-1Disclaimer: We own none of the characters from Phantom of the Opera.

Chapter Four

Erik woke as though in a daze. His mind felt fuzzy, as if he were only half conscious. Blinking a few times, he found it was difficult to breathe, and after a moment or so realized that there was something on his chest. Lifting his head, he looked down to see Christine's face pressed against his sternum, her arms wound around his naked upper body tightly. Mmmm... what a way to wake up... He thought with a bit of a smirk. Gently he brushed his fingers through her long locks of hair, letting his head fall back on the pillows as his mind wandered back to the night before. I can't remember ever having fun like that... ever playing... A slight blush rose to his cheeks, and I surely don't remember ever feeling things so intensely before...

Christine murmured slightly in her sleep and squeezed the man in her arms tighter, nuzzling her nose into his chest. She felt so incredibly relaxed, and there was a peace she'd never have thought to feel. She didn't open her eyes, thinking that if she did not, she wouldn't have to leave this wonderful sensation. She was motivated, however, as she felt Erik nearly heave, and she sat up quickly, pulling the cover higher over her chest. She looked down at him lovingly and smiled, stroking his marred skin.

Erik smiled blissfully as he felt her gentle hand stroke his cheek, and his eyes opened again. "Good morning" His whispered, his voice husky with recently shed sleep. Slowly he leaned up, brushing his lips against hers and holding the back of her head, stroking her hair lovingly. "How did you sleep?"

Christine laid her head back down on his chest and squeezed around his waist affectionately. She adored waking up next to Erik in the morning, for she loved the gentle way he held her and the way he seemed to be extremely happy at seeing her next to him. Of course, she'd almost killed him while laying on him and cutting off his air supply, but she could make amends for that. "I slept fine, my love. And yourself?" She kissed his chest and turned her head to smile up at him.

Erik looked down at the small woman lying beside him and had to grin, bending his head to move his lips over her face. "Wonderfully." He breathed into her ear, nibbling on it a bit playfully. "I only hope that last night we didn't... keep Nadir awake..." He whispered, chuckling softly. His hands moved from where they rested to hold her waist and he marveled at how small she was.

Christine giggled and raked her nails gently down his torso. "Poor Nadir... I'm afraid we won't be able to stay with him for long if we continue to make... night music." She leant up and kissed his neck and then settled back down into his arms, placing her ear above his heart to hear his rhythmic heartbeat. Her mood suddenly turned gloomy and as she ran her hand back up his collarbone, she asked softly, "What are we to do now?"

Erik sighed, laying his hand over hers and bringing it to his lips. "I suppose we stay here for a while... things will calm at the Opera, and then we can return home." He said simply, nuzzling his face into her hair and breathing in her fresh, clean scent... herbal soap and something unique to Christine. "I have no doubt that we will be home by the end of this week."

Christine took in a sharp breath and sat up worriedly, clutching the bed sheet around her. "Erik..." She trailed off, and dropped her eyes to the floor behind him. How could she tell him that they couldn't return home, that it was too dangerous to be in the opera house any longer with those crazy idiots that called themselves managers trying to take him away? How could she be strong and yet at the same time tremble in his arms at the thought of losing him?

Concern leapt within Erik's chest, and he too sat up, reaching out as if to touch her, but drawing back. She looks so frightened... His eyes widened suddenly and a wave of nausea washed over him. Does she mean to leave me? Is that what this is about? Tears filled his eyes, and he turned from her, standing up and taking a few fearful steps away from the bed. "What... what is it, Christine?" He asked, his voice choked.

Christine looked down at her hands and nervously chewed on her lower lip. "Erik... the managers... they want to charge you for what you've done!" She crawled over to his side of the bed and stood, coming up behind him and grabbing his arm. To hell with breaking down; she would do anything to keep him from going back into danger, even if it meant entreating him madly with tears of desperation. "We can't go back! I can't lose you Erik, I'll just simply die!" She clung to his arm and dropped to her knees before him, the tears genuine now. "I will simply lay down and die, do you hear me!"

Erik was shocked, and he faltered, looking at Christine as if he had never saw her before in his life. "Christine...?" Slowly he knelt down before her, taking her face into his hands as tears of his own fell. He looked very much like a lost child, and holding back a sob, he whispered, "Where will we go..?" He leaned his forehead against hers, closing his eyes in pain. "Don't cry, my dear.." He said gently, even as his own tears fell. "I won't leave you... I'll never leave you..."

Christine shook her head and cried harder. "Don't be so arrogant, Erik! You WILL leave me! If they catch you, you'll leave me! I can't stand the thought of it, Erik, I became your wife so I'd never have to be apart from you again!" She clutched his upper arms and shook with the urge to resist the tears. "Don't leave me Erik, please don't. I love you too much to lose you."

Erik gave a small sob, pulling Christine against his body and burying his face into her neck, his tears washing over her skin. "But where can we go? There is nowhere for a monster to go except beneath the ground, far from the eyes of those who hate! Christine..." He sobbed out her name in extreme pain, as if just thinking about her caused him the most exquisite torture a man had ever known.

Christine clutched his waist tightly and sobbed into his chest, feeling her tears dampen it and then tasting the tears as she kissed his chest. "Erik, you don't have to be afraid of the world. Not anymore. You're not alone anymore, Erik. I'm here to help you get through this!" She looked up into his eyes and placed her hands on his shoulders, the sheet dropping to land between them, unnoticed. "Erik, I love you. Don't you know I love you? What was your original reason for wanting to be underground?" She cupped his neck in her hands. "Erik, think about it. We could have our home far away from anyone else, yet still close enough to the opera where I could sing! We wouldn't be bothered, I swear!" She took a deep breath and pulled his head to rest on her chest, and stroked her fingers through his hair. "I don't care where we go, Erik. I just want to be with you, but I can't be with you if the gendarmes come to take you away, which is exactly what will happen if we return there."

Erik only sobbed harder at her words, clinging tightly to her body and shaking from fear. Slowly he calmed himself, and raised his head to look into her eyes. Licking his lips, he took a deep shuddering breath and nodded slowly. "Yes...you are right, my dear. We... we cannot return to the house." A soft, strangled sound came from the back of his throat as he spoke the words, and he closed his eyes against the pain. "We will... we will have to make arrangements to find... a suitable home...above ground." His head lowered as he spoke, and he trembled as a new wave of tears came on. "Only... I don't know if..." He collapsed against her body suddenly, curling against her. "I don't know if I can do it! Christine, look at me... I'm an old man, and this past night was the first time I slept above ground in over twenty years! The first time I've been able to look out a window and see the sky! Christine..." He looked up into her eyes then, blinking and allowing a few fresh tears to fall. "...I'm..afraid..."

Christine's lower lip trembled, but she fought the tears and the pain that came from seeing his torture. This was all her fault. He had fallen in love with her and because of her actions and the people she knew, he was being forced from his home and she was hardly helping to comfort him. She wondered what it would've been like had she known Erik when her father had died. He would've comforted her... So why did she feel inadequate now? "Erik... I know. I'm sorry... I'm sorry for all of this. If you... if you want me to go to the managers and beg them to not tell the authorities, then I will. I will fight for you, my love. It's just..." She looked away and squeezed her eyes shut tightly to avoid crying again. A heart-wrenching sob yearned to get out of her throat, but she refused to let it free. "Erik, when we have children..." She stopped and shook her head, and looked back into his eyes as she cradled his face in her hands. "I can threaten them I will leave if they do this. I doubt they could get another Prima Donna on such short notice."

Erik shook his head, and whispered softly, in awe. "When we have...children?" All other thoughts were forced from his mind. He had never considered, never entertained the thought of such a thing. A feeling both of extreme joy and undeniable dread filled him. "Children..." He breathed, before leaning up to seal his mouth with hers. She... she wants children? My children! His heart raced, and when their lips broke apart a soft smile of wonder spread across his lips. "No, my dear... you are quite right... this needs to be done, and I won't have you trying to argue things for my sake..." He took a deep breath, standing from the floor and taking Christine's hands in his own, helping to guide her up. "For both of our goods...we must leave the house." He stated, cupping her cheek and looking down so very lovingly into her eyes. Children...

Christine smiled and a tear that had persisted fell from the corner of her left eye, and she smiled even wider. She bent and scooped up the sheet, and then pushed Erik to sit on the bed, and settled herself on his lap. She bit her lip and she gazed at him, amused at his wonderment. "You seem surprised, mon amour." She placed her arm around his neck and stroked the ends of his hair, still grinning.

He blinked several times, his eyes still wide and very shocked. "Hmm? Surprised... why I suppose I am..." He breathed, brushing a kiss over her forehead. "You actually... you want... my children?" He asked, his body trembling at the thought of holding his own son or daughter in his arms. Someone to teach, someone who would love him. And then his face fell. My face. "Christine... we couldn't have children... what if they... my face... oh Christine..." He moaned in pain, lowering his head and running his hand over his marred flesh, cursing whoever thought he deserved such pain in his life.

Christine's smile faded and she placed her forefinger under his chin and lifted his eyes to look at her. She stroked his marred cheek and frowned at him. "What about your face, Erik? What about it? It doesn't matter, Erik, don't you see? I love you, I love your face. If our child is born with the same face, we'll love it, won't we? History is not going to repeat itself, my darling, I know you constantly think otherwise. Just because its father was born with a disfigurement does not mean it will be disfigured, as well." She ran her lips over his marred side. "Love heals everything, Erik. I promise that you will have nothing to worry about..." She ran a finger down his jaw line and over his misshapen lips. "Do you trust me?" She asked, looking deeply into his eyes.

Erik nodded slowly, his eyes never leaving hers. "I trust you." He whispered hoarsely, leaning in to brush his lips against hers. "I trust you, mon ange..." He mumbled as his mouth slid lower, brushing across her neck and shoulder. His hands found their way to her back, and slid down, wrapping around her thin waist and pulling her closer. "Oh Christine..." He whispered, squeezing her close. "How I love you..."

Christine shrieked loudly, showing off her soprano range, and scrambled off of her husband's lap, and stood on a nearby chair. "I'm sorry!" she screamed at the cat, and began jumping up and down. "I'm very sorry and it'll never happen again... while you're in the room!" She finished, clutching the sheet around her and trying to climb farther away from the terrorizing cat.

Erik laughed heartily, walking over to scoop Ayesha into his arms. "My dear," He began, addressing the animal. "You must learn to behave. Christine is my wife now, and if you cannot be kind to her.." He sighed, moving toward Christine and looking up at her. "Go ahead, my dear. Give her a pat... she wont hurt you, not while I'm holding her." He assured, smiling fondly.

Christine looked at Erik as if he was insane. "Erik, I never truly considered the thought that you were mad... Until now." She hopped off the chair and scrambled around Erik and his bitchy cat, and grabbed their traveling bag, mumbling curses under her breath and occasionally looking up and studying Erik as if he were a madman and then shaking her head and muttering incoherently again.

"Christine..." He wheedled, holding out the cat again. "Go on, pet her. Let her know you mean her no harm. Come now, would I let you be hurt?" He asked, his head tilting as he smiled at her. "For me, Christine? Will you pet my cat for me?" He teased, bringing Ayesha within a foot of his lovely wife. "If she doesn't hurt you, I'll... I'll give you a kiss." He said triumphantly. "And not just any kiss..." His voice took on a seductive note. "A very... special...kiss."

If she doesn't hurt you! She glared at Erik and sighed before shrugging her shoulders and reaching out to ran her hand along the cat's fur. She scratched behind Ayesha's ears and caressed her gently. She loved animals, but she was still hesitant about this one. As she reached out with the other hand to aid in stroking the cat, the sheet fell from her body and she groaned. She abandoned her petting and reached down to get the sheet.

Erik smiled broadly as Ayesha did something totally unexpected. She began to purr. "See now, my dear...you've made her happy." Erik breathed, setting the cat on the bed and grabbing Christine against him, one hand to the small of her back and one to her face. "Now, for that kiss..." He whispered, lowering his mouth and claiming Christine's lips with his passionately. His hand moved to the back of her head, holding her tight in his embrace and kissing her soundly. Gently he nibbled on her lower lip, running his tongue over hers and whimpering softly into her mouth. The hand at her back moved slowly up, caressing her flesh reverently.

Christine moaned deeply and pressed herself against him, very grateful now that she had chosen to give into Erik's pleas and pet the cat. She was about to do some more petting, and she wondered if Erik would aid her in playing the role of the cat. She was sure she'd get an extra special kiss if she pet him... She grinned and lifted one leg around his thigh, rubbing her toes along his calf, and began to trail her hands down his back and just above his rear in a teasing manner.

"Mmmph..." Erik's body responded quickly to Christine's touches, and he trembled, feeling his legs threaten to give out. Swiftly he backed Christine up against the bed, pressing her to the mattress and climbing over her. "Christine..." He gasped out, before pressing his lips to hers again. His mouth moved hungrily against hers, and his hands moved everywhere over her body, caressing her legs, thighs, hips and over her chest, finding their way to her cheeks and holding her face reverently. His thumbs caressed her temples and a low sound of extreme longing rose from within him.

Christine threw her head back in ecstasy and moved against him, and titled her head to the side. She finally noticed the open door and gasped, pushing at Erik's shoulders. She took a few deep steadying breaths and sat up, still holding onto her husband's shoulders. She blushed deeply and bit her lip. "Perhaps... it's time to... get out of bed, Erik?" She smiled shyly up at him and leant her head against the headboard.

Erik whimpered, nibbling at her neck and shaking his head. "Nooo..." He whined, stroking his fingers through her hair. "I want to stay right here, with you." He mumbled, nibbling at her flesh teasingly. When he too noticed the open door he sighed, and shakily sat up. His eyes slid closed as he tried his best to calm his racing heart and still the desire within himself. "Suppose we'd best get dressed..." He mumbled dejectedly, although he made no move to get up.

Christine nodded and ran her fingers lightly over his shoulders. "I suppose so... But we need to close the door in order to do that..." She grinned at him and bit her lip, not knowing why she was still so shy in being brazen. He was he husband, after all. She slid from underneath him and stood, carefully and soundlessly closing the door. She turned and walked back to him with a seductive grin on her face, and swinging her hips enticingly.

Erik's eyes widened, and he stood, reaching toward Christine and pulling her against him, moaning at the feel of her flesh pressed against his. "Christine..." He moaned, walking backwards with her in his arms until he was seated on the edge of the bed. Swiftly he pulled her to sit upon his lap, and he buried his face into her neck, moving his lips and tongue hungrily over her skin, tasting her passionately. His hands trembled as they moved over her back and came to rest at her hips.

Christine licked her dry lips and breathed deeply, her chest heaving against his. "Oh Erik," she whispered, and brought her head down so that his lips were next to his ear. "Perhaps we should find a house as soon as possible, because if this continues to happen we'll be parents in a very short time..."

Erik chuckled, drawing back to meet her eyes, and brushed his lips over her nose playfully. "Well then, perhaps we should seek out a home today." He mumbled, nibbling at her ear gently. Suddenly he pressed his lips to hers, kissing her with such unbridled passion that he faintly realized he didn't even feel in control of his own body any more. He turned, pressing Christine beneath him and clutching tightly to her body. Rolling over, he moved Christine over himself so she was seated on his stomach, and smirked up at her. "I love you..." He whispered, his voice thick with passion.

"Do you Erik? Do you love me?" Christine grinned down at him and her long hair fell over her shoulders as she leaned down to slide her lips over his jaw. Teasingly she sat back up and looked down at him. "I don't think you show me nearly enough," she announced, a mischievous glint in her deep blue eyes.

Erik frowned playfully, reaching up wind a tendril of her hair around his fingers. "Oh really, my dear? How would you like me to show you how much I love you?" He asked playfully, stroking his fingers over her stomach and hips, down her thighs and then back up, only to do this all over again.

"Perhaps you'd let me... pet your cat?" She grinned and giggled, reaching behind her to trail her fingernails up and down his strong, muscular thighs. She could not believe she was doing this! She felt free to do whatever she wanted, and she was so extremely glad that she was married to him, so that she could show how much she desired him.

Erik laughed heartily at her words, his head thrown back in mirth. Finally when he calmed a bit, he reached out, taking her hands in his. "Pet away, my dear." He said softly, his voice low and as seductive as anyone had ever heard. His body shook with the strain of holding himself back from flipping Christine beneath him and pounding into her like an animal, and he whimpered, squeezing her hands tightly in his.

Christine grinned and slipped down his body sensually, and off the bed. She spotted Ayesha in the chair by the bed and cooed at her before daring to pick her up and run her hands down her little lithe body. She scratched her behind the ears, and down her back, and wrapped her tail around her wrist. "Aww, Erik, your little kitty is so adorable!" She exclaimed happily.

Erik growled low in his throat, leaping from the bed and fairly tackling Christine to the floor. Ayesha, very confused, merely scampered away and hopped onto the nearby chair, licking at her paws and shaking them primly. Erik held Christine down to the floor, staring down at her and panting, his entire body trembled from his restraint. Quickly he scooped Christine into his arms, carrying her back to the bed and pulling her atop him once again. "You shouldn't tease me, my dear..." He warned, his voice dangerously low, "You never know what I may do..."

Christine raised both eyebrows and reached behind her once more to ran her hands along his thighs. She loved his strong thighs so much, and she couldn't understand how someone could have so much muscle. Even when she had been a dancer, she hadn't been as muscled! "I'm trembling in my little prima donna boots, Erik." She giggled and tickled his knees.

Erik growled again, flipping her beneath his body and attacking her mouth with his. Never before had he felt passion this strong, and tears swam behind his eyes at the discomfort of holding himself back. "Christine..." He moaned, trembling and willing his body to stay upright. Slowly He rolled from her, pulling her body to lay atop his. "Christine...please...I am begging you..."

She giggled and trailed her hands down his hips and in between them, lightly running her fingers over his taut abdomen. "You're always begging me," she announced, and her hand started sneaking excruciatingly slowly lower. "But why do you beg?" She questioned, both eyebrows raised. "You shouldn't be afraid to just act on instincts." Her hand was so close now, teasingly close. "Act, Erik."

Erik gasped, his mind becoming cloudy, and he looked down at her for a moment, studying the shape of her face, the way the light played over her skin and made her appear to be glowing. He looked at her arms, so perfectly shaped and muscled, then at her hand... so close, so painfully close to him. With a cry, Erik reached down, grasping her hand and pressing it lower until it reached him, giving a whimpering cry of desire. "How's that...for acting..." He panted out, his head thrown back and his entire body straining to keep in check. Oh, how he needed her at that moment... he felt as if he could wait no longer.

Christine grinned and titled her head as she moved her hand over him, knowing he was dangerously close to losing control and reveling in the fact. She stroked him carefully, and her other hand went up to run through his hair. "No, darling, you're not acting... I am..." She leaned up to lick at his lips in encouragement.

A very soft whimpering sound escaped his lips, and his eyes slid open to look into hers. "Oohhh... Christine..." He moaned, sliding his hands down to her hips and cautiously moving himself a little. He didn't understand why, but for some reason he was very afraid. Maybe it was the fact that Christine could become pregnant. Maybe it was because Nadir was just in the next room, or maybe it was just that he had never felt so strongly before, but Erik was petrified to take the last step. Fear of losing control of himself and harming the precious woman who sat above him raged throughout his mind, and he sobbed out just once in passionate need, before he could restrain himself no more. Swiftly he grasped her hand, moving it away and taking her hips in hand. Moving Christine over himself, he gave a soft whimper and pulled her down onto his flesh, his body arching and head flying back, reeling at the pleasure which flowed within him.

Christine cried out and grasped his shoulders, her hair falling over her shoulders and across Erik's chest. She moved on top of him in passion, yearning to feel him deep within her. Her mouth stayed agape as she fought for air as she was overcome with her dark desire. "Oh God, Erik!" She moved harder, her hands sliding to his muscular chest and her nails pressing into the pale skin there.

Erik gasped in passion, crying out and thrusting powerfully within her. His hands clutched her hips so tight that his knuckles turned white, and he gave several great cries, unable to hold himself back from voicing his pleasure at the top of his voice. His body began to move wildly, and he slid his hands up, cupping Christine's breasts and stroking them with the pads of his fingers.

Christine gasped at the sensation of his hands on her breasts, and she moved more urgently against him, pressing herself forward ferociously as she yearned for Erik to handle her more firmly. She could feel herself so close to the edge, but she couldn't get there, and she cried out as if that would help her reach the pinnacle of pleasure.

Erik moaned deeply, his voice breaking at the end into a trembling whimper as he sat up, Christine still on his lap. His mouth lowered to lick along her neck and collarbone as he thrust into her deeply over and over, his eyes closed tightly. Slowly his lips moved down, brushing across her breasts, then taking a nipple into his mouth and nibbling gently, while his hand kneaded the back of her neck.

Christine gasped and panted, making strange growling sounds in the back of her throat she'd never heard herself release before. She locked her hands at the back of his neck and met his every thrust, her eyes clouded with desire and her chest heaving as she struggled to keep breathing. "Erik!" She cried, moving faster and unknowingly pressing his head against her chest in her desperation.

Erik wound his arms around her waist, crushing her body against him and moving as hard as he could within her, his back arched. His lips and tongue worked over Christine's breasts, occasionally he nibbled at her flesh, delighting in causing her such exquisite pleasure. His blunt fingernails dug into her back as he continued to move, knowing that he was nearing the edge.

She felt his insistent nails in her back and groaned deeply. She brought his lips to hers and kissed him passionately, wanting to feel his tongue thrust simultaneously into her. She gripped his hand and neck and squeezed her eyes shut tightly as she moved. And then, in a blinding flash of light, her back arched and she threw her head back. Her brown curls flipped to land down her back as she cried out hoarsely and tightened around him.

Erik cried out, his voice strong as he clung tightly to Christine, thrusting once more deeply inside of her and moaning passionately, his body releasing as he fell back, pulling his wife with him. He shook in the wake of the storm that had ravaged his body, and he clung tightly to Christine, burying his face into her neck and breathing deeply her scent.

Christine was still panting heavily, though she managed to hold Erik to her and stroke his hair and neck. She licked her dry lips and took deep steadying breaths as she smiled at how much they loved each other. She didn't think she'd ever tire of Erik's incredible touch, his skill at lovemaking. She lowered her chin and kissed his forehead gently and then squeezed him to her.

Erik tightened his grip around Christine, placing a gentle kiss to her neck and breathing heavily against her. "Christine..." He purred, lifting his head to look into her eyes. "I love you, mon amour." He whispered, leaning forward and brushing his lips against hers.

Christine smiled against his lips and twirled his short hair around her fingers, his perspiration making it stay in little twisties. She couldn't stop smiling, so much that her cheeks hurt but she didn't care. She was so happy with him. She couldn't ever remember being this happy with Raoul, not even as children. At the thought of Raoul, she cringed and frowned. He'd been the one to tell the managers that she was with Erik!

Erik noticed the change in her emotions and frowned. "What is it, my dear?" He asked, brow furrowing. Glancing around the room he saw Ayesha giving him a stranged look, and he had to smirk. Such an expressive cat... Turning his gaze back to Christine, he stroked his fingers through her hair. "Is something troubling you?"

Christine clenched her teeth together. "Raoul is the one that told the managers of us. So I guess this is all my fault, that you're having to give up your house. If not for me..." She looked at the floor and glared at it. Stupid Raoul. The man did not know how to keep his mouth shut. He was jealous, and he couldn't even face them like a man. No, that's because he's not a man, Christine thought. He's a boy.

Erik shook his head, grasping Christine's chin and bringing her face up to look into her eyes. "My dear, listen to yourself! Do not blame yourself for the boy's foolishness. It was only because he is jealous that he told the managers... it was not your fault in the least, and I do not blame you for having to leave the house." He sighed, looking to the side. "In a way, I should be glad to leave. I've been there far too long as it is..."

Christine turned his face to her as he had done, and kissed his lips. "I love you." She sat up and slid off the bed. "I think it's really time to get dressed." She turned her head and smiled at him before walking to where their traveling bag was. She looked through it and finally found what she needed most: Her hairbrush. Running it through her hair quickly, she threw it on the bed and began rummaging through the bag again.

Erik stood and came behind Christine, wrapping his arms around her waist and nuzzling his face into her hair. "I don't think I want you to dress today..." He mumbled, tickling her stomach lightly. "I rather like you this way." He teased, placing a quick kiss to her cheek, then looking through the bag himself.

Christine giggled and jerked the bag from him, giving him a "come-and-get-it" look. She pulled out her dress and handed it to him, along with her chemise and corset, and took out his suit. "I'll wear yours, you wear mine." She grinned and took the pants to the bed, and sat on the edge as she began to slip her feet in. "Oh," she murmured as a blush and a perplexed look came upon her face. She grinned up at him sheepishly. "You... don't wear undergarments."

Erik's face flushed a bit himself, and he walked forward, kneeling down and grasping the pants, pulling them gently from her legs. He gave her instead her dress, and cleared his throat. "So..." He began, trying his best to find something to talk about besides his lack of undergarments.

Christine bit her lip and slipped on her chemise, and then slipped on her corset. She abhorred corsets, and wouldn't bother with one if she was not going out, but in the case that they were going to search for a house today, then she would have to wear one to be formal. She stood and walked over to Erik, glancing down his body and giggling slightly before gazing up at him innocently. "Will you help me tie this?"

Erik nodded dumbly, and reaching out and gently taking the ties, began to pull them. He really didn't want to make it too tight, as women seemed to faint quite often from lack of oxygen... oh how he hated society's rules! Taking a deep breath, he drew the corset tighter around her. "Is this okay?" He asked, lowering his head to rest on her shoulder.

Christine took a deep breath and became a tad dizzy, as was always custom for her and no doubt other women when donning a corset. She straightened and rotated her ribs a bit, trying to settle in, and gasped once before settling in. "It's fine, thank you, my love." She went back to the bed and grabbed her dress, and let it glide over her arms and down her body. She moved her hair to her shoulder and reached behind her to the little buttons on the dress.

Erik moved forward again when he saw her buttoning her dress, and moved her hands away. "Allow me." He whispered, his lips grazing her ear. Gently his deft hands began to button the back of her dress, fingers caressing her sides as he did so. Once the dress was buttoned he wrapped his arms around her, burying his face into her neck and squeezing her close. "How I love you..." He whispered, kissing her neck gently.

Christine closed her eyes and leaned into him, placing her hands atop his on her waist, and resting her head on his broad shoulder. "Mmm..." she purred, and lifted a hand to his face. "Erik, you make me feel like I can do anything." She turned in his arms and placed her hands against his chest. "I love you more!" She exclaimed and threw her arms around his neck, squeezing him tightly to her. She had to stand on tiptoe, but she was used to it from her days as a ballerina. She never wanted to let go of him.

Erik laughed, grasping her tighter and spinning her around the room, his head thrown back as he laughed. Once he sat her back down, he looked into her eyes, now completely serious. "And you make me feel like I'm alive." He breathed, before bringing his mouth against hers. Realizing then that he was still naked from the waist up he sighed, moving toward the bed and pulling on his stiff white shirt.

Christine frowned when his mouth left hers. She stood quickly and grabbed his hands, letting his white shirt hang open and preventing him from buttoning it. "As your wife," she started, making sure she had a firm hold on his wrists, "I command you to... keep it open!" She bent her lips to his collarbone and ghosted them across the pale flesh there, looking up to catch his reaction.

Erik's eyes widened, before sliding closed as his hand fluttered up to hold Christine's head to his chest. His head tilted back slightly and he gave a very long, low sigh. "For you..." He gasped out, putting his other arm around her waist, "Anything."

Christine grinned and placed her hands under the shirt, and around onto his back. "Anything?" She mused, eyebrows raised as she leaned up to place light kisses along his jaw line.

Groaning, Erik clutched at her sides, vaguely wondering how long it would take to remove the dress and corset. Hopefully not as long as it took to put it on... He thought, leaning down to nibble at her ear playfully.

Christine tucked her hands down into the back of his pants and tantalizingly sucked at his lower lip. What am I doing? I just got dressed, she thought with a grin. Well, looks like I am about to get undressed. She squeezed his waist and thrust her hips toward him.

Erik gasped, trailing his lips down her neck and clinging tight as he could to her. "Christine...we must... stop now..or we won't...stop at all..." He panted, pressing his lips against hers tightly.

Christine pulled away from his lips and nodded, and made a pained face as she made to button his shirt. Instead, she groaned and pressed her lips to his once more, clinging to the white stiff shirt that was crinkling in her hands. She pressed her whole body against him, but damn that corset, she could not get any closer!

Erik groaned, a deep sound low in his throat as he pulled Christine to the bed, pressing her down and crawling up her body, slinking as if a hunting animal. "Last chance..." He whispered dangerously as he moved his hands up her legs slowly, pressing his lips to her ear, "to put a stop to this...and you have just dressed..." His tongue snaked out, brushing across her ear before his mouth slid lower to taste her neck.

Christine whined and looked to the door, made a face at it, and then lifted her lips back up to Erik's. "This corset... is a pain... but..." She shrugged helplessly and slid her hands to his back, underneath his shirt, and rubbed up and down the sinewy goodness she loved so much about him. I'll definitely be pregnant by the end of the week, she told herself, thinking blissfully of what it would like to have a child with the man she loved. "Poor Nadir," she announced, before kissing him deeply once more.

Erik chuckled, sliding his hands to her back and beginning to remove her gown, allowing his fingertips to brush against her neck as he did so. "Christine..." He moaned as he pressed his hips against hers. A tiny whimper escaped him, and he unbuttoned her dress faster.

Christine mumbled something incoherent as she regained her senses, and moved his hands away. "My love," she whispered, straining to hear anything outside the door. "We've got some very important things to do today..." She placed her hands on his shoulders to halt his unbuttoning and gazed into his eyes. "Nadir's right outside!" She whispered harshly, giving a small smirk and a light blush.

Erik sighed, nodding in understanding and moving his hands away, content instead to lie atop his wife and rest his head on her chest. The feel of her; warm and alive beneath him brought tears to his eyes, and he reached up to stroke his fingers over her cheek. "You are right, of course..." He mumbled, closing his eyes.

Christine could feel his disappointment, and she knew he had ever right to be disheartened. The man had never felt love from anyone in his life and he finally was, she was giving herself full-heartedly, and she knew he couldn't get enough. She knew he was afraid she would be gone in moments before his very eyes, and her heart went out to him. She took his face in her hands and kissed him lightly. "Erik, don't despair, my love. We're married, we can be together and make love every night, every day, should you wish it! We must arrange things first, those, as in, having a new home far away from the town where no one can hear my..." She blushed and giggled, "My music."

Erik laughed outright at her words, and sat up, pulling her with and reaching behind her to fix the disarray of her dress. "Well then, we should go now and find this home... the sooner we can be... alone." He winked playfully and stood, buttoning his shirt and reaching for his jacket.

Christine took his hand and opened the door. "You're so handsome when you laugh," she told him, and led him down the hallway. She looked around for Nadir and quickly pushed Erik in front of her, so that Nadir would make his comments to Erik and not to her. She didn't think she could handle sarcastic complaints and not blush frightfully red.

Erik looked back at her with a smile, before entering the sitting room and looking to Nadir, who sat on the sofa with a cup of tea and the morning paper.

Nadir looked up with a smile on his face as he noticed Erik walk in, followed closely by Christine. "Ahh, good morning my friends. I would ask if you slept well... but judging from the sounds coming from your room last night, I doubt you slept much at all." He teased, his eyes twinkling. Of course, he was happy for his friend... he finally found love, after all... Nadir only wished they would keep their... 'love' a bit quieter when he was attempting to sleep.

Christine couldn't suppress a giggle and decided to be bolder than she felt. She stepped out from behind Erik and shrugged with an innocent look on her face. "Well, I assume you didn't know about Erik's soprano range? I didn't make a sound. It was all him. I was so proud to know we could do soprano duets together, should I wish it." She dared not look at Erik, but wished she could see the expression on her face.

Erik glared toward his wife, face warming slightly as he walked past, giving her a firm swat to her bottom. "Now Christine... do play nice..." He said just loud enough for Nadir to hear as well. "Wouldn't want me to put you over my knee and spank you..." Slowly he lowered himself to the chair nearest his friend, smirking.

Christine yelped slightly at his swat and smirked at the thought of another one. She followed him and sat down on his lap, her arms around his neck. "On the contrary, my love," she told him softly, thought audible enough for the Persian, "I think I would rather enjoy it." She grinned and gave him a big, sloppy kiss on his cheek before grinning innocently at Nadir.

Erik laughed, brushing his lips over her forehead and squeezing her close. "Nadir... we have a bit of news for you... and therefore must ask you a favor..." Erik said seriously, cutting straight to the chase. "Christine? Will you..." He closed his eyes for a moment, then met his wife's eyes. "Will you tell our dear friend our news?"

Nadir's eyes widened, immediately fearing the most extreme. Oh Allah, she's pregnant and it's not his child. Was Nadir's first thought, and he shook his head. You've been reading too many of those new-styled novels, Nadir. He looked expectantly to Christine instead, hoping for his friend's sake that it was good news.

Christine frowned slightly at Erik's actions, but looked at Nadir and smiled reassuringly. "We have decided to leave the house by the lake." She took Erik's hand and kissed it, squeezing her arm tighter around his neck. "We wish to buy another home, in the country, but still close so that I may still sing at the Opera." She took a deep breath and kissed Erik's hands once more.

Nadir looked stricken, and met Erik's eyes in shock. "Erik... is this true?" He asked, a very slight smile reaching his lips. To think, his old friend was finally moving on in his life... finally going to have a chance at a bit of normalcy. Nadir gave a great laugh, standing in his joy, then realizing he had no where to go, fumbled for a moment and seated himself again.

Erik nodded, smiling a little at seeing his friend so happy, and took a breath. "This is why we need your help, Nadir... we need transportation, and the idea of somewhere to begin looking... I have not... looked for a home in a very long time, I fear."

Nadir nodded, standing again and moving toward the table. "I can give you the address of an acquaintance of mine... he makes a business of selling and buying homes... I dare say you cannot sell your home, but... he may be able to help you out." Nadir wrote swiftly on the paper, then brought it back and handed it to Erik.

Christine watched and stood on tiptoe to look at the paper Nadir had handed Erik. She couldn't see it clearly, however, and dropped with a sigh. She smiled brightly at Nadir. "I cannot thank you enough for what you've done for us, Nadir. I'd probably still be with those crazy managers right now if you hadn't of saved me." She looked up to Erik. "We both appreciate your friendship."

Nadir smiled, taking Christine's hand and placing a gentle kiss against the back of it. "Think nothing of it, Madam." He said gently, before thumping Erik on the back. "And as for transportation... I shall go flag down a hansom... you two wait here." He made his way to the door, stopping short and turning to look back. "And do try to keep your hands off of each other while I'm gone?" He teased, then walked out the door.

Christine grinned and gave Erik a seductive look as she turned to look up at him. "Perhaps we could scare him a bit?" She questioned with a mischievous glint in her eye. She grinned and walked to his side, placing an arm around his waist and looking at the paper. "Are you ready?" She questioned with an encouraging look.

Erik laughed and grinned, pulling Christine against him and meeting her eyes. "Whenever you are ready, mon amour." He whispered, brushing his lips over her cheek lovingly.

Christine grinned and began to grow extremely blissful and excited. "Think of it, Erik! Think of our ten children running around in our huge garden, and the two of us watching from the roof, our arms wrapped around each other! Just think of it! It'll be a palace, you'll be the king, and I shall be your queen!" She clasped her arms around his neck and leaned into him grinning happily.

Erik grew somber, nodding. "Well, perhaps not ten children, my dear..." He said, a bit nervous looking at the thought.

Christine laughed and nodded enthusiastically. "Yes, ten! I have perfect names for them, my love, every single one of them!" She gasped. "Oh Heavens! Do you have names for our children? I suppose we'll have to have more than ten!" She grinned and hugged him to her. "We have the ability, I'm sure of it..."

Erik laughed heartily then, tugging her closer to him and pressing his lips against hers. "If ten children is what you want, I suppose I can be persuaded to give them to you..." He said sensually, nuzzling her neck and nipping playfully.

Christine grinned and tilted her neck, leaning back in his arms. "You never could deny me anything, could you? What if I asked for... twenty children?" She crinkled her nose at the thought and smiled at the thought of Erik being tackled by all of his children.

"Mmmmm..." His mouth trailed lower, over the expanse of her chest not covered by her dress, and he squeezed her closer, situating her on his lap and moving his hips against her with a whimper. "Twenty...?" He nibbled at her a bit, and smiled against her skin. "If it means I can do this to you... of course..." He teased, holding her closer.

Christine laughed deeply in her chest, sounding almost as an evil seductress would once she has triumphed. She ran her fingers through his hair and smiled mischievously as she leaned in to rub her hands over his shoulders and down his chest. "Didn't I promise we could make love constantly once situated in our new home?" She grinned and raised her eyebrows in thought.

Erik groaned, bringing his lips from her skin long enough to look into her eyes and smile slyly. "I don't know if I could possibly wait that long, my dear... just looking at you makes me feel this way..."

If Erik was going to say anything else, it was cut off by the sound of a throat clearing. "Ah... I see you cannot manage to keep from ravishing each other at every opportunity..." Nadir said with a wink. "Your hansom is here."

Christine made a sad face and moved off of Erik's lap, walking toward a mirror to fix anything disarrayed. Her eyes went wide and she gasped, her hands flying to her neck. She turned on Erik and glared at him. "You... you... You did this to me, you... you fiend!" She turned back to the mirror and lifted her hands only to clasp them back together over her neck once more. Where's a cloak when I need one! I should've brought a dress with a collar!

Erik tilted his head and his brow furrowed. "Christine my dear, what are you talking about?" He asked, standing to move behind her. "What is that you're hiding with your hands?"

Christine growled at him and removed her hands. She pointed to a coin-sized blotch on her neck, dark red and very easy to spot with the rather low-cut dress she wore. "Look at this! Just look at it!" She turned to the mirror and gasped again. "You popped a vein with all your charming kisses! If this is how it's to be we won't have twenty children!" She pushed past him towards the door. She'd heard the ballet girls talk about their lovers, and show her marks on their body from the lovemaking. She never imagined she'd have anything like it and now that she did she had the faintest hint of a smile about it.

Erik didn't know whether to laugh or beg for forgiveness, so he tried a bit of both. A tiny laugh escaped him even as he looked into her eyes, grasping her hands. "Forgive me please, my dear... I didn't... I had no idea that I could..." He erupted into fits of laughter suddenly, clutching at his sides. "I'm... I'm sorry..." He paused for another bought of laughter which left him nearly breathless, "your face...I've never..." He hunched over, clutching his stomach and laughing so hard that tears fell from his eyes. Never before had he laughed until tears came, and he laughed even harder when they fell.

Christine placed a hand over her face and shook her head, forcing herself to keep from erupting into laughter herself. She wanted to be stern with him. She couldn't go out into the town and sing at the opera with marks on her neck from the sweet kisses of her husband! She couldn't wear her costumes that left little to the imagination if she had these strange markings all over her. She grinned though; it'd been worth every moment.

Collecting himself, it took only a glance at his wife to again erupt, and several minutes later he was actually able to look at her neck without laughing so hard he hurt. Taking Christine's hand, he led her out the door and into the Hansom, giving the driver the directions.

Christine scooted away from her husband, and finally got up to sit in the seat across from him. She folded her arms across her chest and looked out the window, attempting to appear aloof. She watched him out of the corner of her eye, and tried to make sure he wasn't looking as she lifted her hand to her neck and ran her fingers over the spot. She grinned. Erik had marked her as his own! She thought about Raoul doing the same thing and cringed. Gross.

Erik kicked back and sighed in relief, stretching out his legs and letting his eyes slip closed. He knew it wouldn't take too long to get to their destination, but he was determined to enjoy this little rest. After all, he was still healing, and although considerably better, he was still a bit weak.

Christine watched Erik's eyes close. She thought about how lucky she was to have him, to have found her true love at last. She couldn't imagine being this way with anyone else. She didn't know of anyone that would so willingly give anything just for her. It made her eyes fill with tears and she smiled gleefully as she returned her gaze to the trees outside the window.

The hansom bounced along, then jolted to a stop outside of a rather nice sized house just on the way out of the city. Erik looked out the window, judging the neighborhood and wincing. He hated being out during the day, and this looked like quite the busy part of town. He ran a hand through his hair, glad he had grabbed his cloak before leaving and wishing he had grabbed his fedora as well. The driver opened the door then, and Erik stepped out, taking Christine's hand in his and helping her from the cart. Slowly he walked to the house and gave a few swift knocks on the door.

Christine placed her arm in his and stroked his forearm encouragingly. She smiled up at him with genuine happiness, and reached out to stroke the right side of his face. "Don't worry my love," she spoke quietly. "All will go well."

The door opened to reveal a man looking about the same age as Erik, though Erik looked nothing like a fifty-year-old to Christine. She gave him a bright smile and the man smiled back, although not without casting a suspicious glance at Erik's mask.

He did not question, however, though he wanted to. What would make a man wear a mask? He bowed his head lightly and spoke. "Hello, I am Jean Claude Noir, and you, sir?" He held a hand out to the man with the mask.

Cautiously Erik held out his hand, shaking the man's and he smiled. "I am Erik Destler, and my wife and I would like to buy a house."