A short chapter - but still fun and fluffy. The good news: I have the next chapter formed in my mind. The bad news: I'm moving up to school this weekend, and I'm not sure when I'll have the time to write and post it. So it may be a week or two. Thanks to everyone who has continued to support this story, despite it's lack of updates. You guys are amazing.

Christmas Eve had finally arrived and Christine was glowing with Christmas spirit.

"Alright, that's enough liquor for you, my dear," Erik said, his concern growing.

They were in his living room, cuddling before the fire. Ever since the conversation with Meg, Christine could not get those terrible memories of Raoul from her mind. She knew she could not confide in Erik, however much it shamed her to admit, so she instead turned to alcohol as a means to numb the pain and quiet her mind.

Christine giggled. "Party pooper! Just one more!"

He frowned. "Christine, you're cooking a large dinner tomorrow. You're already going to have one hell of a hangover. I think it's time for bed now."

He stood up from the couch and gently picked his inebriated love up. He carried her upstairs, lying her down on the dark silk sheets.

He chuckled as a light snore announced she had fallen asleep. He climbed in next to her, kissing her forehead before wrapping his arms around her and succumbing to sleep himself.

O O O O O O O O O O O

"Oh my God!"

Erik was suddenly jolted from his sleep. He looked around in confusion. He was alone in the bed, but heard unpleasant sounds coming from the direction of the bathroom.

He sighed and followed her in.

"Are you alright?"

Christine looked up at him painfully. "I don't feel so good," she replied.

Erik shook his head. "You don't look so good. Can I get anything for you?"

She thought for a minute. "A new stomach."

He smiled. "I'll be right back."

Christine groaned, becoming sick all over again. It had been a while since her last hangover, and she was beginning to see why.

"Here, drink this." A cup was presented in her face.

She grabbed it and placed her nose near the mysterious liquid. "Gross! What is it?"

"It will make you feel better," Erik replied. "Merry Christmas!"

"Oh my God! I totally forgot! How am I going to cook now?"

He sat down and smoothed her hair away from her eyes. "Drink up. It will help, I promise."

She eyed him carefully before following his instructions. This is the most disgusting thing I have ever tasted in my entire life!

She coughed upon completion. "That was horrendous. What's in it?"

Erik shook his head. "You really don't want to know."

Christine shrugged. He was probably right.

"Well, why don't you go back to bed for a bit. I still have a few things to do before everyone comes over."

She smirked. "Did you forget a present? You know every store in town is closed."

"I never forget anything," he declared proudly, helping her back into bed.

"I will have to remember you said that so I can bring it up in a future argument," she replied.

He laughed sarcastically before shutting the door to the bathroom and starting the shower.

Christine laid down, relishing the thought of her man showering. She was also done with this killer hangover, which thankfully was beginning to digress.

She fell asleep just as the strains of Erik's singing began to reach her ears.

O O O O O O O O O O O

An hour and a half later, the phone rang.

Erik answered. "Dumas residence."

"Erik! Merry Christmas!"

"Meg. Good morning. And of course, Merry Christmas to you as well."

"I called to talk to our favorite diva. She didn't pick up at home or her cell. Is she there?"

He sat down. "Yes, but she's in the shower."

Meg chuckled into the phone. "Oh, I see... Well I was just wondering if there was anything I could bring. I know Christine said she had it covered, but you can never be too sure with her."

Erik laughed. "Yes, she can be full of surprises. I think we have everything though."

"Oh, alright. Well I guess I'll see you in a few hours!"

He cleared his throat. "Actually, while I have you on the phone, I was wondering your opinion on my asking Christine to..."

O O O O O O O O O O O

Christine shivered as she stepped out of the shower, and reached out to grab a towel. She was feeling amazing compared to earlier that morning.

She began to sing carols as she got ready for the day. She was just putting the last coat of mascara on when a deep male baritone joined her.

She turned around, a bright smile on her face. "Erik!"

He leaned forward and pressed a kiss to her lips. "My love, merry Christmas."

"Merry Christmas!" she replied.

"Are you feeling better?" he inquired.

She nodded. "Much. Your nasty potion actually worked."

He laughed. "So I was right about something?"

"Don't get used to it. It won't be happening very often."

He wrapped his arms around her. "I can't wait to open my presents."

She tapped him. "Nope, you're just going to have to wait, Cowboy. We had an agreement; not until everyone has gone home!"

His face fell. "But that's ten hours away! I just can't wait that long!"

Christine laughed. "You know, for a genius, you can be such a child at times."

He frowned. "Meg called while you were in the shower."

"And what did she want?" she asked, curling her eyelashes.

Erik watched with fascination. "That looks painful."

"Nothing to it," she replied, moving on to the other side.

"Why do you even use that? You don't need it," he said.

"We women want to look perfect for our men, that's why," she replied, completely forgetting her previous question.

Finishing, she gave a last run-over in the mirror before turning to him.

"I think you're already perfect," he said, leaning in for another kiss.

She deepened it before pulling away. "I think you're sweet; but you're still going to have to wait until later tonight."

Erik stood perplexed while she laughed and left the room. How does she always know?