Erik, Erik, Erik…. What are we going to do with you? More importantly, what is Christine going to do with you? LOL Let's find out.

Erik knew he was utterly crazy to admit it out loud, but what harm could it do now? She wanted nothing more to do with him, even the music was poison between them because of his face. He had nothing left to lose and didn't she want him to be honest with her from now on?

"Don't fret, my dear. I just see it pointless to lie to you."

"Your wife? Are you saying you love me enough to marry me?"

"I do." He started to walk to the mirror.

"Wait! Where are you going?"

"You wanted me to leave."

"Yes, but you can't just say words like that to me and then disappear!"

"I thought that is exactly what you wanted from me, Christine." My word, relationships are complexing.

"I only said that about another tutor to see if you would really honor my wishes. I don't want to work with anyone else, least of all Monsieur Reyes."

His eyes lit up. "You mean, you want to continue our lessons? The music still speaks to you, doesn't it? Our music?" He cautioned himself not to hope too much.

Her mind was spinning. "I need time. I am not prepared to make any life altering decisions today. That includes voice training or marriage." She shook her head. "What am I going to do with you?"

Love me, one day. I hope. "So, you aren't saying no to me, to any of it…. Just yet?"

What am I doing? "First we need ground rules, Erik." What am I saying?

"I'm listening."

He looked so childlike in that moment, hanging on her every word. She found it adorable, despite the warning signs flashing inside her mind.

"You are not to come into my room, whenever you please. I must grant you permission."

"Agreed."

"There's more. You can't use the mirror as a place to teach me."

He thought for a moment. "Then we will need to think of other ways to meet. How do you feel about my lair?"

"Down below?" She arched her brow. She did like it, she couldn't deny it. The darkness, like his music seemed to call to her.

He nodded. "I can show you how to move about safely and use the boat. I give you my word, you will be safe."

She should have said no but somehow, she knew he wasn't lying to her. She knew he wouldn't harm her, not now. Not ever.

"Alright."

He smiled. "Christine?"

"Yes?" She hoped he wouldn't ask more of her tonight.

"What about…. No, it's too soon. I am delighted that you still wish to have me in your life in any way, shape or form."

"Oh." She blushed. His proposal. Was that a proposal? No, she wouldn't contemplate that now. "I think we need to start again you and me…. Friendship first and then…. I don't know."

"If it's my face, I can assure you that I will never take my mask off in your present again."

"Erik! Stop! I told you, no major decisions at this point, alright? Besides… it's not…. No! No more talking, tonight!"

"Alright." He smiled. He knew he shouldn't be standing there like a fool, but he couldn't help himself.

She liked his smile. Despite his mask, she was able to see it from where he stood. "One more thing."

"What is that?" Didn't she not want to talk anymore? I need to read more on the matters of human relations between males and females.

"Did you interfere with Carlotta and force my debut?"

He looked offended. "Christine, you were there. She stormed off. I only prepared you for that moment. I had nothing to do with the timing or the outcome."

"Good and it will stay that way."

"What do you mean?"

"I win my roles on my own merit. Not because you are pulling the strings or making threats."

"Christine, you already have."

"Leave that as it may. I want your word. For if I find out you play any part in my future castings, then I will never see you again." I said it. I can't believe this new voice of mine. Is it because of him? Is he bringing this out in me? I find I like it….

Erik smiled again. "You have my word and if I may say so, your confidence is very becoming."

She fought the redness she felt in her cheeks. "I think so too. Now it's time for you to go." Why do I suddenly feel as if I will crumble the moment he leaves?

"Christine?"

"Yes, Erik?"

"I noticed last night your…. Boy brought you a token for your triumph. May I do the same?"

"If you wish, yet tokens are not asked for or required. They are given simply because one wants to give something to the other person. Permission is not required."

"Even from me?"

"Even from you. We are friends, no?" Friends. I can handle that. Right?

"Friends." Erik didn't know if he should be overjoyed or deeply disappointed. "Good night or Good day. I am not sure anymore."

She giggled. "Good day."

"Will I see you at our next lesson?"

"Come up at our usual time. I'll be ready for you to escort me down to your…. Home."

He nodded, surprised at her word choice.

A few hours later, Christine was dressing and looked at herself in the mirror. She reached out and wondered. She then looked again for the button to open the mirror and this time she found it. No one was behind it, except for a red rose with a black ribbon tied around it. She brought it to her nose and smiled.

A/N: Merry Christmas. It's the closest holiday, so I think I'm allowed to say the phrase. :)