Erik

I carry Christine over to the bed and lay her down. For a few moments I simply gaze at her, my beautiful wife. I can't help but wonder if I made a mistake last night. Perhaps I should have insisted on taking things slowly. However, every bit of resolve I'd possessed eddied out of my body when I saw her standing there in that veil holding the ring out to me. She'd insisted she was certain, I'll just have to hope that certainty holds.

I go to my workshop and apply myself to a device that's been giving me trouble. Christine must be exhausted after the performance yesterday, followed by our argument then our impromptu wedding. She sleeps for about two hours before I hear her stirring. "Erik?" She calls a bit nervously before spotting me at my work table.

I start to rise and go to her, but she waves me off. "No, go on with your work, Erik. I'm fine."

I watch as she wanders over to my bookshelf, chooses a book, and settles on the settee. I return to the device. I'm just putting the finishing touches on it when Christine puts a tentative hand on my shoulder.

"I'm sorry to disturb you, Erik, but I'm getting hungry again and I can't pull the box up, I've tried."

I look at the clock and am shocked to see four hours have elapsed. "Christine, I can get completely absorbed in a task like this and not notice time passing. If you need anything, please tell me. You're not a bother, you're my wife."

"What does it do?" She motions at the device, a combination of gears, rotating prisms, and mirrors. I place a small candle in the middle and press the switch. It whirs to life sending colorful bits of light dancing around the room.

"Oh!" Christine claps her hands in delight. "It's wonderful, Erik!"

I smile at her child-like glee. "It's yours then."

I carry it over to a set of shelves where I've been collecting things for her. "As a matter of fact," I motion to the shelves, "all this is yours." There are other devices I created with her in mind, several small automatons as well as music boxes, pieces of jewelry, and books.

"Erik, all this is for me?" Her face is shining with excitement.

I wind up one of the music boxes. It plays a waltz, and I take her in my arms, twirling her around the room. She laughs with a joy that's infectious. When the music ends, I pull her against my chest and kiss the top of her head. "Now, then I believe you said you were hungry."

I sit her down on the settee and bring her a plate of food. I'm going to have to ask Madame Giry to get more soon. It's going fast now that there are two people eating. We eat then she asks me to show her the other items on her shelves. I show her how to work each of the devices and automatons.

"Would you like to see some magic?"

"You mean all this isn't magic?" She indicates the automatons.

I chuckle as I lead her back to the settee. I show her some of my best illusions and she applauds with zeal.

"It's time for your lesson now, Christine."

"Alright, but after, when you sing, I want you to dance with me again."

"Your wish is my command."

Her lesson is probably her best yet. Truly, she only needs to continue practicing to maintain her range and flexibility. I'm not quite ready to give up my role as teacher though. "Would you like me to teach you to play the organ?"

"Yes, but later. I believe you owe me a dance."

I take her into my arms and sing as I lead her around the room. Then I pull her against my chest and rest my cheek against the top of her head. I suddenly remember her calling for me after her nap? "Christine, did you wake up from your nap afraid?"

She laughs a bit sheepishly. "Oh, that. I woke up and didn't see you. I just thought…" she trails off and shrugs.

"You know I would never leave you alone down here without telling you first. I won't leave you here alone at all if the thought frightens you."

"Yes, Erik."

"I've written a duet for us. Would you like to sing it?"

"Yes!' She gasps happily. "Oh, Erik, can we sing it now?"

"Of course, my love."

We go to the organ and I show her the pages. Tears sparkle in her eyes as she reads the lyrics.

"When did you write this?"

"During the days when you were rehearsing for Il Muto." I allow her to look over the pages until she is confident in sight-reading the song. She hands them back to me; I arrange them and sit down on the bench. Christine stands behind me with a hand on my shoulder.

Our voices swell and blend in perfect, glorious harmony. The combination of our voices on any song is powerful and stirring. The combination of our voices and my own composition is nothing short of stunning. As the last strains fade we look at each other in astonishment. I knew when I was composing this song that it would be magnificent when we sang it, but I was not prepared for just how much fire would be kindled in my blood.

"Again," I command, my voice husky.

Christine nods. It's all I can do to get through the second time. As soon as I release the last note, I stand and turn, sweeping Christine up into my arms. Her breathing is ragged and she clutches my shoulders, murmuring my name as I carry her to the bed. If I thought I was burning before, it's nothing compared to what this does to me. I look into her eyes to be absolutely certain this is what she wants, but all I see is my own raw need reflected back at me. She nods, reaching for me. That's all the confirmation I require. She's still wearing nothing but her robe. I tug it open before letting my own fall to the floor.

A/N: Apologies for the small delay. Let me know what you think. :)