Erik's POV

Today was supposed to be a wonderful day to spend with my family, but it had turned out to be much different. One moment I was standing in the clothing store with my angel and the next, searching for my son. As soon as we were done paying for the dresses Christine had picked out, I spun around to notice that my child was no longer standing beside me. Christine and I ran outside, but luckily, I spotted Gustave right across the street. Oh, how angry I was at him for running off… What if got lost? What if he was abducted by some psychotic whacko? I was yelling at him, when Meg Giry butted in. What in the world was she doing in the city? She had explained to me that she had been the one to take my son here, but why? Finally, I put aside my anger and asked her to join us for lunch, something I truly regretted. Here we were, sitting at a private booth, ordering our food and right away, she brought up Christine's future in Phantasma.

"….So, spring should be arriving soon." she began. "Have you decided upon your lineup, Erik?"

I had been sipping on my glass of water, but looked up the moment she brought up Phantasma.

"I…I haven't particularly gotten to my lineup yet." I nervously replied. "I've been preoccupied with other things."

"Surely Christine is going to be your main act?"

Oh, why did Meg have to bring up such subjects? The area fell into an awkward silence, my eyes glancing over at Christine's, who seemed to be fixated on my next answer.

"I…I…we haven't discussed any of that, Meg. Christine's future whereabouts have not yet been decided."

Meg's smile quickly faded into a disappointing frown.

"Aww, that's too bad. I had this really artistic idea that I was going to discuss with her. It was a double act…those are all the rave right now in Chicago."

Then, my angel cut in.

"Really, Meg? A double act?"

Meg nodded and began discussing her idea while I completely zoned out of the conversation, their voices fading into the background as my heartbeat pounded against my eardrums.

"So, what do you think about it, Erik?"

"Huh?" I looked up at the both of them, not really quite sure what they had just talked about.

"I believe it's a very great idea." Christine stated, smiling ear to ear.

"Oh, um…yes, very creative." I mumbled.

I looked around for Gustave, catching sight of him standing over near the desert displays. If I could change the subject with anything, I would have changed it with him, but he wasn't around to do it. Instead, I took another sip of my water, nearly spitting it out as Meg began the next subject.

"So what about your dance hall, Erik?"

Oh! The dance hall! No, Meg, anything but that! I had completely forgotten about the entire construction of my dance hall, the one I planned on naming after Christine. Yes, for years I have been caught in a heart wrenching depression, one that made me think only of her twenty four hours a day. I had wanted to build a dance hall for years, and during that depression, I had constructed one revolving around every aspect of her! Construction had started last season, and would be finished come opening day. Ever since Christine arrived in Coney Island, I had forgotten about it, up until now…

"You're building a dance hall?" Christine questioned, her face filled with an eager confusion. "Why didn't you tell me about it?"

I opened my mouth, but the words couldn't come out. All that ran through my mind was that ridiculous presentation I put on to all my employees at the beginning of last season. I was like a love sick puppy, presenting rough copies of the hall, all the way down to what music shall be played…I even named it-

"Phantasma's Daae Dance Hall." Meg blurted out. "I'm surprised that he hasn't brought this up to you, seeing that he's naming the hall after you. It's beautiful, really… His presentation during last season was certainly to die for. Quite romantic, actually."

Once more, the area fell silent. My heart was racing so badly, that I stood up, nearly knocking over my glass of water upon excusing myself. I hurried to nearest hallway, slouching over the railing to catch my breath. Christine would surely hate me now… How else would she feel upon knowing that I had named a dance hall after her? What was next? An entire amusement park? I would, oh, how I would. I would name everything in Phantasma after her, if only to have her live out her days with me at her side.

"Erik?" I heard a familiar voice, only to turn around and spot Meg approaching me. Great, what on earth did she want?

"What?" I snapped. "Haven't you done enough damage?"

"I don't understand."

I grabbed the girl by her shoulders, shaking her with my monstrous grasp.

"I'm trying to get on Christine's good side and you've ruined everything! How could you tell her about that blasted dance hall, Meg! You know I was going through dark times! You knew, and yet you blurted it out…"

"I…I was trying to help you, Erik. You may think Christine will come to think of you as this obsessed feign, but I know otherwise. Girls love that sort of thing."

I loosened my grasp upon her arms.

"You're trying to help me? Why?"

"Erik, if Christine stays and you allow she and I to do that double act I was talking about, Phantasma will soar to greatness once again. Everyone from around the country would come… I just want my old job back is all. It's hard trying to go on without one."

"And you thought by telling Christine about the dance hall that she'd love it?"

Meg nodded.

"It was a very kind thing of you to do, Meg. You've also saved my family from certain death…No... No matter if Christine stays or goes come springtime, I will give you your old job back."

But I knew it was going to take more than a dance hall christened in her name to want to make Christine stay. Yes, after Meg and I returned to our table, I took notice to how quickly my angel's smile faded. I knew what was on her mind…it was that fop! The bastard had not written her in weeks, and yes, I had been able to comfort her with words of encouragement, and false hope that the weather was keeping them from getting here, but I knew otherwise. In his last letter, he had confessed to Christine that he was once again sober. Christine took it seriously, but I knew his delay in writing her back had been the cause of boozing once more. My angel checked my mailbox at least twice a day in hopes of receiving a letter, but each and every time she came out empty handed. How was I supposed to win her heart when I couldn't get a single smile out of her? I had to stop thinking about myself for a change and do what was for Christine's best interest. I knew if she received a letter stating that Raoul was all right, she would smile and try to be intimate with me. Time was all I had, and sadly, time was running short. New Year's was coming close, tomorrow to be exact,and at the stroke of twelve, a new year would be upon us, a new year and a new season. So, that night after we returned home from the city, I sat down at my desk and wrote a letter that I cringed through every word.

"Christine,

I do hope that you had a nice holiday. I cannot say the same for myself. Usually, the ones spent with you are filled with such joy and warmth. They say that you don't actually miss something until it's gone… Yes, I never took that saying into mind, but I can now tell you that it is one hundred percent true. I can only sit here and dream about the day when I will hold you in my arms once again. Spring cannot come fast enough, my little Lotte. Thank you for letting me know about Gustave's unfortunate accident. I'm glad he's all right. How have you been? How have you been spending your time? The weather is terrible here, colder as each day moves forward. But I promise you, love, that as soon as the first ice breaks I shall be heading back to Coney Island to fetch you.

Your husband,

Raoul…"

This was a cruel thing to do on my part. My heart was fragile enough without having to write a love letter to Christine and sign Raoul's name beneath it. But this needed to be done so my Christine could flourish and be happy with me once again. After sealing it, I took a midnight stroll to the post office and stuck the letter into Christine's box. Oh, how I wanted to burn such a letter, but I knew I couldn't. What's done is done…And so, that night, I returned home and opened a bottle of red wine, indulging myself into the bitter tasting drink. I scribbled out music notes and drank until my body gave out and collapsed into a dreamless slumber over my desk, bound to wake to another dreadful winter morning filled with more dreams and false hope.

Christine's POV

Our day trip into the city was one of the best days spent with Erik so far. Yes, Raoul had been constantly on my mind, but I tried to hide such an emotion away from Erik. If he had seen it, I wasn't sure, but I kept an open mind throughout the day. Raoul even left my mind for the slightest of seconds after Meg blurted something about a dance hall being named after me. I wanted to know more, for it was an extra romantic gesture, but I decided to keep my mouth closed on the subject while Gustave was around. Erik must have been so tired, for on our carriage ride back to the flat later that evening, he napped the entire way. It was such a strange thing seeing him leaning his head against the seat with his eyes closed. My son was tired as well, for his head was in my lap, his eyes closed and fast asleep as well. I couldn't blame the both of them for sleeping, for we had such a tiring day. After lunch, Erik took us to the docks where we could see the Statue of Liberty close up…or at least as close up as we could get without having to take the ferry. Gustave's eyes went wide with astonishment as Erik lifted him up onto his broad shoulders to have a closer look.

"It's so amazing, papa!" my son squealed.

"And when the ice breaks and the ferries are running again, I promise to take you there." Erik vowed.

Yes, today had been a wonderful day. After putting Gustave to bed, I had slipped into a deep slumber as well, rolling over in the morning in hopes of wrapping my arms around Erik's skeletal form, but his side of the bed was cold and empty. When I dared to open my eyes, he was nowhere to be found. Instead of calling out to him, I looked over at the window to notice that it was snowing again. After dressing for the day, I walked quietly out into the family room to spot Erik slouched over his desk. I could only shake my head and place a blanket over his achy shoulders before leaving him be. It wasn't often that Erik slept, but when he did, I wanted to make sure he got all the rest he required. Yes, I could have gone into the kitchen to start breakfast, but I knew I would only wake him by doing so. Instead, I donned my cloak and gloves, heading out to check my mailbox before the snow became too thick to see through.

The streets were slippery and covered in the newly fallen snow, but that didn't slow me down from getting to my destination. I knew I was getting excited for no reason. Every time I checked my mailbox it was always empty. But today, my heart skipped a beat as I approached the box and noticed a newly white envelope waiting for me. I quickly tore it from the box and opened it….It was from Raoul! I read every line, took in every word….and oh, how wonderful I felt now that I knew he was all right. Satisfied, I sighed and turned to head back home to Erik…

Erik's POV

My body wasn't what it used to be. I have spent everyday of my entire life slouched over some sort of instrument. In all my life, it never bothered my body until I hit the dreaded age of forty. Now, I can't even wake without my shoulders and back screaming. This morning, when I woke, my shoulders were so stiff that they cracked the moment I shifted from the uncomfortable position.

"Ugh…blasted back." I groaned, reaching my arm around my side to massage the place of my aches. The flat was still in darkness and I took it upon myself to hop into the shower in hopes that the warm water would sooth my aches and pains. Usually, I never used a single drop of hot water, but today it was needed. I always dowsed myself in freezing water to remind myself that monsters should be treated like animals. Well, not only that, but I wanted to make sure that both Gustave and Christine got every ounce of hot water they wanted. I stepped into the shower, bracing my hand against the wall in front of me as I turned on the steaming water and allowed it to soak into my mangled back.

I stood there groaning in discomfort as the hot water began to sooth my aches. A few moments later, I heard the door opening, only to look over and see Christine entering with a smile across her face. There was melting snow scattered about her cloak, making it obvious that she had been out…and had received the letter I had left for her.

"Erik, is everything all right?" her smile quickly faded away upon seeing the pain I was in.

I continued to allow the water to pour on my back, my body just screaming to lay down.

"Sleeping slouched over my desk, has sadly given me the worst back ache I have ever experienced." I turned the water off, still staying in the same position, too worried to move. "Don't get old, Christine."

"Why don't I heat up some towels? They'll help with the pain, Erik."

My angel helped me step out of the shower before running off to the kitchen. I quickly made my way to my bedroom before donning a pair of loose trousers and laying down on my stomach. I closed my eyes, snuggling my distortion deep into my pillow. My comfort may have only lasted a few moments due to a sudden irritation in my exposed skull, but those few moments were heaven.

"Papa?"

I opened my eyes to find Gustave standing in the doorway.

"Yes, Gustave?"

"Is everything all right?"

"Yes, Gustave." I replied. "Just resting."

"Could we go outside and play?"

"Perhaps a little later…your papa is going to rest for a little while."

Christine then re-entered carrying a few steaming towels.

"Oh, honey, let's let papa rest for a while. Why don't you go out into the kitchen and I'll be out to start breakfast."

When my son was gone, Christine placed a few warm towels down on my achy back.

"That should make you feel better, Erik."

"Yes, thank you."

There was a long pause, and then the talk I had been waiting for.

"…I..um…got a letter from Raoul today."

"You did?"

"Yes. He's very eager to return to Coney Island."

Writing that letter had hurt me entirely but it had made Christine happy. That's all I wanted to do was make Christine happy. But if one single letter from Raoul had made her smile, what if I wrote her love letters from me instead? If I could get my Christine to fall deeply in love with me, she wouldn't want to leave come spring. Plus, with me writing her letters, it could possibly keep her mind off of Raoul seeing that he was being too ignorant to write his own wife.

"Well, Erik, I'm going to get breakfast started." Christine rose from my side, gently patting me on the shoulder. "You rest, love."

My angel walked to the doorway, paused and then turned back around, a smile stretching across her beautiful face again.

"You know, Erik, we really didn't talk about last night's events."

"Last night's events?" I asked.

"Yes. Is it really true that you're naming a dancehall after me?"

I turned to see her still smiling, not quite sure on what to say. But, I decided to tell her the truth…

"Yes." was all I could muster, worried about the argument that was sure to come from this. But my angel's smile only widened.

"That's so romantic."

And then she left… Romantic? Romantic? My heart was fleeting at such a soft, yet wonderful word. Perhaps hope was not lost after all.

Some fluff for ya...Please review! More wonderful fluff is on the way! That and my first published story "The Escapades Of Augie Atwell" More details will follow.