Disclaimer: Don't own Phantom because I fail at life.

Note: Things get a little steamy between our couple, don't read if you don't like.

XXX

Madam Giry stood before the small home standing just outside Paris, examining it from the outside.

"The foundation is secure, madam, let me assure you. The interior only needs a little fixing up... you said this man likes his privacy?"

Madam Giry turned to the salesman who had put the quaint house up for sale earlier that month. He was a distant relative of her late husband, and she had heard through the family grapevine of the house being put on the market. Madam Giry had thought nothing of it at the time, but after hearing from Meg about Christine and her old friend, the Phantom, looking for a home... everything seemed to fall into place.

"Yes, monsieur, he is a very private man. You are sure there are no houses nearby that may cause him a disturbance?"

Jean nodded vigorously. "Nothing for miles, and remember; quite a bit of this land comes with the property, including part of the river. Good fishing location!" He insisted, falling into a rehearsed sales pitch.

Madam Giry nodded vaguely, and turned to return to her carriage.

"I will inform him, and make contact with you when he is prepared to view the home. Thank you for your time."

XXX

The faint smell of freshly brewed tea and biscuits floated through the air, and Christine stirred in the early morning, yawning and opening her eyes. She was still abed, and curled comfortably in the bedcovers. It didn't take her long to notice that Erik was not beside her as he usually was, and Christine frowned, slipping from the bed and putting on her slippers and a pale blue dressing gown. She shuffled from the room and into a warm, cozy living area, making her way to the kitchen.

She was pleasantly surprised when she saw Erik standing before the samovar, finishing his Russian tea, and pouring two cups gracefully.

"You're up early." She said, her voice thick with recently shed sleep. Erik turned to look upon his wife, her hair bedraggled.

"Ah yes, I couldn't sleep." He stated simply, moving forward to sweep Christine into his arms. She laughed gaily, throwing her arms around his neck and leaning dramatically over his arm.

"Aren't you going to great me properly?"

He laughed, dipping her back and placing a warm, doting kiss on her lips, which she reciprocated gladly.

Both were breathing a bit heavily when they pulled back, and they looked into each other's eyes for a moment, then to the breakfast, then back at each other.

It took only a moment before Erik had Christine against the wall, kissing her with a passion unequalled since their wedding night. Her fingers threaded through his hair as his lips descended down her neck, nipping at her sensitive flesh.

"...Erik... our breakfast will grow cold..."

He glanced up at her, his eyes glazed with passion.

"I'm having my breakfast right now, my dear." He breathed sensually, as he scooped Christine into his arms and carried her back to their room, tea and biscuits forgotten.

XXX

"Madam Destler!"

Madam Giry's voice resounded down the corridor, and Christine turned quickly. It was later in the afternoon and Christine had been on her way to rehearsal-early for once-when the voice called to her.

"Madam Giry! Hello, how have you been?" Christine asked pleasantly, bridging the distance between them.

"Quite well, Christine... I have something very important I need to discuss with you."

Christine nodded, confused, and followed the ballet instructor to her office.

"What is this about, Madam?"

She beckoned for Christine to sit, and after she did so, Madam Giry began to talk.

"I have heard, from my excitable daughter, that you and your husband are interested in leaving the Opera and finding a more... usual home."

Christine nodded, bewildered, and motioned for her to continue.

"I may know of just the place. It resides just outside the city, in a very private area... it's small, but cozy...I need you to speak to Erik about this, and let me know when you can come to view the home... that is, if you're interested."

Through the words Madam Giry spoke softly, Christine's eyes grew wider and wider. Now that she had finished, Christine grinned broadly. "Oh, of course I'm interested! Thank you so very much! I shall talk to Erik tonight, and tell you tomorrow of what has been decided!"

Madam Giry nodded, rising, and Christine followed suite.

"Until tomorrow, then."

Christine nodded. "Yes, until then."