And she was not afraid, not afraid at all...


{Christine}

I am speechless when I finally get to see the living room; he decorated it with many, many flowers. For a moment I fear he robbed a flower shop but it is my birthday and tonight I truly do not care at all – I will be asking questions tomorrow.

The table is set for two. The cake catches my eye almost instantly; Erik must notice my bubbling excitement because he chuckles softly and says, "Chocolate cake is your favourite, is it not? I figured that I have been hiding candy from you for so long, you can eat as much as you want tonight."

"Why, thank you! You are so good to me!" I laugh at him. "And for your information, I found biscuits in one of the drawers in the kitchen. Chocolate, on the other hand, is hidden behind books over there," I point at the bookshelf behind us. "You are the worst at hiding candy from the queen of sweetness, Christine Daae!"

He actually gasps.

"I… I cannot believe you would… Oh, God, you are lucky I am so forgiving."

"Don't make me laugh."

"Well, I may or may not have a soft spot just for you."

"Now, that's more like it," I smile, hugging him. "Thank you, truly. Everything looks lovely!"

"Do you want your gift now or shall we eat beforehand?"

I bite on my lip, looking him in the eye.

"Erik, you know there is only one thing I want from you."

He sighs resigned. "And what would that be?"

"Please, take off your mask for me. You promised."

Erik is quiet for a longer while.

"My face is going to ruin everything, my dear. You will not be able to focus on eating… It is so…"

"I want to see my best friend so if you were so kind as to remove the obstacle…"

And he does.

At last.

And I am not scared. To my surprise, I can only smile at him.

I was right. Time does make everything better.

"Here you are," I whisper, beaming at him. "Hello, Erik!"

"Christine…"

I do not let him finish; I get to my tiptoes and kiss him lightly on the marred cheek, feeling him go completely still in my arms.

This is going to be an amazing night.


A proper kiss is just around the corner, I swear to God. So sorry, as always - started writing my BA thesis this year and my supervisor is making me read things on English phonology? How does he dare, I should be writing Phantine instead!

Love you all,

take care xx