A/N- Thanks everyone for your reviews! Let's celebrate Christmas with our two favourite people, and maybe a little guest appearance from Erik's thorn in the side!

CHRISTMAS DAY PART 1

My day started with a nightmare. It was dark and cold, the braziers either unlit or full of dying embers that did nothing to hold off the chill in the air that was slowly creeping in underneath the cracks. I got up, shivering, grasping for my dressing gown that I had draped over the end of my bed last night and found myself curling into it's warmth, wrapping the sash tight around my waist. I sat back down on the edge of my bed, restoring my warmth, wishing Erik was awake so he could light the brazier for me as I never managed to do it myself when I heard a muffled whimper resonate throughout the cavern. The hairs on the back of my neck stood on end, my breathing stilled as I sat there frozen, listening out intently for that haunting noise that I had just heard. Nothing. The air was still, calm... the only sound the faint howling of the wind that breathed through cracks in the wall and my breathing continued back to normal. Standing up, I went out into the hallway, not before picking up the candle holder that I kept near the door on my dressing table and made my way to the kitchen. The grandfather clock quietly ticked away, revealing to me that the time was half six in the morning and letting out a large yawn, I made myself a hot milk and helped my self to some biscuits that Erik had made a few days before. They tasted of honey and I felt rather guilty having such an indulgence this early in the morning but then reminded myself that it was Christmas day and one could treat oneself on such a marvellous occasion. That's when I heard it again, the strange whimpering and now soft crying that rung through the silence. Confused, I made my way into the hallway, convinced they were the cries of a child but that was impossible as no child would be able to navigate it's way through the complicated tunnels to where I stood now. The crying grew stronger, coming from my left down the hallway where my room and Erik's were situated, so I wondered down, stopping outside of Erik's door where I pressed my ear against the cold wooden barrier. There was nothing for a while and then, as clear as crystal, the crying happened again. It was Erik making the noise! He was having another nightmare...My hand felt itself grasping the cold brass doorknob, gave it a quick turn and opened the door, the light from the hallway flooding into the pitch black darkness that was Erik's room. I must admit it was queer standing in his personal space, for I had never really been in his room because I hated that ghastly coffin of his. My candle lit up the room just enough so that I could see outlines of objects dotted around the room, falling on the coffin where he lay with sweat dripping down his bare, unmasked face that was screwed up in abject terror. Another whimper escaped his throat, a grimace creasing his features. I leant closer, he was whispering something but I couldn't make out what he was saying... until I heard my name being said repeatedly, then Raoul's and then Gregor... Whatever it was, it wasn't good so I shook him awake as gently as I could. It took some time before he finally opened his eyes and shot up gasping for breath, hands running through his hair as he tried to calm his breathing.

"Erik... Are you ok? You were having another nightmare..." He nodded shakily and I helped him out of bed, leading him to the kitchen where I made him a cup of his favourite Russian tea. "What was it about this time?"

"Persia. Gregor. Always the same, hence why I barely sleep. I just wanted to make sure I was awake for a day that is so special to you." I touched his arm, giving him a warm smile knowing what would cheer him up.

"Hey... Why don't we go sing something? A christmas song perhaps?" He smiled, shrugging slightly.

"I don't mind what song. You choose."

"My favourite is Cantique de Noël... So could we please sing that?" He agreed, following me into the lounge, not quite caring that he was still in his pyjamas or realising that he didn't have his mask on but I supposed that was because the cobwebs of sleep still lingered around his mind. Taking his place at the piano, he played an extended introduction before nodding to me to start singing.

"Minuit, chrétiens, c'est l'heure solennelle

Où l'Homme Dieu descendit jusqu'à nous...

We sang for what seemed an age and I noticed how he really relaxed into his seat, giving me the occasional grin as his fingers danced across the piano keys with his feathery touches.

Noël, Noël, chantons le Rédempteur! I finished off, with Erik quietly fading the piano down into silence whereupon he sat back and gave me the warmest grin I had ever seen.

"Well my Dear, it is only seven in the morning and already Christmas has been wonderful. I wonder what is in store for me later." I squealed in excitement, clapping my hands in joy at his happiness before I raced forward and grabbed his hands in mine.

"So many things Erik, it shall be the most wonderful Christmas ever!"

The next few hours were spent eating, sitting by the fire and reading, playing card games and singing... laughing over stories we shared from the Opera House and gossiping about certain cast members when I remembered about his gift that I had stowed away in my room and had been desperate to give to him ever since I bought it. I bounded up and out of the room earning a confused glance from Erik as I left though I noticed he returned his attention to the book he held in his hand, shaking his head slightly at my sudden action. I came back only a few moments later, trying desperately to stop the grin that was spreading across my face as I held his present behind my back, rocking back and forth on my feet.

"What's that look for?" He finally asked, fixing me with an inquisitive look as he placed his book down on the table in front of him.

"Close your eyes." I ordered, which only made him roll his eyes.

"Christine, really-"

"Ah, just do it please Monsieur Phantom." He mumbled underneath his breath and obeyed my commands, his long fingers tapping against the arms of his chair in anticipation. "Now hold out your hands." He begrudgingly obliged and started slightly when I placed the package in his hands and took my seat opposite him, my arms resting on my knees and my face cradled in my hands, eyes wide with excitement. "Ok you can open your eyes now." Erik did so and looked puzzled at the present resting in his hands which I had wrapped up delicately in red paper with a star shaped label on it finished off with a white bow.

"What is it?" He murmured, turning it over in his hands as if it would tell him what he needed to know.

"What do you mean, 'what is it?' It's your Christmas Present silly! Happy Christmas!" He looked overwhelmed if I'm completely honest with you, as if he didn't know what to do with it before turned it over in his hands and carefully peeled away the paper stuck down with glue. He was met by a beautiful burgundy coloured leather book with 'Compositions' inscribed on the front in gold. It was accompanied by a new feather quill, black of course which had been delicately wrapped in tissue paper and a new bottle of red ink sealed with black wax. He held the possessions in his hands like they were china, gawping at them as if he had never seen such objects before.

"Christine... I.. Thank you so much. They're beautiful gifts, really they are..."

"You look so overwhelmed," I chuckled playfully, leaning forward in my seat, "Why is that?"

"Aha... Well... probably because this is the first gift I've ever received in my life." I stared at him dumbfounded, horrified at his statement.

"Oh... Erik..." I then remembered Madame Giry's gift that I had completely forgot about and went to retrieve that as well, taking me some time before I came back and found a large package at Erik's feet, a cheeky grin written across his face. I handed him the black box first, informing him it was from Madame Giry and Meg and he smiled at their thoughtfulness.

"Two gifts in one day? My... This is my lucky day." He opened it to reveal a pair of beautiful onyx cufflinks surrounded with silver that sparkled in the light and looked absolutely stunning against the white of his shirt.

"Oh they're beautiful." I swooned, handling them between my fingers as if they were made out of china.

"I do believe Ana has been wanting to gift me this gift for a while now. Thanks to you, I have finally received it." He took back the cufflinks, placing them back in the box before he handed me the huge package.

"For you, from me. I hope you like it." I smiled serenely, undoing the ribbon and un-peeling the paper to be met with most beautiful dress I had ever seen in my life. It was a dark midnight blue colour with a delicate lace front and neckline, a dark black velvet ribbon tied off at the waist and the same velvet was used as a trim on the sleeves. I caressed the beautiful fabric with my fingers, unable to say anything when I spotted a long, black box tucked away neatly next to the dress. Picking it up, I flipped open the lid and saw a lovely necklace awaited my appraisal, which was delicate and silver in colour with small diamond red roses dotted around on the chain. It was truly the most stunning necklace I had ever seen. I placed it down on the table and leapt up, throwing my arms around Erik who chuckled warmly, only tensing the slightest bit at the contact.

"Thank you so much Erik. I love them both so very much, they're stunning!"

"I'm glad you like them. Would you like me to help you put your necklace on?" I nodded eagerly, handing him the box where he took it out with such care and placed it around my throat, brushing my long locks away and I had to stifle a shudder at his touch. He clipped it on and let my hair fall back, before turning me around to face him and he smiled at the necklace that sat so beautifully on my chest.

"It is beautiful, but it is nothing compared to you." He murmured, looking at me with utter adoration that I could've melted on the spot. Blushing profusely, I stepped forward and took his hands in mine.

"You are far too kind to me, Erik." He shook his head, squeezing my hands gently.

"You are my angel. It's what you deserve." I smiled at him and found my eyes drifting down from his own eyes to his lips which were in a half smile. My head started leaning forward on it's own will, my lips inching closer to his and I think he noticed this too for he swallowed thickly as my hand let go of his and rested against his head which beat even faster under my touch. He was shaking at my approach and I had to admit I was full of nervousness as well, before ever so slowly we were inches away from our lips touching...

A/N AHAHAH have to wait until the next chapter I'm afraid because I am so lovely like that. Ermmm usual stuff all rights go to Gaston Leroux, I don't own any of the characters and the song 'Cantique de Noël' which I involved sections of belongs to Placide Cappeau and Adolphe Adam!