"Erik this is too much!" Christine chided.
"Not at all, it is only minimal compensation for my idiocy." Erik insisted.
"You returning was enough for me to know you felt bad, but it would've taken me longer to be on friendlier terms again. The apology was also lovely so I could tell it was sincere."
"But even so, you wouldn't exactly be content with me. The gifts were meant to give physical proof and potentially make it simpler to forgive me quickly; I couldn't bear to have you angered at me for so long."
"I don't think I could be angry at you for so long." The girl confessed.
"And now?"
"Maybe some time for me to think would be best. It won't be too long, I promise."
Erik nodded his head, clearly trying to hide disappointment. Christine took notice and felt the drop in his concealed happiness, immediately thinking that she needed to resolve it. She thought about something they could occupy their time with together but didn't suggest too intimate a relationship.
A gentle hand was placed on his shoulder reassuringly, "What if we went out for tea today and just had a conversation? I think it would be beneficial to learn more about each other, don't you?"
"I'll accept your offer, Miss Daae."
"Glad to hear it, Mister..." She paused, "See I don't even know your last name!"
"Then let's be on our way and I'll tell you about it."
He offered her the crook of his arm, guiding her towards the elevator and out of the building. Before leaving, however, Erik took a camera with them in case something of interest happened. The day was a bit grey with some clouds threatening to drizzle rain over Paris' streets and a light breeze passed through the yellowing leaves of trees. People didn't seem at all worried of the possible rain, several still meandering amongst shops or parks.
Christine admired her view: the lovely autumnal surroundings and a kind gentleman at her arm. The usual charm of Parisian architecture was especially wonderful with the falling leaves and earthy tones of nature. Some flowers still bloomed in the below-window hanging pots, bringing brighter colors into the picture as well.
Only the unmasked side of her companion's face was in her view and she watched the hardened expression that usually covered it. Occasionally Christine noticed a hint of a smile on his lips when he saw something of nature particularly beautiful or if there was someone walking a friendly dog.
The pair turned down a street and arrived at one of the hundreds of lovely cafes in the city. As the weather was decent, Erik urged Christine to stay out in the fresh air while he brought out whatever delicacies he ordered for her. Luckily, the line inside wasn't too long so the masked man returned rather quickly with a small box of more pastries and a cup of rose petal tea.
Filled with regret and afraid to overstep any boundaries or offend her again, Erik waited for Christine to speak. Yet the actress wasn't in a mood to speak with him at that moment either; she was thinking of what the wisest choice for her situation would be. It would be impossible to avoid him entirely, and not just for work reasons. But she couldn't help, rightfully, feeling hurt by his disappearance that morning.
The masked man sensed her thoughtful state and captiously began: "I never had a surname."
Christine's icy blue eyes looked into his.
"Really? How is that possible nowadays?"
Bitterly, Erik responded, "Well if the circumstance happens to be that you're a bastard whose mother sold you off and feared your appearance, it isn't entirely impossible."
"I pity that woman."
The masked man was caught by surprise, "Why would you pity her? Are you finally seeing clearly, dear girl?"
"No, and you know what I meant. It is a shame she never got to know her own son properly due to her prejudice."
"I wouldn't blame her."
"Please don't speak so negatively of yourself, that only makes you feel worse."
He sighed, knowing that it was now nature for him to speak in such a way towards himself yet not wanting to disappoint the girl again.
"Well, do you have a last name now?" Christine asked.
"Not exactly."
"I'm sure people don't walk up to you at your company and just call you Erik."
"No."
"Maybe you could choose one that you like and make it official."
The masked man chuckled, directing his gaze off to some point in the distance. Christine surely had a very optimistic outlook on anything: a complex issue turned into a minor problem that required, at most, three steps to complete. What bliss it must be to think of everything so simply.
But what if he did decide to choose a surname? His mother's wasn't a mystery; Erik knew exactly what his family name should've been, but the wicked woman acted as though he'd died and refused to relate him to herself in any official documents. It seemed wrong to take a name that connected his mother to him after such wretched treatment. Further, it would give her a possibility, if she was still alive, to reach out to her now-successful son like a leech. That was something Erik would never allow.
Christine was delicately eating some form of delicate, cream-filled choux pastry and watching the dark birds flying against the light grey sky. She seemed to understand that her companion was deep in thought and it would be best not to pry. Only when his attention returned to her did she dare to gaze back at him.
"It seems that I must think about something as well. Since you get to decide what you wish to do with me, I will try to concern myself with the subject of a surname." Erik announced.
"Did you come up with your first name too?" Christine asked, a smile on her face to lighten the tone.
"It was given to me in my youth when I'd been studying to be an architect in Italy by the one of the two people who'd shown me kindness until then. My mother never bothered to name the hideous creature she bore."
"Erik, stop it!" She exclaimed, "But that explains why it fits you so well. I always thought my name was too uncommon and old-fashioned."
"Absolutely not, Christine is a lovely name that suits you."
"Thank you. How do you think you'll go about finding a last name for yourself? Maybe reading books to steal names of your favorite characters? If so, I think it would be amusing to be able to call you Mr. Darcy."
"Ah, Pride and Prejudice? I suppose it's fitting- the man's got one actual friend, a bit of a snobbish attitude, generally indifferent towards others, and finds only one lady to ever appeal to him."
Christine blushed slightly at the least part as they made their way back to the building they roomed in, this time each going to their own flats. The Daroga was happy to hear of Erik's almost cheerful description about his account with the girl. A slight smile was actually visible, even beneath part of the mask. It was an understatement to say that the older Persian man was delighted for his friend.
Just down the hallway, Christine lounged on a couch with some tea and the chocolates Erik gifted her. A storming dilemma challenged her mind to decide over Erik. As she'd thought before, it would be impossible to leave him in any less of a relationship than a close friend. It was too much to declare that she loved him in any sense, but there was no way to deny her care for him.
Then suddenly it became clearer to the girl and there was no debate left. Hadn't her intriguing director been practically on his knees to apologize? Granted, it was hurtful to wake up all alone...but Erik was obviously aware of her feelings and only made the mistake due to his insecurity. But Christine hoped to change his self-doubt if given the chance.