A/N – This chapter has the big event that I couldn't get into the last one, even though I really, REALLY wanted to. I am trying to keep the chapters around 2-2.2K words. Longer than that, and I tend to keep going until the chapter is the length of a novel… Again, I own nothing, let me know what you think. And yes, I know it's a modern song, but I love it. I don't own that either, Aerosmith does. Recap –
Erik took his fedora and cloak off, discarding them on a chair, and grabbing Christine by the hand, ran down the stairs to find a passageway so that he could hear. "Christine, you will tell me!" Christine was conflicted "Erik, I can't. Nadir and Madame…" Christine stopped again. Erik whirled around, incredulous that Madame had something to do with this too. "And Antoinette? What are they up to? TELL ME!" Christine shook her head "I can't Erik. You will have to wait until this afternoon."
Erik was astounded "This afternoon! Why do you all plot against me? Do Nadir and Madame want Le Phantome to make a comeback? Are they goading me to see how my control is? I shall find out what is going on, BEFORE this afternoon my dear. All will be forgotten if you tell me, otherwise, you are conspiring with them!" Erik was somewhat enjoying letting his offbeat humor out, and showing Christine that he really did have a personality under the brooding, controlling and manic exterior that he usually put forth. Christine wasn't sure what to think of Erik's demeanor, but found the wild gestures to be humorous. Christine was giggling "Erik, Nadir wants this to be a surprise for you! I think he may have some mischief in it, but he wants to see you taken by surprise." Erik laughed "I know all and I see all, Le Phantome is never taken by surprise!" He picked up Christine, whirled her around, and ran back to the solar with her in his arms "To prove my point, we shall dance, now!"
Erik started some music on the piano, and showed Christine how it would keep playing. "There is a winding mechanism here, and when it is wound all the way, the piano will play without a human for about 15 minutes. I came up with this mechanism one night out of boredom." Erik grabbed Christine by the hand and waist "Do you know how to dance, not on stage? The waltz is something that is done everywhere, and at most parties and galas. I will teach you if you do not know the steps." With that, Erik whirled Christine across the solar, counting the steps to her, and showing her what the different steps were. As the song came to an end, Erik got an idea "I am going to dip you now, I'll hold on to you, but you will lean back and be parallel with the floor." Christine's eyes went wide "Erik – "But she couldn't finish, Erik had her low, and kissed her cheek "You learned very well my angel, now we should see you dance in front of the crème de la crème of Paris, and make them all jealous with your grace."
Nadir had been watching for about 5 minutes by this point, and clearing his throat said "Erik, we need you downstairs at once, and make sure you are dressed to receive company. Christine, Madame is in your room with something for you." Erik cocked an eyebrow as Nadir left "This gets more and more knotted, are you sure that you can't tell me my dear?" Erik was almost pleading. Nadir heard this and yelled up the stairs "She won't tell you boy! And you haven't been able to make her either, have you?" Nadir laughed as he finished his way down the stairs. Christine smiled at Erik "He's right, but your agony over what they didn't tell you will soon be over." Christine skipped down the stairs to her room, leaving Erik agape, and for once, speechless.
Madame was already dressed when Christine came to her room. "My dear, this is what Nadir and I chose for you. I hope that you like it, and will wear it more than just this once. Meg has one similar, but in a different color." Christine saw the beautiful satin dress, not a full gown, but definitely formal. The skirts were not as full as what a full gown would have been, which made it easier to move around, and practical for wear on a regular basis. The satin was in a deep blue, which played up the blue of Christine's eyes, and made them almost an ocean deep color. Her chestnut hair was also highlighted, with the red tones that she naturally had showing a bit more with this color than it did with others. The dress had lace on the half sleeves, and gold embroidery along the hem of the skirts and bodice. The front of the dress had gold and silver embroidery done, in roses and musical notes. It went perfect with the bracelet Erik had just given to her, and Christine couldn't wait to see Erik's face.
As Christine was fighting with her corset and bloomers, Meg came in to see how she was doing "Christine! DO you know what is happening? Mother and Nadir have planned something, they are dressed to the nines, we are both dressed up, and Erik is supposed to be immaculate. DO you know what is happening?" Meg couldn't contain her excitement, she adored Nadir and had recently started calling him "papa", because of the role he had taken as caretaker for herself and for her mother. "Meg, I do know a little, but I promised Nadir I would not tell when he let me in on it this morning. It's something wonderful and grand though, you will love it!"
Christine, Erik and Meg were all seated in the sitting room by Darius, who told them all to wait there until summoned. Darius went to allow the judge in through the back of the house, and then escorted him to Nadir's room to check on the paperwork that the couple needed to have. The Banns had been published in another town, and so all that needed to be done was the vows, which needed witnesses. Nadir escorted Madame down the steps into the sitting room, with the judge following behind them. Erik leapt up from his chair when he saw the two of them come into the room together "Ha! Now I have you both! What is this madness that you have created today? My angel won't tell me; she won't tell anyone! Why have you done this? What have you done?" While Erik was ranting, Christine had moved closer to the window behind him, and began to sing
"I could stay awake, just to hear you breathing,
Watch you smile while you are sleeping,
While you're far away dreaming
I could spend my life, In this sweet Surrender
I could stay lost in this moment, forever
Every moment I spend with you is a moment I treasure
I don't want to close my eyes; I don't want to fall asleep
Cause I'd miss you baby, and I don't want to miss a thing
Even when I dream of you, the sweetest dream would never do,
I'd still miss you baby, and I don't want to miss a thing"
Nadir whispered to Madame "We have both missed so much of life, and I want to spend the rest of it together, not missing anything. We won't miss our children being happy in love, we won't miss our grandchildren playing at our feet. We will grow older together, and we will be happy." Madame had to dab at tears that were trying to fall, telling herself that she would not cry on her wedding day. Even though it was not at a church like her first wedding, Madame still felt that this was a sacred occasion.
Erik was floored by Christine's singing. He was so focused on her, that he didn't notice the judge that was taking his place with Madame and Nadir. Christine's voice carried him away from the present, and into what he saw as their future. Christine singing at the opera house, their children brought to see their mother by Nadir and Madame. Another flash was Christine pregnant with their son, barely able to move from her belly, and Erik waiting on her hand and foot. Another glimpse was with four children, two with Erik's raven hair, two with Christine's chestnut hair, and none with Erik's deformity. Erik knew then, it was time to stop playing games. He needed to make Christine his as soon as he possibly could. He knew physically that she would not lay with him until they were married, and his body needed completion with her so much that it hurt. He had to make this happen, and fast.
The judge looked at everyone, and called Erik's attention. Erik was stunned "Matrimony? The old goat is getting married? Wait, he's getting married to MADAME GIRY? When did this happen? How have I not noticed? Of course I expected them to have an adult relationship, they have both been widowed, but they are getting MARRIED?" Nadir grinned at Erik "Looks like I can still get things past you, boy. This is the best thing yet that I have been able to do right under your nose!" Erik was still astounded "You watch yourself Daroga, I am still able to overpower you in the sparring ring!" Nadir laughed again "And maybe soon you will be too busy for that! Ha!" Madame asked the judge "Can we make this happen before the father and son try to dismantle each other again? They have been playing word games for most of the day. The judge laughed, remembering similar times with his son "Very well Madame. Mr. Khan and Mdme. Giry have both given their consent to be joined in matrimony. All of the required legal papers have been filed and accepted by my office. Will the three of you serve as witnesses to the actions of my hand for these two people?" Erik and Christine assented together "We will" Meg was nearly in tears, and only able to nod her agreement. The judge continued "Even though this union is not being witnessed in a church, it is still just as sacred and serious. Both parties, having been married and widowed before know this, and are entering freely into this state. Mr. Khan, shall you from this day until the end of your days take Madame Giry as your lawful wife, pledging that you shall have no other, care for her in all times and places, keep her well, and bring her wellness when she is ill?" Nadir glowed "I will." The judge turned to Madame "Antoinette Giry, shall you from this day until the end of your days take Mr. Khan as your lawful husband, pledging that you shall have no other, care for him in all times and all places, keep him well, and bring him wellness when he is ill?" Madame fought back tears again "I will." The judge looked up at all present. "It is well. By the power given to me by the King of France as an interpreter and actor upon the law, by the witnesses here, and by the signature of my hand, I pronounce you husband and wife. Nadir, you may kiss your bride." Nadir laughed, "With pleasure, my good sir" Nadir and Antoinette shared a kiss like it was their first, and both had tears streaming down their faces when Christine and Meg both came crying to embrace the couple. Erik was still leaning against the wall, watching Christine, and wondering how long he had been missing the signs. He knew that he would have to act, and fast, to make Christine his again.
Erik knew that it was time to bring his angel back into the light, and give her everything.