"Oh, I love eggnog." Christine told Raoul when he mentioned that the cook had made more than they knew what to do with. He raised an eyebrow, finding it strange that she would have had eggnog at a young age, but since it was an opportunity to be with her he wouldn't question that. He knew she had a suitor, she didn't bother even trying to hide that, and it was no problem. At first he had been sad, of course, but it was only natural that she had moved on. So he took more of an older brother role, and they always had a good time when they went out, but she had been spending much of the holiday season with him, understandably. So they went to his home – which may or may not have been inappropriate, but he could care less since anyone who mattered knew they were platonic – and they were served some eggnog and biscuits. She tasted it and made a funny face. "Its different than I remember from when I was younger, but its not bad." she told him, and proceeded to drink the entire thing, to his disbelief.
Several glasses later he nearly stood up when he realized something that he should have thought of. "You do know that here in brandy in that, right Lotte?" he asked.
"What do you mean brandy? I'm too young for that yet." she said, and began to giggle. He nearly groaned. Of course, her father would have made the eggnog himself, and would likely have used the nonalcoholic version. Knowing Christine, she would never had more than a polite glass at a ball or wine with dinner in addition to the fact that he didn't know how strong the stuff even was.
"Hey, Lotte. I think its time to go home now. I'll take you, okay?"
"Okay. I'm a little sleepy."
"I'll bet." he said, and for whatever reason she began giggling again. He looked heavenwards and they left, him walking her all the way to her room and making sure she was going to be fine. He explained the situation to Mama Valerius, who seemed more amused by the situation than he had thought she would be, so he left. As he walked down the sidewalk he grinned when he remembered how she had complimented his hair while they walked. As a designated older brother, he would never let her live that one down.
A/N: Here's some Raoul that's actually in the story's 'present' time. Our next chapter will introduce Carlotta! There will be some Opera Ghost antics as well, I think. . .
