Christine very much enjoyed having Nadir over and it was evident that having his old friend back was doing wonders for Erik. She marveled how he seemed to be so relaxed. She was used to him being that way around her and Gustave, but seeing him like this with others, gave her hope. She remembered how Erik spoke of Nadir, implying that he wasn't good enough to be Nadir's friend. Clearly, that was all in his mind. Nadir seemed to revel in the banter with Erik and it was as if the two just picked up where they left off. It made her stop and remember how it once was between her and Meg.

She missed having a true girlfriend. She never really found anyone she had much in common with when she was with Raoul. The other wives seemed so superficial and phony. She could never stand their company for more than an hour at best. The people at Coney were very real and genuine. Yet she still hadn't found someone to make a true connection with. Perhaps in time…

Nadir looked at the time. "My, it is getting late. I can't tell you how much I have enjoyed my time with you both but I did promise you my counsel….."

Christine looked at the clock and then gasped.

"What is it?" Erik asked.

"Gustave."

"What?"

"Gustave, should have been home by now. It's after 7pm."

Erik stood up. "That boy has unfortunately inherited my work habits. I'll go and bring him home at once."

"Erik, if you and Christine don't mind, perhaps I can review some go those documents now and ask Christine if I have any specific questions. I so would like to meet your son before I go….. And have that dinner." He smiled.

Erik arched his brow. "Where are you staying, old man?"

"I made inquired for a room in town."

"Nonsense, you'll stay here." Erik stated.

"But I couldn't put you both out like that."

"We have plenty of room and you need some place to concentrate while you review the documents. It will just be for a few days."

Nadir couldn't think of a reason not to accept. He was more than moved but he did ask Christine, as the Mistress of the house. "Christine, are you sure you wouldn't mind?"

She thought for a moment. "On one condition, Nadir."

"Yes?"

"This house is our home and I want very much for Erik and my family to feel safe here and comfortable. Therefore, I ask that if Erik wishes to not wear his mask, he be allowed to roam freely here of his own volition."

Erik practically chocked. "Christine!

"Erik, if you wish to wear that thing, then it is because you wish for it, not because you think Nadir will be offended or appalled. I'm sorry, Nadir but those are my conditions. Frankly, if you are truly Erik's friend, you will agree without question. Otherwise, I am afraid I have misjudged you and would have second thoughts of accepting your help."

Erik was about to speak, when Nadir cut him off.

"I never needed Erik to wear his mask for my sake. I have seen his face and it does not alter my feelings for this man. Erik, I would have told you so myself, but I know what a rather sensitive matter it is for you. Fortunately, you have a woman who doesn't think twice about defending the man she loves, even to one of his oldest friends. Now that she has spoken freely, then allow me to do the same. Drop the mask."

Erik looked at Nadir with his mouth gapping open. He then turned to Christine. He took her by the hand and spoke over his shoulder to Nadir, "Excuse us." He then pulled her outside.

"Erik, you can rant and rave at me all you want but…"

He stopped her cold with his lips. After the need to break apart for air, she managed to find her voice.

"I thought you were angry but if that's how you wish to argue, I think we should start having more fights." She smiled.

"No one has ever…..All my life, I've been alone. I've had to defend and fight and do some not so honorable things just to have what normal men seem to have by birth and now…."

She caressed his hair. "Now?"

"Now I have a woman who is not only crazy enough to love me but will insult the one man who may be able to help her, all in the name of defending me."

"If they harm you, they harm me. That's what it means to be a family, angel."

He embraced her tightly as she shook her head.

"Silly man, I see I am going to have to keep convincing you how much I love you."

He moved to look into her eyes. "I'm a quick study in most things but I think I'll need to take this one slow." He kissed her long before letting her go. "Now, what are we going to do about that boy of ours, eh?"

She shrugged. "He's just like his father, only I know how to get him home. I'll need your help with our son."

He kissed her hand. "I promise, he will not pick up any more bad habits from me. Are you sure you will be alright with Nadir? Some of his questions might…."

"I'll be fine. I'm not ashamed and I can stand up to him…. And You."

Erik laughed. "Touché'. See you soon, my love."

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Erik went to Nathan's but no sign of Gustave. He went to the theatre but couldn't find him there either, nor could he find him backstage by his office. He started to get angry.

"Where the devil did he go?"

He searched up and down the park, going through the lines of the rides but didn't see him. He then found Squelch and asked him when he had seen Gustave.

"Gustave, Sir? I haven't seen him all day. I thought he was taking the day off." He smiled but then saw the look on the visible side of Erik's face. "Sir?"

Suddenly Erik realized where he must be. "Ms. Fleck." He then relaxed. "Of course. I should have known he would be with her. Where can I find her?"

"Ms. Fleck took the afternoon off, Mr. Y. She isn't expected back till late this evening."

Erik's eyes grew wide. "Get me Gangle and Walker and bring them to me now!"

"Yes… Yes. Sir." Squelch ran out the door instantly.

Erik started to pace. "Stay calm, stay calm. Christine would advise you to be calm." He then thought of Christine. "Dear God, she will be worried to death and she can't have stress with the baby…." He closed his eyes but no matter what he tried to do he couldn't stop the nagging feeling that was inside of him. "de Chagny, so help you God, I will kill you if you have taken my son!"