A/N: I know what you're thinking: 'WHOA, AN UPDATE ON TIME?" well, folks, it's true! 3 Also, a hint for the twist, pay attention to the names of the Gypsies, especially those already mentioned.


Chapter Twenty-Nine: Melodie's Secret

"Nice to see you back her again Fantôme," a woman named Belle smiled, but Erik ignored her.

"What do you mean, 'a friend of Melodie's'?" he cried after Roi, "Do you know her?"

Roi nodded, "Me n' Mel go way back. Old times."

"B-But she was here? Before?" Erik demanded

"Fantôme," Roi placed a hand on his friend's shoulder, "If she didn't tell you befo', she obviously wan's t' leave it behind 'er. I wouldn' blame 'er, she's 'ad a rough past, that girl" he said, before continuing down the dank tunnel, leading the Phantom into the light of the Court of Miracles.

The passage opened to a tremendous underground chamber aglow with the hustle and bustle of the secret city. Gypsy children darted underfoot, musicians beat in time with each other on every street corner. It wasn't exactly home, but it was a nice place to be for now.

"Not much has changed since you were here" Belle nudged Erik in the ribs with her elbow, as Roi took on the task of replacing their torches on the wall sconces.

"It would appear so."

"So what brings you down here, Fantôme? It isn't like you to go anywhere for a social call"

"I'm in need of a little help, Belle. I very nearly forgot it was Christmas, and I want to make it special for my-" he caught himself on the girlfriend word, "ummm, friend"

"'Ummm friend'? What's that supposed to mean?"

"She's a friend. Just a friend." Erik replied firmly.

"So you need a Christmas Miracle. We got'cha covered. Swing by my place in an hour, and I'll have something your 'umm friend'. A Christmas present she'll never forget." Belle winked

"Alright, see you then" Erik smiled, watching his friend dash off into the busy streets.

"T'en le's get t' de market" Roi appeared behind the Opera Ghost, again placing his hand on the Phantom's shoulder.

Shopping at gypsy markets were very different than any other in all of Paris. Instead of making trades in Francs or any other coin, they only accepted bartering as a method of business. Unfortunately, being thrust so quickly into this situation, the Phantom didn't bring much with him to trade with.

For a full Christmas dinner, Erik gave his cape that he assured would prove very useful in the cold of the winter, and having it all delivered cost him his pair of soft leather gloves. A fresh, emerald pine tree with all the trimmings was paid with his fine silk cravat and the ruby brooch with it. He even bought a few trinkets for Mel, a few sweets she liked, feminine makeup she usually couldn't afford, a bolt of select cloth for her own projects and a brand new sketchpad full of thickly-woven paper ran a price of a month's worth of Opera shows in Box Five. Before he knew it, an hour had passed and it was time for Erik to meet with Belle once more.

"T'is way," Roi urged, leading him down narrow alleys until they arrived at a well-hidden door along a dark street, just barely lit by dim lanterns hanging from the rooftops high above.

He knocked, the door swinging open almost immediately to his touch.

"Oh, Fantôme, it's you." Belle commented, opening the shadowy entrance wider, "Come in, come in"

Nodding his thanks, Erik stepped inside.

"I have just the thing for you" she said, placing a large, velvet box into his hands.

Erik briefly opened it, peering inside at its contents, nodding with satisfaction.

"You're right, it's perfect!" he cried. "How- what do I have to trade you for this?"

"Not much. Just a little reminder of what you've missed. That 'Umm friend' of yours shouldn't mind" she told him softly, closing the distance between them.

"M-Mel? I think she might…" he stammered nervously, understanding her intentions immediately

"No, but you will. Admit it, Erik, you're in love with her."

"In love…? No, that's- it's complicated"

"No, it isn't. You love her, and you're afraid to tell her" she was so close now, they were standing chest-to-chest.

"Roi…!" he called, but had no response

"It's okay. You'll tell her eventually" her lips were so near, "Later, you'll have to tell me how I compare"

It was the first full-on kiss in this fanfiction. Despite all the romantic shojo-type descriptions, it wasn't candy-sweet, her lips tasted like… well, like they should. It wasn't interesting or anything special to report. Definitely no fireworks.

It was only moments after they broke apart when he'd heard the click of a revolver barrel, a glint of silver catching the lantern-light. A hooded figure stood holding the gun appraised through the dark doorway to the alleyway beyond, approaching with long strides.

"Don't. Move." a deep, gravelly voice ordered.