough. "She must be a very special lass…. nothing here seems to be what you are looking for! Monsieur… if I may be so bold… Are you in love?" Raoul chuckled before nodding. The young girl smiled before putting the egg carefully behind the counter, and then leaning on it. "Well… What is she like? Perhaps if you describe her to me, I may be able to find just the thing!" Raoul blinked before becoming thoughtful. "Well… Well, she is beautiful… far more beautiful than any man could ever dream to find… She is kind, and caring… and… and she has the voice of an angel…." The girl smiled at the description. "An angel?"

Raoul nodded. "When she sings she grows more beautiful… Her voice is the most beautiful of the century, and she will be the grandest star to ever emerge in Paris, and dare I say it, even the world." Raoul said with a sad smile. "Well then monsieur, why don't you think she would enjoy the gifts I mentioned?" Raoul gave a small chuckle. "Well, I think perhaps she would but… But it is different. I want to give her something better, something more… powerful, or… or something… something she will love more than, than just a normal gift… You see I don't want it to be just any gift, I.." The young girl laughed. "I think I understand what you mean, monsieur. You want it to be special." Raoul nodded, with an embarrassed grin.

"Yes, precisely… But it's more than that, you see… I… I feel…. I-I want to give to her what music gives her…" He said, as he looked down at the jewelry contained within the glass counter. "And I feel no trinkets or normal gifts of women's fancy… would provide that." The young girl frowned, feeling sad for the Vicomte. "Well… Why don't you come with me to the back? I'm sure if we look hard enough, we will find something!" She said with a small smile. Raoul nodded, as she escorted him to the back of the shop. In the back there were even more oddities and trinkets to peruse, and Raoul and the young lady began their search.

However as they searched and searched, Raoul began to feel helpless. He still had not found something truly worthy of Christine. Sudeenly though he was drawn out of his thoughts by a loud thud. "What was that? Are you alright?" He called to the girl. "Just fine, monsieur! But look what I've got!" She coughed and sputtered, dragging a dusty box over to where he was. She blew the dust off the cover gently before opening it. "Music boxes! Very lovely ones… Anne-Marie has been collecting them for quite some time now, but no one ever asks for any… I think your lady may enjoy one of these! Surely there is one that will be quite special, I know it!" She grinned widely and Raoul smiled as he began to open one and wind it. It played a lovely tune, as a ballerina danced with a handsome prince. He put it down and began picking up one after another, and winding them up. The boxes were all intricate and heavily decorated and beautiful, and played extravagant waltzes, and beautiful melodies, but it still wasn't perfect. He sighed. "It would appear I still haven't found something…" "Wait monsieur, here is one more!" The young girl said as she pulled it out of the box.

It was painted white with tiny delicate pink flowers carved into it. Raoul took it from her and wound it up, and it began to play a familiar tune. 'I have heard this before…' he thought to himself. It was something Christine hummed all the time when they went for strolls through the gardens and parks. Inside a woman danced and turned, and as she spun, Raoul continued to think. 'The lullaby her father used to play for us!' He suddenly thought. Yes, it was the lullaby Christine's father had often played for them, as they sat together and listened to him tell wonderful and frightening stories. He remembered how he would tease Christine and pull on her curls when the stories grew especially frightening. Raoul began to laugh. "Yes… Yes! This is what I want to give to her, this is the perfect gift! How much?" "Oh monsieur, please, you have given me enough…" "No. No that is unnaceptable… Here!" He said reaching into his pocket and pulling out the rest of the coins he had. "Take it. You have truly been a blessing." He said with a wide smile. He then rushed out of the store without another word, leaving the girl in a breathless state. 'What a strange and lovely man.' She thought.

"Raoul, darling, what in the world are you doing?" Christine giggled as he covered her eyes. "Keep walking Christine, we are almost there." She smiled and continued to walk, until he finally sat her down. "Now, keep your eyes closed, and do not open them until I say you can… alright?" She nodded, her heart beginning to beat faster. She could hear him moving about and her anticipation and excitement grew. What was he doing?

"Alright Christine… Open your eyes." Raoul said, smiling as she opened her eyes in surprise. "What is it darling?" She asked, examining the box. "You must open it!" They both laughed, as Christine untied the ribbon and tore open the paper. She then slowly lifted open the box, and saw the music box laying inside. "Oh Raoul… what a lovely music box!" Christine cried happily. "It is so beautiful!" She said with a delighted sigh. "Yes… play it Christine!" He said, taking hold of her hand. She removed her hand and wound it up, before setting it in her lap and taking Raoul's hand once again. Soon the melody began to play, and Christine felt tears begin to brim. "R-Raoul… How did you.. This music…" "I found it Christine. In dear old Anne-Marie's shop. Do you like it?" He asked nervously, clutching her hand. Christine did not speak for several moments and Raoul began to frown. "You do not like it… I have failed…" he said sadly.

Christine looked at him as a tear rolled down her cheek. "Oh Christine, you are weeping… I will never be able to give you what that cursed man does…" Raoul cried unhappily. Christine set down the music box and hugged Raoul, as another tear rolled down her cheek. "Oh Raoul, no, please…. It is the most beautiful gift anyone has ever received…" She said with a teary eyed smile. Raoul held her closer as his heart began to soar. "Christine, I love you!" He whispered as he held her tightly. "I love you too Raoul, and only you!" she said fiercely. She pulled away so she could look into his eyes. "What you say is true… Erik's Music… It is heavenly and beautiful… It makes my soul rise into the heavens! Oh! But you, Raoul, you are more than music! You are love, and light, and all that I could ever wish for!" She said embracing him once again. Raoul turned her cheek and kissed her passionately, and ran his fingers through her hair, trying to pull her closer.

"Merry Christmas, Christine." He said after they pulled away breathlessly. He caressed her cheek and she smiled, holding his hand there.

"Merry Christmas, Raoul."