Erik and Christine spent the afternoon holding one another, taking comfort in one another's arms and the effortless flow of their conversation. Who would have imagined that the former Opera Ghost was such a conversationalist?

Though there were moments when Erik had to force himself into thinking about anything other than the delicious silky feel of Christine's fingers on his torso,he knew that their union deserved something far more glorious than a roll in the hay. That and the fact that he knew there would be a next time, made the waiting well worth it.

"Erik, do you know Oscar Hammerstein?" She traced his chin, as she looked into his eyes.

"I know of him, of course. He is a competitor, in a way."

"So, you aren't arranging a meeting with him?"

He looked at her pointedly. "I told him he needed to grant you an audition. That is the extent of it. If he is as smart or as a patron of Opera as they say he is, then he best accept it."

"Have you ever written to him before?"

"No. As I said, we are somewhat competitors at times, for talent. I liked having one night only premiers, and he likes securing the talent long term."

"Yet you do this for me?"

"I think he will take a recommendation from me under advisement, as I would if he ever did the same for me."

She stopped tracing his chin. "I see."

He sat up quickly. "Now I get a feeling you don't believe me." He took her hands and placed them in his.

"No, I believe you. I just wonder if you would influence him more to hire me or to not hire me." She smirked.

"As long as I can hear you sing, it doesn't matter if it is at Phantasma or not. Besides, you told me that either way, you have chosen me and I believed you."

She kissed him. "And I believe you. I'm sorry. It's just my fears, wondering if I can really do this again."

"Christine, you are ready and you can and will do this. The world has waited long enough."

She blushed. "My biggest fan." She kissed his cheek. "I think I need to have you in my handbag, so I can carry you around with me and take you out so you can feed me words of encouragement when I need them most." She laughed.

"Anywhere you go, I would gladly follow but you know you can hear me anywhere, I don't have to be reduced to miniature size." He winked.

The visual in her mind caused her to laugh again. "My angel in different sizes. That would be a sight to see." She started to stand. "One more thing."

"Oh?"

"I think it's time I contact Raoul. I am no longer going to wait and see when he decides to come back. My life has been on hold long enough."

He looked alarmed. "But what of Gustave?"

"I'm going to tell him that we will not be living with Raoul."

"And?"

"And once we have things settled, I wish to tell him that you are his real father. I would like for us to tell him together."

"Christine…."

"What purpose does it serve not to? I am through with lies. It's time he knows, Erik."

"What if he hates me?"

"He won't."

"What if he hates you for lying with me all those years ago?"

"Oh Erik, really! He's a ten-year-old child."

"Exactly why this will be a shock to him."

"It may be shocking, Erik but he still deserves the truth. We loved each other, and we want to make things right. He'll see we are telling the truth now and that's what matters."

Erik still wasn't convinced but he couldn't deny that they had to tell the boy if they wanted a real future. "Alright but only when we are certain the Vicomte can't hurt you."

"Erik, I am ready to face my mistakes."

"No! He could make the divorce drag on or turn our son against you. Promise me we will tell him the truth when we are certain it is safe."

"After my divorce?"

"Or annulment. I still say the Bastard owes you that much."

She thought for a moment. "I'll wait until after then." She looked a little sad, until she felt Erik's arms wrap around her from behind.

"Which meeting do you prefer to do first, Hammerstein or the Vicomte?"

"Both are a form of an audition, aren't they?" She sighed.

"I can be at your side for both of them."

She kissed his marred cheek before helping him place his mask back on.

"No. I wish to handle both on my own."

"But…."

"They are my choices and my decisions. I must do this on my own power. I also can't have either of them think you are influencing me."

He scoffed. "My dear, then those men don't know you. The woman you are today, answers to no one and I wouldn't have it any other way."

She kissed him once more. "That's why I love you. You love me for me, flaws and all."

"The only flaw I see is your love for a man that doesn't deserve you."

They embraced. "Then you can spend the rest of your life trying."

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As the couple walked back holding hands, Dr. Gangle came up to them.

"Sir, I…."

"Gangle, I have asked that when we are alone, you call me Erik. You can certainly do it in front of Christine."

Christine was just about to ask exactly how Erik knew Dr. Gangle when Gangle's response threw her off guard.

"I will keep that in mind, but for now I have something much greater to tell you."

"What is it?" Erik stiffened.

"Meg has returned, Sir."