Well this chappie's short. Poor Erik...pats his head

Erik: growl

Anyway. Onward, ye soldiers of...uh...Phantasma!

Chapter 11 - On the Mend

I laid idle in bed for the rest of the week, in a constant waking-dream. I alternated being freezing cold and boiling hot. I could not think well and my voice was still rather hoarse. This fact scared me; what if I couldn't sing?

Aria was with me almost every moment. In that semi-conscious state, the only thing I was aware of was her fingers on my face and her voice in my ear. I knew the doctor visited several times more, but what he did and what he said I could not remember.

Today I was well enough to sit up in bed. Aria arrived with a steaming bowl of something that smelled delicious. I weakly raised my head and smiled.

"Complements of Madame Giry. She made it herself." Aria told me, her tired eyes smiling.

I looked at her in worry. Caring for me and keeping up rehearsals was wearing on her. I grabbed her hand and kissed it, trying to say something. She rolled her eyes and handed me a pen.

Aria, you look exhausted. It's too much, curing me and being Aphrodite.

"I am, and what do you suggest? I can't let you leave my charge. You won't take care of yourself. Don't worry. I'll be fine."

I sighed. She was too good to me.

Settling on the edge of my bed, Aria brought a spoonful of the soup to my lips.

I hated feeling so helpless as my feeble body swallowed the food gratefully.

"Does your stomach hurt?" Aria queried before giving me more.

I shook my head. The last few days my stomach had been in terrible condition, and all I could keep down was water. But it was fine now.

She fed me half the bowl before I was satisfied. A thought came to my mind, and I scribbled it in haste.

Is it Sunday today? The second performance is tonight?

Aria nodded. "It is."

My heart drooped sadly. I don't want to miss it.

Aria frowned sternly. "Yes, you do. You're not well enough yet." she leaned closer, grinning. "I still have that straightjacket."

I gave a chuckling cough but sighed again.

"How about this, Erik? I'll sing extra loud so you can hear me."

What a grand idea! I wrote.

Aria smiled and hugged me gently. "I'll miss you, though."

My heart swelled until I was sure it would burst.

I stayed in bed restlessly, straining to hear the play. Then Aria's voice finally shot forth, and I could listen! It wasn't very clear, but... I knew she was singing for me! I laid back, smiling.

Aria stumbled into the room at about 10, still in her Aprhodite costume. I stared at her in awe; for in the darkness of the night, she was still Aphrodite.

She yawned wide. "Did I wake you?"

I shook my head, still rather breathless.

"It was a nightmare, getting out of there...men right and left, so crowded." she murmured, sitting down on her chair.

I nodded. Currently, I was chilled, and I couldn't stop my shaking.

Aria turned her weary eyes on me. "Oh, are you cold again? You have three blankets..."

I nodded, trying to stop chattering. I wouldn't force Aria into any more work...

But to my astonishment, she sat on the edge of the bed and snuggled next to me, tucking in the volumous blankets. With a sigh, Aria's head rested on my shoulder in exhaustion, and I heard her mutter that she would just lay there until I was warm.

My eyes widened then fluttered, almost drunkenly, from the sweet, gentle feelings creeping into my skin. So close, I groaned silently. She's so close to me...

I wasn't thinking of possibilities, just...just that it felt so wonderful, Aria's warmness pressing against me.

My icy bones began to melt, and as I thawed, my head turned to rest on Aria's, and I sank into a blissful sleep.

To hazy sunlight I lazily woke, feeling peaceful and rested. I looked with shock at the beautiful copper hair splashed against my chest. My breath left me. During the night we had changed position; I had sunk down into the bed, and Aria's head had slipped down to my chest, rising and falling with my labored breathing. My arms were wrapped loosly, happily, around her slim shoulders and waist. I could feel a wondering, amazed, contented smile slip onto my lips as I reached up and stroked her face with the lightness of a breeze.

I felt much better today; I was positive my fever had gone down near normal. Aria shifted and sighed. I saw her eyes flit open, and she slowly brought her head up to stare me in the eyes. I gulped, nervous and flushing. Red colored Aria's face too, but she smiled sleepily. I began to return, but I realized my own smile had never left my face since I woke. The door opened without warning. For a moment, the daroga just stared from me to Aria in complete bafflement, and we back at him. Aria sat up abruptly, her blush deepening. "G-good morning, Monsieur Khan. Can- What is wrong?"

The Persian cleared his throat and gestured with fright to someone behind him. My eyes widened by the minute. Mon dieu!

Christine Daae walked into the room.

Wow. The suspense. It's terrible, huh? Sticking Christine in there was kind of a spur of the moment idea. But Let's see how it turns out. I'm not sure myself.