I woke before the alarm. I tried, unsuccessfully, to turn it off before the shrieking started. The shower was indeed subpar, as she had complained, and apparently I would be smelling of toasted coconut today. This was the worst unplanned sleepover. I have no change of clothes, no razor, nothing I need. At least my trousers still had somewhat of a pleat and the shirt wasn't too horribly wrinkled. Only this instant I recall leaving my jacket and tie back at my penthouse. The thought of wearing the same boxers as yesterday has me deciding to go without.
Quietly I search for a scrap of paper and pen. My phone died hours ago. I'd rather leave her a note than wake her. I use a magnet to secure it to her fridge. Her hair is a wild tangle over her pillows. I lean down softly kissing her forehead. I turn the lock on the knob as I leave. After a quick stop at a convenience store for some necessary toiletries I pick up some pastries and coffee for the fop and company.
I am still the first to arrive. I use the restroom to brush my teeth and use the rest of the things I picked up. I swipe a handful of note cards and a pen for the day's auditions from the business office. Raoul surprises me by being the next to arrive.
"Erik?" I don't look up from fixing my coffee.
"Good morning," I say, sipping. He comes up closer to me.
"What's this! Mister perfect with stubble! Do my eyes deceive me!" he laughs. I feel my face flush.
"Have a danish. Maybe it'll shut you up for a few moments." He is grinning as I try pushing past him.
"Oh oh! Look at this." He pulls back my shirt collar which I left unbutton slightly.
"What? Look at what?"
"You naughty boy. What have you been up to?" I vaguely remember Christine possibly leaving some marks on my neck but I didn't think they would be noticeable. I finally get by him and head out to the stage. Stella was doing a mic check and dropped the mic when I stopped to offer breakfast.
"Oh not you too." Exasperated I leave the box off stage. Stomping, quite childishly I admit, to my seat where I sat my coffee down and buttoned up to my collar. Taking the paper and pen out of my back pocket I set myself up for the day. Raoul makes his way down off the stage grinning. He sets his breakfast down and sits next to me.
"Thanks for breakfast, buddy." I grunt at him. My watch tells me I still have fifteen minutes before the first audition. My attempts to ignore him are not working. "So...I gather you did have a hot date last night."
"You're not going to leave me be are you?" I ask, leaning back, sighing.
"Probably not, no." He turns toward me, waiting. "I mean come on. Every single day you show up with not so much as a hair out of place. Today," he shrugs, "not even a single hair in place. Half dressed. Practically turning into a lumberjack. Your neck all chewed up. And you smell weird. My guess is a rowdy night at a strip club which you only partly remember."
My mouth drops with indignation. He laughs loudly.
"I like it." He holds his hands up. "It means the rest of us don't have to try so hard." He finishes off his pastry. Pats his mouth with a napkin. "Now I was only joking...about the strip club. The rest stands." He narrows his eyes at me. "Maybe a threesome? You and two hot chicks." I glare at him. "Oh...two dudes?" My fist clenches on the table. "Chick and a dude? You're crazy man." I knew he was trying to get a rise out of me and it was working. Thankfully it was time to begin. The day was filled with auditions and his constant crude guesses at what I had done with my evening.
Finally lunch time as I stand to stretch my legs and put some distance between us.
"Swingers club? That's it I bet. Gentleman in the streets, freak in the sheets."
"Enough! I don't want to discuss it." He catches up with me.
"Why? Come on, Erik. We're friends, aren't we?" We walk around the block to our normal lunch spot.
I hesitate before answering him, unsure that I can actually discuss this with him. This was Christine. Well a version of her anyways.
"Yes, but the ladies will be along soon."
"I think I already know. It's that singer from the club last week. You two were giving off some serious heat." I clear my throat and look away. "Ah-ha! Right aren't I?" He claps me on the back and ruffles my hair. I pull away from him.
"Are you actually insane?"
"No don't, I fixed it, it looks much better now."
Our waitress took us to our booth and Bridgette and Stella joined us after a few minutes. I really was ravenous and immediately ordered an appetizer with my water.
"Someone is hungry. Must have worked up an appetite." He smiles innocently at me. I drum my fingers on the tabletop.
"Ladies, look away. I'm going to kill him and I don't want any witnesses." I was only half joking.
Lunch was a half hour of snide jabs from the fop and laughter from the ladies.
"Erik asked me to join his sex party but I had other plans last night."
"Oh he didn't ask me." Stella laughed.
"Or me." Bridgette said feigning sadness.
"Erik! I thought you were a gentleman. It was not polite to exclude the ladies." I am fairly certain I am just going to stay this shade of red. Popping the last piece of my club sandwich in my mouth I toss down some cash and rise from my seat. Raoul followed suit and kept it up the whole walk back to the theatre. As we take our seats again he lets out an irritated grunt. "Just tell me about it."
"I do not kiss and tell, my friend."
"Clearly there was a lot more going on than kissing."
"Perhaps, but I will not disrespect the lady by talking about it. She will be here tomorrow to audition. Maybe she'll tell you all about it."
"You think I won't ask?"
"Honestly? No, I don't think you will."
"Oh alright," he sighs. "I just thought we were better friends than that." He opens his notes and sits up in his seat, all laughter gone from his demeanor. Much to my dismay I feel badly. Like I actually hurt his feelings. I study his profile and tisk.
"Ok, OK. Don't pout. What do you want to know?" He has only a few moments to question me before the next audition walks on. I give him the barest of details. He smiles as I talk. Thankfully Bridgette starts playing an introduction.
The remainder of the day drags on. The last few auditions run a few minutes over so we are late getting out. I say a quick goodbye and practically jog out of the theatre and down the street. I make up a bit of time and grin when I see her standing near the entrance to the club.
She turns, finally seeing me as I cross the busy street.
"Well, well," she says as she reaches out to stroke my cheek. I smile and kiss her palm.
"I'm sorry we went a bit over." I put my arm around her shoulders as we make our way down the block in the direction of my penthouse. "Did you sleep well?" Her arm slides around my waist.
"Yes. Would have been better to wake up with you though." I smile down at her and rest my cheek against the top of her head. "You, on the other hand, look exhausted."
"Worth it." I whisper and squeeze her shoulder. The doorman smiles and nods as we pass by. I really have put the poor man through it this week. Christine, a battered face, now this. When the elevator doors open I am relieved. "You can have your look around while I change and freshen up, if you don't mind."
I pull out a fresh shirt and trousers. And thankfully boxers. I dress quickly then return to her. Her fingers trail over the edge of the piano while she admires the art on the wall. I pull out my portfolio, thumbing through the sheets looking for Past the Point of No Return. I want to sing it again. I shift through the stack. "Ah, here we are." I hand over the pieces of music. Before sitting at the piano I try to stack the sheets neatly. Her eyes skim the pages.
"Didn't we sing this Saturday?" I nod. "Will you play some of the other songs?" I start at the beginning. I know it is odd and dissonant at parts but her face doesn't show any distaste. I play on, describing the story. I stand and spread our some of the scenery and costume drawings.
I sing as well as play it for her. I can tell by her expression that should I wish to I could easily have her entranced. She follows along and I ask her to join for the duet. I do nothing but play and sing for fear of setting her off. We finish the duet that we never completed that fateful night. Even without touching her it's intense.
"That will sound better with the whole orchestra."
Her chest heaves slightly. "It sounds amazing without it. That's intense, Erik."
Rising from the piano bench, I gather up the stray sheets and the copy she had. I return it to it's resting place. "Now is there anything else you'd like to see or should I take you out for supper?"
"Do we have time to order in? I think I would like to have you to myself for a while."
"Yes, I believe so. Do you have a preference?" We settle on the couch to wait. "Would you care for some wine? I haven't got your favorite on hand yet, though."
"Thank you, but no. I stick to water before a performance. Well try to anyways." I fetch her a bottled water and myself a glass of red wine.
"I've been meaning to ask... Your tattoo? What is it?" I ask as I recline back on the sofa.
"Oh...my father once told me about my mother's favorite story. About a nightingale and a rose." I get a chill as I listen to her recite the story I had once told her. Forbidden love that was overcome. "Nightingale was his nickname for her." She smiles wistfully.
"It's a beautiful tribute. I think I may have heard of it. Was your mother a singer? Is that where your talent comes from?"
"She was, yes, Not professionally or anything."
The food arrived then and we share what she ordered. The time passes too quickly as usual and it is time for her to get going.
"Now, I really can't stay tonight. I was harassed mercilessly all day. If you like we could spend the evening together tomorrow. That is after your audition. If you have no other plans, I mean." I stammer like a fool. "I'm not taking up too much of your time am I, Christine?"
"Not at all. I can't believe we haven't even known each other a week." I feel her arm wrap around mine as I walk her home. "Seems like so much longer, doesn't it?"
"Yes...an eternity." I see her smile in my peripheral vision.
"You aren't going to shave, are you?"
"I don't know. Why, do you like it like this?" I reach up scratching at the day and a half's worth of stubble.
She nods. "It really suits you. Sets your eyes off beautifully."
"Maybe, until it starts irritating." We are closing in on the club. "I can take you out for a proper meal tomorrow then? We can go wherever you like, do whatever you like." I follow her up the steps to her apartment.
"Hmmm," she wraps her arms around my waist, leans her head on my chest. "You did such an amazing job with our first date I think I'll let you choose."
"If you like." I kiss the top of her head and step back. "I lo-uh, I'll see you tomorrow then. Four o'clock. Don't be late!" Damn near blew that didn't I? I run my hands through my hair, ready to rip it out. Jogging down the steps I silently berate myself. I hurry home. The minimal sleep is beginning to catch up with me and I probably should get my notes from today recorded.
My phone was flashing when I returned. I dialed my mother back while I fetched the notecards from my back trouser pocket.
"Yes, hello. I'm sorry I missed your call. Oh? I hadn't realized you called last night as well. Now why would you worry? Everything is fine. How's it going there? Where are you today? Sounds gorgeous! I hope you are taking lots of photos. Things are going well here. Very well, actually. Lots of good talent to choose from." I stifle a yawn as I listen to her recount the past few days. "It sounds like everyone is enjoying themselves. Very good. Your happiness is the only thanks I need. OK. I'll talk to soon, take care. I love you, too. Goodbye."
I'd kill for a hot soak but I probably should stop falling asleep in the bath. I stare at myself in the mirror. The eye is almost completely back to normal. Slightly bloodshot, but the bruising was nearly gone. The beard...well that would take some getting used to.
I scrub my face with my hands and put my clothes in the hamper.
Sleep comes quickly but a different dream haunts me tonight
It is as it was...I see her fall but this time I hear her. I assure you this would have been quite impossible, even with my sharp ears. That stone was a foot and a half thick. No human ear could have heard her. I run, weak as I was, I run harder and faster than I thought possible. Her cries grew softer as I reach her. Blood was pooling like a demented halo around her chocolate curls. Tears streamed from her pained eyes. My knees hit the hard pavement and I was wailing.
"Erik..." It was barely a whisper. I knew with my moderate medical knowledge there was little to be done. The gash was so deep...too deep. Still, I pulled my shirt from my body and attempted to make a compress with it. I press it gingerly to her wound but she had already gone. I scream in agony, pulling her limp body on to my lap. I hold her, weeping. I hold her until all warmth has left her body.
"Christine..." I whimpered in my sleep and as I wake.
My body trembles, tremors, shivers almost comically. Nauseated, I sit with my head in my hands. The sobbing begins and I cannot control it. Emotion wracks my body, leaving me so weak that I can do nothing but curl up fetally.
The sky changes from indigo to peach and still I lay there. The alarm screeches and I know I can't give into this any longer. I reach over hitting the clock with excessive force. I stand slowly, thankfully the nausea has passed.
Staring in the mirror, my eyes have a slightly sunken appearance. I am pale and still shivering slightly so I turn the hot water on in the shower. As the water scalds me I adjust the temperature and pray that this monstrous dream isn't going to plague me now, nightly. I'll be mad within a week.
I wish I had the ability to let it go. I wish I could just live in the now and forget about my past life. I wish I had been reborn a blank slate. Never did have much luck with wishes though.
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The air is unseasonably cool for end of summer. I hope it stays cool for my plans later. I hadn't set anything up yet but anything was possible with enough money. I stop for coffee although I'm not sure if my stomach will be up to it. Food was definitely out of the question. I arrive at the theatre first, as usual, which is good because I have phone calls to make.
Once I finished my calls I wandered around the building. I speak with the orchestra leader just to make sure everything is going well there. The orchestra was beginning their practice due to the complexity of my score. Apparently the strings were in here. The sight of the rows of violins remind me I've neglected mine. I eye one on the end of the row and pick it up.
"Do you mind?" The director shakes his head
My eyes slide shut as I pull the bow down. How I loved the haunting sound it made. I play for few minutes before I remember my audience. With a sigh I set the instrument down. When I turn I see Raoul and Stella in the doorway.
"Good morning," I say as I try to push by them.
"Is there anything you can't do?" Raoul follows behind me.
"Around here? Probably not, but elsewhere, of course. My talents are quite limited to this field."
"You forget I've seen your artwork." Raoul laughs. "Is this permanent?" He rubs his chin. I shrug in response to both questions. "I think our first audition is here so..."
"Very well. Let's go." I grab my notebook and coffee out of the office and greet a few of the girls who are auditioning.
"Hi ladies!" Raoul flashes them a grin.
I roll my eyes and shake my head. I hurry across the stage and out to our seats . Bridgette is already at the piano warming up.
The morning is filled with great auditions. I am slightly nervous for Christine. After lunch break I stop in the restroom to fix my tie. At least my color is back to normal. I am fixing an errant strand of hair when Raoul walks in.
"Oh that's right, your girl will be in today, huh?" He grins and goes to use the urinal. I glare at him in the mirror. He finishes and comes to wash his hands. I smooth the lapels of my jacket and my hair once more and leave the room without acknowledging him.
The afternoon is less impressive than the morning. None since lunch even warrant a call back. I check my watch. Still an hour until Christine's. I hear the fop chewing gum.
"What...are you doing?" I give him a sideways glare.
"Sorry. I shouldn't have gotten extra garlic on my shrimp for lunch. Is this bothering you?"
"Yes!" I hiss.
"OK, OK...do you have a mint or something?" I see him swallow the gum.
"No. I do not have a mint. You will just have to deal with it until we are done." The fop is working my last nerve today. Yes, I realize this is because I am on edge that he is officially meeting Christine today. I leave out an exasperated breath.
"Sorry." He whispers.
"Idiot." I hear him chuckle softly. After a couple more flop auditions I pull out my phone.
Remember. Emotion. Sing beautifully for me, my dear.
I push send and put the phone back in my pocket.
"I assume you are blowing us off again for dinner tonight." He raises an eyebrow at me.
"Then probably for the first time in your life, you assume correctly."
"Wow. You are mean today. I hope you get laid tonight so you are in a better mood tomorrow." I can still hear the smile in his voice so I faintly smile while our next soprano takes the stage. She misses her cue and I scoff. We allow her another go through. Better but still not sufficient. One more then Christine. This one is not too bad. We thank her and I hold my breath.
I see her take a deep breath while she hands over her sheet music. I sit up a little straighter and smile at her. My fingers tighten on my pen as the introduction begins. I have a feeling of déjá vu seeing her on such a large stage. She hits every note perfectly. I can hear the waver in her voice as she hits a long note. I chance a look at the fop. His arms are crossed over his chest and he smiles and nods at me. She has clearly taken my advice on the emotion. I have chills as she finishes. I let out that breath that was caught in my throat.
"Thank you, Ms. Daae." Stella leads her off stage.
"Yeah that was amazing...wait...did you say Daae?" In an instant my nausea returned.
"Yes. Christine Daae. Why?"
"No wonder she looks so familiar. Every summer we used to rent out a house in France. Pretty sure she lived on the same street. Damn, small world."
"Yes. Indeed. Well I should be going."
"C'mon, aren't you going to introduce all of us? I mean obviously she is going to be in this show." I gather up my pen, notes and empty coffee cup from this morning.
"All right, very well." I walk quickly and spot her just outside the stage door. "Christine..." I whisper. She turns and smiles brightly. I brush my fingers against her cheek. "Very well done. Absolute perfection."
"Hi! I'm Raoul!" Fop comes up quickly behind me, hand out. "Amazing job!"
She smiles hesitantly, shaking his hand.
"Ah, this is our theatre manager and owner. Raoul Changy."
"Nice to meet you, Raoul."
"And you. Let me ask you a weird question." And I have to stand there while they discover that yes they had in fact been summer neighbors. What a nightmare. They laugh and joke while I stand here like a fool. "Isn't that funny Erik?"
"Oh yes, very interesting." No. It's awful. I want to make her leave. Or make him quit. Something to stop this. I could cry.
"Are you ready Erik?" She smiles up at me. I blink a few times.
"Yes. Are you?" And I offer my arm. She takes it and we walk towards the exit.
"Erik! Don't forget what I said earlier about being in a better mood tomorrow!" I hear him laugh loudly.
"What was that all about?" Her fingers squeeze mine.
I laugh. "Nothing. So that's the fop."
"Yes. I gathered that. Still seems a bit hypocritical to me."
"I am not a fop. Not at all." I turn my head indignantly.
"If you say so Mr. three piece suit every day."
"What would you prefer I wear?"
"Well if we are being honest, nothing." I drop my jaw feigning shock.
"Ms. Daae!"
"Mr. Destler!" She laughs. "So I did well then?"
"Oh my dear. Perfection."
"I wonder if I'll get the part."
"I have a good understanding you are the front runner." I pause. "In fact we'll need you for a call back unless everyone else is terrible."
"And it's nothing to do with any personal affection for me, right?"
"That doesn't effect anything. This is something I have been working on for quite a while. I want it to be perfect. I will choose the most well suited singers. I am quite the perfectionist, in case you hadn't noticed." I pause for a moment. "Do you need to stop at home before we have our date?"
"Well am I appropriately dressed?" I eye her up and down. Almost knee length form-fitting dark blue dress with a grey cardigan.
"Yes, perfectly. Although I will admit I, too, prefer when you are wearing nothing but I suppose this'll do." I hear her laugh and feel her nudge me with her shoulder. "Of course being the reigning fop I will need a pit stop. Plus we have a little time to kill."
"Are you going to tell me what we're doing?"
Shaking my head I mumble a simple, 'No."
"Ah a man of mystery."
"You have no idea, Ms. Daae." We enter my building and head up on the elevator. Once we are out of it, I pull her close, kissing her deeply. "Much better. Make yourself at home. I'll only be a few minutes."
"Yeah, sure, we'll see."
She sits on the couch while I head to my bedroom. I know precisely what I wearing. Charcoal suit with a tie and pocket square that matches my eyes almost exactly. After a quick check in the mirror I quickly change. A little fuss with the pocket square...straighten the tie. She's right. The beard does make my eyes pop. I stop in the kitchen and pour us a glass of wine.
"My dear," I hand over her glass.
"Oh, thank you." I sit next to her. "Well look at you." Her fingers run against my cheek. "So handsome." She brushes her lips against mine. "And I don't think I have ever seen a better worn suit."
"You're going to make me blush, Ms. Daae." I grin sheepishly and wink. "Just so you know the only reason I am not currently ravishing you is because our ride will be here in less than ten minutes."
"Oh? Are we leaving town?"
"Not exactly." I take a long drink of my wine. I ask about her show the previous night. She talks until my alarm buzzes. "Ah, I believe that will be our ride." I go over and push the speaker. "Yes, hello."
"We are here for a Mr. Destler?"
"Yes, we are on our way down, thank you." I turn and smile. "You can leave your handbag if you like."
She sets it on the couch and comes to walk with me. When we step outside a horse drawn carriage awaits us.
"Oh, Erik." The driver opens the door for us and I climb in to help her up.
"I know. A bit over done but I couldn't come up with much else."
"No, it's lovely. I've always wanted to take one but never found an occasion to."
"It would be better in the cooler months. I promise to take you again in a few months." I pull her down next to me. The wicker trunk on the opposite seat should have our meal in it.
"All ready back there?" The driver asks.
"Yes, we are, thank you."
We both lurch forward as the horse starts moving. She rests her head against my shoulder. I wrap my arm around her, pulling her tight against me. I hum in her ear as we travel through the city. We finally reach our destination. The pool in Central Park. I hop down from the carriage and hold my hand out for her. She steps off and I lift her down. I get the trunk down with the help of the driver.
"Pick us out a nice spot, my dear." I follow, hefting the basket along.
"How's this?" She asks as we reach a mostly secluded area.
"Perfect." I set the trunk down and pull out the flannel blanket that is on top. I do a quick check of the contents. We spread the blanket out and I pull out her champagne and two individually packaged salads. I set them down and search for the champagne flutes. None are to be found. Well I guess things could be worse. I move the trunk nearer to the blanket. I hand her a fork and sit next to her. I pry the lid from my salad and look over at her. "How am I doing this time?" I take a forkful of salad.
"Great. This is amazing." She takes a few bites and continues. "You shouldn't have gone to all this trouble."
"It wasn't any trouble." She looks at me skeptically. "For me. Honestly all I did was make a phone call." I replace the lid on my salad bowl and get on my knees to get the next course. I find a basket with some rolls in it and foil packets of butter. I set it between us and pull out the entrée. "I didn't know what to order. I hope eggplant is OK." It smells good anyways.
"Everything is lovely, Erik." She butters us each a rolls while I pull the lids from the eggplant. I am surprised it is still fairly warm.
"So what will you sing for me next?" We chat in between bites. Laughing as we take swigs from the bottle of champagne.
"I'm not too sure. Do you have any suggestions?"
"Something tragic again. I'm sure we'll come up with something. It won't be for a couple weeks. Have you finished?" She nods and I put the containers back in the trunk. There is a small cooler inside that I pull out.
"No wonder that thing is so big." Strawberries with fresh cream are in a smaller container inside. I settle down closer to her. We feed each other as dusk falls. When neither of us can eat another bite I put all the empty and mostly empty containers back in the trunk and spread out on the blanket. She rises up on an elbow and leans over me. Her hair cascades around us like a curtain. I feel her lips on mine and I can taste the strawberries on her tongue. I slide my fingers through her hair. She whips her hair back and stretches out next to me.
"I was hoping the sky would be a little clearer." I sigh. "Maybe I should just call the carriage back and we can go through more of the city. What would you prefer?"
"The carriage sounds nice. You're right, it's too cloudy to stargaze." I pull my phone out and dial the number I was given. We only have to wait a few minutes which is barely enough time to fold the blanket and get it put away. We walk toward the carriage. After we are settled in we continue our tour of the city. As we pass through Broadway I look over at her.
"That will be you one day."
"You think so?" She stares up wistfully admiring the brightly lit marquee.
"I'll do my best, Christine."
"Why? You hardly know me." If she only knew.
"Anyone can see you're meant to be a star."
A breeze passes through, sending a chill over us. I lean over and manage to get the blanket from the trunk. I pull it over us. She turns towards me wrapping her arm around my waist. I kiss the corner of her mouth and down her chin. I nip along her jaw up to her earlobe. I pull gently on her earlobe, then kiss behind it. I feel her hand on my knee.
"Have you seen enough of the city, my dear?" I feel her nod against me. I ask the driver to take us back to my penthouse. When we pull up I pass the driver his tip and jump to the ground. Christine folds the blanket back up and I suggest she get the unfinished bottle out. She hands it to me and I lift her down once more. She thanks the driver. I pull her onto the elevator and once the door shuts my lips are on hers. The doors open and I pour us a glass of champagne. I hand it over and tap my glass to hers. "To my future prima donna." She laughs and takes a healthy drink. I set mine on the piano. "I'll be back in a moment." I got into the bed room and pull back the linens. I remove my jacket, vest and tie. Shoes are next. I light a mass of candles and go back out to collect her
I fill our glasses and tug her along with me. I take her glass and set it on the nightstand. She glances around at all of the candles.
"Well this is beautiful but I imagine it's probably a fire hazard." I chuckle.
"Don't worry, I will extinguish them all before we retire." I walk around her, prowling like a big cat. I bunch her hair in my fist and kiss the base of her neck. My lips stay as her hair falls down her back. I slip her sweater off of her shoulders. I hang it on the back of the door. I trail my hands down her bare shoulders. I feel for a zipper, slowly lower it and I scrap my new beard against the skin of her back. I kiss down her spine pulling the dress with me. I kiss that beauty mark and trail my fingers over her tattoo. She is not wearing a bra or panties. "You little minx." I nip her ear again, harder and lift her up out of her dress.
I set her in the middle of the bed. I hang her dress up. Then turn around and slowly start unbuttoning my shirt. I stand at the end of the bed just staring at her in the candlelight. She stares back at me. I unbutton a little faster She sits up and takes my belt off and unbuttons my pants. I finally get the shirt off. She has my trousers unzipped and half way down. She scoots to the end of the bed. My trousers fall the rest of the way to the floor. Her fingers wrap around the waistband of my boxers and then they are on the floor too.
I move to step out of them and kick them to the side. I feel her hand around me, stroking. I moan softly and immediately thicken. Her tongue flits out to lick her lips then she leans over and I feel her lips around me.
"Christine..." I hiss. My fingers tangle in her hair while she pleasures me. It takes every ounce of willpower I possess not to push forward into her mouth. My breathing quickens. I feel her take me deeper and her nails dig into my behind. My legs begin to quiver and my hips push my cock further into her mouth. I feel her moan on me. That vibration in her throat pushes me over. "My dear...my darling...I'm going to..." I stammer pulling back a bit. She holds my hips firmly. I grunt holding her head still. I am sweating as I climax. I sit next to her still shaking. I see her smile that tongue coming back out to lick her lips again.
After I catch my breath I slide her back to the middle of the bed. I bury my face against her breasts. My tongue teases one nipple while my thumb and forefinger tease the other. Soon she writhing on the bed. I take her hands and put them on her breasts.
"I want you to keep touching your nipples and breasts Christine." I kiss down her stomach and pelvis through the little tuft of hair. I slide her legs over my shoulders. I lick around her sweet slit swirling my tongue through the wetness until the tip of my tongue made contact with that sensitive little nub. Her hips jackknifed off the bed. I take the opportunity to slide a finger inside of her. I add a second finger and move with the rhythm of her body. I close my lips around the little nub and add suction. I glance up and see her hands bunched in the sheets. I guide one hand back to her breast. I hook my fingers up inside her. My tongue flicks against her nub as I move my fingers faster inside her. I notice both hands on her breasts now. I rub my tongue a little harder until she is moaning and pleading for me to take her.
I am hard and ready again. I slide up keeping her legs on my shoulders. I slide my throbbing member inside her to the hilt. I start slowly. Kissing her, sliding my tongue against hers. I move against her. Rougher than I mean to but she is moaning louder. My thumb grazes her overly sensitive little nub again and she is clenching tightly around me. Almost painfully tight. She is clawing at the sheets again. My lips move to the swell of her breasts. As soon as I take a nipple between my teeth she has another climax. My hips move of their own accord, faster, skin slapping skin until her tightness makes me lose control..
Still inside her I collapse. I feel her legs go limp and slide down my sides. My head rests on her breasts. I lie there until I find the energy to move off of her. She whimpers softly. I rest for a few more minutes. I drag myself up and start blowing out candles. I carry a few of the larger ones into the bathroom. I start the water and let it heat up. She smiles watching me prowl over to her. I gently pull on her legs until she is at the edge of the bed. I lift her off the bed with the strength I didn't think I still had in me.
I set her in the filling tub. I climb in after her and pull her on my lap. I kiss and caress her bare skin.
"So, as far as dates go, how was this one?"
Her head rolls on her neck and she lets out a satisfied moan.
"Oh, Erik. I don't know if this one can be topped."
"My, my Ms. Daae that sounded like a challenge." The jets and warm water have both of us feeling sleepy. I set her on the other side of the tub while I climb out. I use the toilet then lift her out and leave her in privacy while I fetch a couple towels. I towel myself off and help her dry herself. I lead her from the bathroom to the bed. She climbs in waiting for me. I pull the blanket over us and laugh as I roll her on her side. I bury my face in her hair. She takes my hand and holds it across her middle.
"Erik?"
"Yes, my dear?" I answer sleepily.
"Thank you. This was magical. Really it was. You make everything so special for me."
"No less than you deserve," I whisper against her ear. "Good night, Christine." She doesn't answer but kisses my fingers beneath the covers. I settle in and drift off to sleep.
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"Erik!"
I wake from a dead sleep. I give it a moment...is it real or a dream. My hand touches skin. Real then.
I sit up slowly and glance down at her. She is sleeping still. Her face looks pained, brow furrowed.
"Erik..." Now she whimpers, pleading almost. I feel her body shudder. Tears forming in corners of her eyes . And there is a slight lilt of her native tongue to the way she pronounces my name.
"Erik..." Now it's a faint whisper. I gently shake her awake. She jumps, gasping. My thumb wipes at her tears. "Oh Erik." She turns toward me. Her fingers again tracing where my mask would have been.
"What is it?" I whisper. She shakes her head. I feel her curl up on my chest. The sky is still pitch black so I wrap arm around her and rest my head on top of hers. Her nails bite into my side and after a few minutes she drifts back to sleep. I hold her until I fall back to sleep.
The alarm blares while I reach blindly to shut it down. I sit up carefully, trying not to wake her. She's sleeping peacefully now. The sun has started to creep in the windows, casting red highlights through her mass of curls. I stare down at her skeptically.
I should be the happiest of men. She was here, with me, of her own free will. I could kiss her, she would welcome it. I could take her, she would happily participate. Was it enough? Will she ever know me as she did?
I stand slowly, tucking the blanket around her. I stare at her another moment then with a sigh of resignation I go get myself ready for the day.
I feel badly, but I wake her.
"I didn't want to go without saying goodbye again." I lean down to kiss her. I feel her fingers at the back of my neck. "Stay as long as you like. I will call you later, OK?" She smiles sleepily and I press my lips to her forehead.
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The day passed in a fog. Several of today's sopranos were deserving of call backs. I hadn't made any plans with Christine and that may be for the best. I need to clear my head or perhaps have Nadir knock some sense into me. After joining Raoul and the ladies for supper I swing by the gym.
I smile faintly at a greeting from the front desk as I head down stairs.
"Erik, my friend." He says to me from the corner where he is straightening up the sets of gloves.
"Daroga." I lean against the outside of the ring.
He turns to look at me. "What's troubling you? I figured you would be on top of the world."
"I should be. I have no excuse not to be. And don't start with the patience spiel. I have none left."
"She still doesn't remember?" I shake my head. "Well it hasn't been very long, has it? What? A week?"
"Not quite."
"See there." He hesitates before he continues. "If you are sure that's what you want, truly."
"Gods, yes. I'm not sure how much longer I can go on like this. She passes out every time I think we are getting somewhere."
"Maybe you are going too far, too fast." He leans next to me. "Think smaller. From what you've told me you are bombarding her with memories."
He has a point. "I'm not sure I know how to do small, Nadir."
"I don't know...a story, a song, but not an elaborate display. Something only the two of you shared."
I think on it a moment and something nags the back of my mind.
I stare at Nadir, eyes wide.
Of course! That damn monkey music box.
"Thank you, my friend. I always knew you weren't completely useless." I joke, slapping him on the back. "Must go!" I take the steps two at a time and rush home.