Disclaimer: I own nothing. If I did, I'd be rich!
A/N: Ok everyone! As you obviously can tell I like some humor in my story. There's some humor in this chapter as well. However just a word to you all, as much as 'some' of us would like Erik to be all fluffy, he's not. So in trying to stay 'as much in character' as possible, you will begin to see some darker Erik come out. Not to worry, he won't be to the extreme like some stories out there, but remember, he does have a temper! So with that said, here's the next chapter!
Morning had come too soon for Christine. The life they lived in that house was a happy one full of fond memories. Erik and Christine all sitting around the fire while Papa played the violin. Erik telling her riddles, and she telling him stories of the north. Christine smiled as she recalled the time they splurged and bought a box of chocolates. They had eaten them all in one day and had the biggest stomach ache to prove it. What she loved best was when papa told her stories of the angel of music. Erik would sometimes come into her room and sit on the corner of her bed to hear these tales as well. In a strange sort of way, Erik had become her angel of music. Giving her a voice she had only have ever dreamed about, and now it was a reality. All good things, she supposed, had to come to an end. Now they were off to Italy, a completely different country. It wasn't simply the fact that it was so far away, but the reason for their sudden departure. Her father was ill and not getting any better. This had been worrying her very much for these past few weeks, though she tried to hide the way she felt by a mask of smiles and laughter. Soon, hopefully, the doctor in Italy will help her father and they can come back to the house by the sea. It was her favorite place in the world and Christine wanted nothing more that to return as soon as possible.
Making the bed and changing into her dress, she gathered the rest of her belongings and went to the kitchen to prepare a light breakfast before they left. Erik was already there. His bags on the floor, a plate of fresh fruit, cheese and bread sat on the table. He looked up at her as she entered and sat next to him. "Here, I though we could have a little something before we left. Did you get any sleep?" Christine looked up at him.
"Only a little to be honest. I'm worried about papa. He hasn't been doing any better for a few weeks and just seems to be getting worse. What if the doctors can't fix him Erik? What will I do without him? What will we do without him? Oh Erik!" She dropped the bread she was holding onto her plate and threw her arms around him. She began to cry into his chest as he pulled her into his lap. Comforting words came from his soothing voice as he stroked her hair, rocking back and fourth ever so slightly.
"The Compt promised that his top doctors would be seeing you father. He certainly has the money to afford the best care. Now he's going to get it too. The best treatments and medicine, you'll see. Don't give up just yet Christine." The tears stopped and she lifted her head to look him in the eyes. He wiped her cheeks and leaned in closer to her. He kissed her forehead. This was the first time he'd ever done anything like this before. Christine closed her eyes. It was as if time stood still. She could feel every part of his full lips on her forehead, as if they branded themselves into her sensitive skin. A new feeling swept over her. It was a sweet kiss meant to comfort her, yet this kiss was different from the ones she was accustomed to receive from her father. Christine wasn't quite sure what the difference was exactly, but whatever it was, it was sentimental and unlike anything she'd ever experienced before...
And she liked it.
Finally time returned and he slowly leaned back from her looking once again into her eyes, this time deeply. All she seemed capable of doing at the moment was, staining at him. She never noticed the brilliant shade of amber his eyes were when the morning light hit them at the perfect angle. He moved his mouth as if to speak He seemed unsure of himself when he finally did.
"Christine, there's something I want to speak with you about." A loud knock emitted from the front door. His eyes fell from hers and he let her go.
"I'm sorry Erik, I have to get that. Can we talk about it later?" Erik's mouth now took on a new form, no longer the ample tender lips they were just seconds earlier. Now they were pressed into a firm line. He looked defeated and just nodded his head 'yes'.
She was about to answer the door when her father beat her to it. "I've got it." He announced. On the other side there stood Phillipe and Raoul, along with the same servants that helped them last night. Raoul peaked his head in and waved to Christine. Once they entered the house he went to great her and once again kissed her hand. In a slightly off pitched voice Raoul made his greetings. "Christine... Erik." He gave a curt nod to acknowledge his presence but nothing more. His focus was centered on Christine. Raoul seemed rather quiet today. Christine dismissed the thought when Phillipe spoke.
"Morning, the servants will take your bags if your ready?" Phillipe instructed the servants into the small home.
Gustave smiled, "Yes, were all packed. Where exactly are we staying on arrival?"
"I had in mind a hotel in the heart of Rome. Perhaps you've heard of it? La Bella Vita."
"Oh, Comte, I'm afraid I must insist this time that we stay somewhere else less polished. It must be the most expansive hotel in Rome! The Queen practically makes it her second home. Look, an inn will be more than adequate for us all."
"I thought you might have said that, so I've made arrangements just in case with a friend of mine that lives in Rome. Before you say anything, he has plenty of room with his daughters gone to school and his wife is no longer alive. To be honest, I think he was rather excited to hear of your coming to stay with him, and I'm afraid he, unlike myself, won't take no for an answer."
"Thank you, we'll be more than happy to accept the offer." After the luggage was packed, they loaded themselves into the carriage. Raoul assisted Christine in and sat next to her. Erik entered next and sat on her other side, Christine couldn't help but notice the glare he gave Raoul as they settled in for the ride to the train station. At least Erik wouldn't have to put up with him any longer, though she would certainly miss him. In some ways he was very different form Erik, very, well, Raoul. She couldn't honestly just say nice. Erik was very pleasant to be around, except while Raoul was there of course. Neither could she say gentlemanly or well mannered, Erik was all of these things rolled up into one, Again, except with Raoul. He was just, overall, different from Erik. This was not necessarily a bad thing, it was kind of nice having a new face around. Such a pity that they couldn't get along. Though Raoul never voiced his opinion, she had a feeing that he too felt the same way about Erik. Christine wondered why exactly it was that the two young men had such a strong distaste for each other. Perhaps one day she'd figure out the mysterious ways of boys.
The ride to the station was in silence. Raoul never spoke. Gustave, Phillipe and Erik discussed the train that they would soon depart for Italy on. It'd be a long ride to Rome. She tried to make casual conversation with Raoul and he either nodded his response or made a brief 'hmm' noise. He then proceeded to look out the window. Finally they reached the station and Raoul helped Christine off the carriage and onto steady ground, much to Erik's disapproving and icy stares. Once they were all out Christine made her way to Phillipe. "Is everything alright with Raoul? He's been rather quiet today?"
Phillipe smiled, "I'm not sure if he'd appreciate me telling you this, but if you promise not to tell." She shook her head and he continued. "Lately if he get very upset, especially now that your leaving and won't be back for a while, his body particularly his voice tends to show it. Especially in a rather awkward squeaking.. It's been happing a lot lately, since he's met you. This morning he's been suffering from a rather hard time trying to control his voice, and I think he's grown rather fond of you and would be terribly embarrassed if he said something and it came out sounding like that."
Christine blushed. Could it be true that Raoul liked her more than 'just a friend'? She wasn't quite sure how she felt about that. Flattered, that was definitely one thing, but did she reciprocate those feelings? Could she, knowing how Erik, her best friend, felt about him? He was being rather protective of her lately. It was nice to feel cared after, but he wasn't her father. Nor did he have the rights that a man would courting a lady, to act in such a way that he did. He certainly was acting like one, kissing her hand in front of Raoul who like her. Escorting her around and holding her arm while they walked. Not that she minded, Christine kind of liked the attention she was getting from Erik. He was beginning to treat her more like an equal than just the little girl that he thought school and music lessons to. Then this morning at the table, the way it felt when he kissed her. She was very confused at this point and was thrown from her deep thoughts when it was announced that all were to board the train.
Their bags and belongings were already on and all that was left was to say goodbye. She hugged Phillipe and moved over to Raoul. He pulled her in to a long and tight embrace. Apparently a little to long for Erik's taste as he tapped Raoul's shoulder and offered his hand to shake. "Vicomte." Reluctantly he released Christine and briefly shook Erik's hand.
Phillipe spoke to them all before they boarded. "Raoul and I would like to wish you all a safe journey and a speedy recovery to you Gustave. Please do send a letter now and then and keep us informed and updated. When your doing better be sure to come and stay with us for a while in Paris. You are all more than welcome anytime, and don't forget, if you ever need anything, just let us know."
Raoul nodded as if to confirm everything his brother was saying and after Phillipe's little 'speech' was over, went to reach over to Sasha to scratch her head. Christine was standing next to Erik and didn't see his lips move but could have sworn she heard his voice as if coming by Sasha. It was so faint that she couldn't make it out and thought perhaps she'd imagined it. Then as Raoul reached out to Sasha, she suddenly made a growling sound and snapped at his hand. He quickly withdrew and barley avoided her teeth. "Ah. She tried to bight me!" Raoul announced, his voice cracking with every word. Gustave was already on the train talking to the attendant as to where their seats were, and Phillipe was on the carriage so both had missed it.
Christine could see Erik beginning to grin immensely and laughter began to come forth from him as well. Christine tried to apologize, "Raoul! I'm so sorry! She's usually very nice and I don't know why she did that." Although Christine had an idea.
His face was already flushed with embarrassment from his voice cracking and Erik's laughter wasn't helping. Christine elbowed him in the ribs to stop him, however Erik was not one easily stopped.
Ignoring Christine's physical exertions to silence him, Erik went on. "Vicomte! I was wondering why so silent. Now I understand! If I were you I'd keep silent the rest of my life if only to avoid hearing that awfully screechy voice again."
"Erik!" Christine tried to cut in, but he ignored her. Raoul began to clench his fists and slowly made his way closer to Erik. Of course, Erik seemed about as scared of him as a if he were nothing more than a puppy.
"Although since it seems that you've already made a complete imbecile of yourself in front of Christine. I guess it really doesn't matter anymore." This was the last straw Raoul lunged toward Erik and made for his mask, his other hand was balled into a fist and he tried to make contact with his face. Erik easily side stepped him and pushed him out of the way. Raoul lost his balance an held on to Christine for support. He was about to go again for Erik when Christine held him back. "Raoul I think we'd better go. I'm so sorry, goodbye. I'll write you." With that she roughly grabbed Erik and pulled him in the direction of the train.
He allowed himself to be taken along and replied to Raoul before getting on, "Next time you reach for my mask, Vicomte, you won't be so fortunate as to only receive your pride wounded! I don't repeat myself, so consider yourself warned!"
"Erik come on!" Christine tugged him so hard that he vanished from view completely, and was pressed into a wall behind him. She came closer till he had no where to go and poked him in the chest with her finger. "How dare you! He was only trying to be nice and you add insult to injury by not only setting him up, with Sasha, then making fun of the poor boy's voice as well! What do you have to say for yourself?" She waited for his response, her arms crossed over her chest and face set in a stony manner.
"As a matter of fact, I do! Where's Sasha?" She rolled her eyes and walked away. "If you'd been paying attention and not fighting with Raoul you would have seen the attendant take her to the area where they keep all the other animals." She ignored him and looked at her ticket, they had a private room. Car box number 5. Passing the rows of cramped seats, she was glad they had their own box. Christine was so mad at Erik she was sure she couldn't be around him now, more less sit in a cramped seat next to him. Here it was. Upon entering, her mouth gaped open. This was more like a richly furnished house than a train room. The walls were full of tapestries and the floor covered in rugs and furs. Elegant high backed wing chairs were attached to the ground for a more comfortable ride she supposed. There was an adjoining door and she opened it. A bedroom with the beds in a row. A few feet separated each bed, along with a curtain. At least she'd have some privacy. Her fathers bags were on top of the bed in the corner. It only left two others the one next to the other wall and the one in the middle. Christine really wanted the one furthest from Erik, but that apparently wasn't going to happen since there was only two left. She took the one in the middle. Unpacked, she made her way to the sitting room. There was a bookshelf enclosed in glass so the books didn't fall out. One looked somewhat interesting so she took it out and sat on the chair.
A few hours passed and she'd only seceded in reading the same paragraph twenty times. Her mind being elsewhere. Thinking about Raoul and Erik. The feelings that Raoul obviously had for her and how Erik seemed to be jealous of that.
The door opened and Erik entered. Quickly she stood and made her way to the bedroom, hoping he wouldn't follow her. Closing the door and wishing it had a lock she contented herself by closing the curtain that surrounded her bed. Christine heard the door open and close. She leaned closer to the curtain's edge to listen for footsteps. Nothing. Breathing a sigh of relief and figuring that he must have decided to leave, she turned around in bed and screamed. He was an inch away from her face. "Erik! You startled me! I have nothing to say to you!" She was about to leave when he firmly grasped her arm preventing her from doing so.
"Wait, don't go." He released her and sat back, giving her some space.
"Erik, it wasn't right the way you treated Raoul. He's helping papa to get better and you thank him by making a scene on the station's platform. I'm just glad Phillipe or papa didn't see. So unless your going to apologize, I have nothing further to say to you." His expression was serous and contemplative.
"I see. Would you settle for half an apology? He was the one who technically started the fight. The other half should come from him." Christine was not amused by his trying to lighten the mood so he went on. "Alright, I'm sorry I embarrassed you. I went to where they were keeping Sasha to make sure they were treating her well when I got to thinking. I've been there the entire time, thinking. Perhaps I did bait him on, with Sasha and all, but I had my reasons."
"What would that be Erik? That your jealous of Raoul?" She said this half jokingly. He once again gripped her arm and pulled her closer. His temper flared and his eyes darkened. Christine had seen Erik mad, but never with her. At least not this mad.
"Don't ever think that I would be jealous of that sorry effeminate excuse of a male." Her eyes became wide and she began to back away from him. His face changed in an instant the moment her demeanor became like a frightened little bird. He moved to embrace her for the second time today. This time he being the cause as well as the comforter. "Christine, I'm sorry. My temper is not the best quality of mine and sometimes can get the better of me. I will try my best to keep myself in control, especially when it concerns you. That's also why I left you alone for a while, to collect myself. Just remember next time when I'm in such a state, to not incense me further. Especially when it concerns 'Him'."
All she could come up with for an intelligent reply was "uh-huh." Christine did not argue and didn't want to know what he was like in full out fury. She'd remember that for next time and also recall not to jest on such occasions. He let go of her and opened the curtain.
"Your father also sent me out here to bring you back for supper. He's been talking out there for a while and while I was passing by sent me. We have a private table the next car over. I'll see you in a few minutes?" It wasn't really a request at all. The door closed and soon she heard purposely loud footsteps leading to the door by the sitting room, then that one closed also. She went to sit by the wooden vanity and looked into the mirror. Pinning her hair up and recalling what had just happened, Christine was worried by her friend. If he was capable of acting this way toward her, what about other people? What about Raoul? A shiver ran down her spine and caused her flesh to have goosebumps. She would have to help him in this aspect, after all it was what any true friend would do when another needed their assistance. She would start with Erik's view on things and his attitude. Christine would try and make him see things her way. To not just assume everyone uncaring and cold, but to try and see good in them. She knew this would end up being a full time job, probably exhausting at times, but it had to be done. Turning off the lights and closing the last door she remembered something. He had apologized for 'embarrassing her'. That was a start, but Christine noticed something else. Erik didn't apologize for 'what' he did or felt any kind of remorse for doing it. She'd have to start by correcting that.
Gustave sat at the head of the table. Erik entered and sat down to his right. He was very quiet and seemed moody. "Everything alright?"
Erik just made brief reply of "Fine", and stared at his empty plate. He didn't want to press the issue so Gustave left him alone. Christine entered and sat on his left, she was also in the same mood Erik was in. Dinner was served and the three ate in an uncomfortable silence. What had happened since they entered the train? Gustave had not seen the two act this way since years back with the 'bathroom incident' in the forest. He hoped whatever it was that causing this would soon pass as he wouldn't have to intervene again. Dinner was over and they moved back to the sitting room. Promptly Erik went to bed and Christine stayed. The two didn't seem to be making to effort to try and fix things so he decided to talk to Christine.
"Alright, so what's going on between you two? Throughout dinner you didn't speak, now Erik just went to bed early. When has Erik ever gone to bed early? What's going on?" He opened up his arms and she sat on his lap.
"Erik and I had a fight. I was just thinking about what to say to him. No offense papa, but this is something I'd like handle myself. You understand, don't you?" He hugged her.
"Oh, my little girl is growing up. Just remember, if you need to talk, you can always come to me."
"I will papa. Now if you'll excuse me, theres someone I need to talk to." She left the room and closed the bedroom door behind her. His Christine was becoming a young lady, a young woman. He was proud of the fact that she was taking the initiative to correct the matter herself instead of just running to her papa to try and fix it. She was growing up before his eyes and soon she wouldn't be needing him much for anything as was with all children when they became adults. He preferred it this way. Gustave didn't want to tell anyone. He felt that his health was not only worsening but that, even with the doctors help, they'd just be delaying the inevitable. He wanted to spend the rest of the time he had with his family and continue to help his daughter to grow into the beautiful woman he knew she would become.
Erik would undoubtedly continue to take care of her while he was gone and he wanted it that way. There was no one else he would want to entrust his daughter with than Erik. He had a notion as to what their argument was about. It didn't take a genius to figure out that the two boys didn't like each other, she probably tried to talk to Erik about it. He had seen Erik's anger the night that he ran away with them. He assumed that Erik didn't take it very well. Knowing his kind hearted daughter, she'd want to help him. This would take a lot of work on her part, but he knew Christine could help him. When they made it to Italy he'd try and do what he could to bring them closer. She'd need Erik after he was gone. Above all else Gustave knew one thing where it concerned Erik and Christine. He watched them this morning at the kitchen table and no longer had any reservations or doubt at all. He now knew for certain.
Erik loved her.
Erik was on his bed with the curtains drawn. The door opened and closed lightly followed by a sweet voice. "Erik we need to talk." He drew open the curtain to reveal Christine sitting on her bed. "There's something I need to say to you, so please wait till I'm done. I've known you for a while now and know that sometimes you get your moods like we all do, but it's not right to take it out on me or anyone else when your angry. You have to learn to control yourself. That's where I come in. I'm going to help you do just that, weather you want me to help you or not. I'm just letting you know, because it's what a true friend would do. Now you may speak."
He sat on the edge of his bed and leaned in closer. "So your going to help me are you? You sure are a determined little thing. Well if your so intent on helping me, fine. I must warn you that I will try your patience." He grinned and sat back against the wall bringing his leg up under him. "What an interesting time well have."
"Erik this isn't a joke. I'm serous, I want to help you. Why are you always so cynical anyway?"
He looked down at his hands. "Why am I so cynical? You have no idea what my life has been like before you. It hasn't always been pick nicks and walks on the beach. Do you remember where I was from? The cage they locked me in? Did you know my own mother never kissed me? My own mother! Sasha was more of a mother to me! All my mother ever did gave me was a mask, besides the bruises. The neighborhood children tried to kill me. Did I ever tell you that story? That was a fun one." He laughed mockingly. He relaxed and rested his head back, still looking into her eyes. "Since birth all I've known is misery Christine, you and your father have been the only good things in my life, besides Sasha of course."
Erik could tell by the mist glazing over her eyes, Christine couldn't believe her ears. Now she understood that had gone through so much and why he was so jaded with people in general, and see why he lacked trust in others. "I never knew. Tell me, everything. I want to know." Getting up off her bed she sat down next to him leaning against the wall and his shoulder.
"I've never told anyone about my life, it's not a happy story. Are you sure?"
"Yes. Please tell me." He did tell her, everything. After he was finished she sat there silent, absorbing everything that was told. He lifted her chin to have her look into his eyes. Now she knew the truth. Why he wore the mask. Would this affect what she thought of him? He was frightened it would. Their eyes met and there were tear streaks down her face. Erik wiped them off tenderly. "I told you it wouldn't be a cheerful fairytale. Now you know everything."
"Everything? What was your reason for doing what you did to Raoul, and what was it that you wanted to tell me this morning?"
"All in good time my dear. I think you've had enough revelations this evening. Now it's time for bed. Goodnight." She crawled into bed and he tucked her in giving her one more kiss on the forehead. She closed her eyes with that and drifted off. He noticed her smile slightly and sigh. The corners of his mouth lifted as well. turning off the light he walked out the door and closed it.
Gustave sat in the chair reading. He looked up from his book. "Everything alright now?"
"Basically. When will we arrive?" He again avoided the question.
"Tomorrow evening. If it's alright to go back in there, then we'd better get some sleep."
After a good night's rest, they had breakfast then lunch. Time flew by as fast as the trees did out the window. Soon the sun was setting and the train was slowing. The platform was now in view. They exited the train with Sasha waiting for them, her leash in an attendant's hand. After retrieving her and their luggage they heard someone calling out the name 'Daae'. Gustave turned and addressed the man. He was older and friendly looking. "Signore Daae?"
"Yes, Please call me Gustave. This is my daughter Christine, and a dear friend of ours Erik."
"In that case please call me Giovanni. Welcome to Italy!"
A/N: Ha ha! Raoul with his voice cracking. Isn't that just great! So Erik has a bit of an anger management problem (No shocker there!). That set's up some of the things that'll happen in further chapters. Christine will help the situation, but don't worry, he'll be more than enough work for two people to help him out, if you know what I mean ;) (Erik shaped chocolate chip cookies to the reviewers who can take a wild guess as to who that would be.)
Preview for next week. Erik learns the works of the trade, Gustave is getting worse, Enter Luciana and Christine doesn't quite like all the attention Erik's been getting from her. Ohh... Don't forget Christine, your supposed to show Erik how to control his emotions... (insert maniacal laugh here!) This will be fun! Please review! Thanks - GP
