by LiltingBanshee
Author´s note: Thanx to Twinkle22 and phantomann for your review, and to those of you who are reading this (some of you must be;))
He made his way through the streets whilehaving a hard time hiding the smile that played on his lips.
This was going to be so exciting, but he knew he hadn't much time. It was still early and though he felt awfully tired after last night's hard work he was so determined to do this that he wouldn't have been able to sleep anyway.
She was off cleaning duty today, but he wouldn't be surprised if she was still going to wake up early.
He quickly entered the Moulin Rouge and stopped to listen for a second. No, no one was up yet.
With a little chuckle he strode to the kitchen area to boil the water for some tea and carefully unwrapped the little package he had held in his hands like it was the most fragile thing in the world.
He put his ear to the door. Still nothing could be heard and as he ever so gently pushed it open he found her sound asleep.
He tiptoed into the room as quietly as he couldand placed the tray on the little table. Softly sitting down on the edge of the bed he leaned over and placed a loving kiss on her forehead. Her eyes fluttered open and when she saw what had caused her to wake up a wide smile spread across her face.
"Erik…?" she asked puzzled.
"Happy birthday my sweet child" he whispered.
"You remembered…!" she gasped and he smiled at her reaction.
"Of course I remembered, I do pay attention to the things you say" he chuckled.
She turned her head and saw the tray he had brought up. Two cups of tea and a plate with a little lemon tart awaited her.
"Oh Erik, you shouldn't have done all this for me" she whispered, tears forming in her eyes.
"Yes I should, you told me how much you liked lemon tarts and what day would be better for eating one than your 16th birthday" he said gently.
"Thank you so much, no one have ever done anything like that for me" she sniffed and threw her arms around his neck.
He kissed her temple and felt his heart break at what she had just said. This child had been denied love when she needed it most. He was definitely going to change that.
She released him and reached for the plate with a smile. Using the fork he had brought up she divided it in two and offered him the one half. He accepted and they shared a quiet moment while eating the cake and drinking their tea.
"Thank you Erik, that's the best I've ever had" she smiled and put the plate away.
"I'm glad to hear that, now here's a little something for you" he said and produced a beautiful red rose with a black ribbon tied around the stem.
Her eyes widened in delighted surprise as he handed it to her. "Oh that's beautiful, but where did you get that? There are no roses at this time of year" she said and inhaled it's scent.
"I have my ways my dear" he grinned. "That's not all" he handed her a little velvet box and she nearly fell off the bed.
He hadn't thought her eyes could get any bigger, but as she lifted the bracelet out of the box that was exactly what happened. "Oh Erik, that is so amazing" she gasped. The little silver chain was twisted in a way to make it look like sparkling diamonds when the light caught it in the right places. From the chain hung a little pendant shaped like an angel holding a lyre.
"That" he explained pointing at the pendant "is the Angel of Music. No matter where you go in this world he will always be there to protect and encourage you."
She planted a big kiss right on his lips, taking him completely by surprise and then wrapped her arms around his upper body and leaned her head on his chest.
"I can never thank you enough Erik, this is the most perfect day of my life!" she exclaimed.
He squeezed her thin body gently and smiled, pleased that he had made her so happy. "You deserve it my dear" he whispered.
"I can't believe it, I now have my own Angel of Music" she whispered back.