Hi guys! So sorry for the delay. Have been going through some stuff on my end... but I'll try to update more regularly from now. I know where I want the narrative to go, it's just a matter of getting there, not rushing things- and making everything as poignant and powerful as it needs to be. Let me know what you think!
Phanty belongs to Leroux and Lloyd Webber.
After sealing the letter to Raoul with wax she had purchased in town, she sat back and exhaled. It was done. She didn't want to re-read it, lest she change her mind about what she had asked of him. It needed to be done. It was something she needed to sort out so that her mind could be at rest, so that his could; a loose end she needed to tie up.
She didn't know how Erik would react to what she had done. Perhaps he would be understanding, or perhaps not. Either way, it would not change her mind.
She looked to her right. A small stack of blank paper sat atop the desk… waiting to be used…
After a few moments she made the decision to write the Girys as well. They had gone even longer without a scrap of news and she knew how worried they would be, Madame Giry in particular. She did not extend them an invitation as she did Raoul. What she had done was dangerous enough. She did not want to implicate anyone else, nor did she think it safe to have too many people around when things were still so dangerous. She knew that Erik would still be a wanted man, and though they did not reside in Paris, the hand of the law could extend as far as it wished. They needed to be able to leave where they were at a moment's notice. It was not an ideal life, but it was hers for the time being and she would live it.
With a sigh, she stood up, and after walking past Erik's room and smiling at his sleeping form, she headed downstairs. She found Nadir unloading wood by the fire.
"I am for town, Nadir." She said.
Nadir eyed the letter in her hand before looking back up at her.
"Raoul." She remarked. "One for the Girys too. They are… friends of mine. Well, family really. "
"I see…" He began, seemingly concerned. "You…"
"…And before you ask… Yes. I have taken precautions. I did not use my name and I did not mention Erik or the situation."
Nadir smiled.
"Christine, allow me to post it for you." He began approached her. "I trust that you took precautions, but I don't think familiarity is a good idea in a small town like this. It may lead to unwanted questions. You've already been in to town once."
"Yes, you might be right." She looked down. "I keep forgetting that we are not quite out of danger yet. It seems silly, I know. How could I possibly forget that, given all that has happened?"
"It is not wrong to hope for such a thing. I daresay that it's even normal." He smiled.
"It isn't wrong, no. It is foolish though." She mused. "May I ask when you will be heading into town?"
"I see now harm in going now. It is afternoon; there may be less people about. Would that suit you?"
"Yes. I should like Raoul to receive this letter as soon as possible. At least… before anything else has the chance to go wrong."
"Perhaps it is time for things to take a turn for the better? I know it must feel like one thing after another for you, but… things will get better."
"Perhaps." She mused. "Although I feel as though every time I let my guard down, something goes wrong."
"Well keep it up." He smiled. "…But enjoy this peace. You have both earned it." With that he donned his coat, and made for the door. "Is there anything else you need while I am in town?"
"Perhaps just more food. I should like to start cooking more, or attempting to. We have all lived too long on pieces of fruit and bread and I think we could all use the nourishment."
He nodded.
"Done."
"Nadir?" She called as he opened the door to leave. He turned to her.
"Thank you." She said with a smile. She looked toward the stairs thoughtfully before turning back to him. "For everything." Upstairs lay Erik; safe, free, and on the road to recovery.
Nadir smiled knowingly in return.
"I will return shortly. Lock this behind me." And with that, she was left alone. She did not feel alone, though. Not now. The house was warm and Erik was with her, and for the moment, things were good. Things were great.
She missed the man upstairs and though he was resting, selfishly she wanted him awake and with her. Eagerly she climbed the stairs and entered his room.
"Wake up." She beseeched him as she approached the bed. She pushed him gently when her words did not achieve their purpose.
He grumbled and one eye squinted at her.
"How are you feeling? Will you get up and sit with me by the fire?"
"Christine…" He yawned. "Do you care for me at all?"
"What..?"
"If you did, you would let me sleep."
Christine was slightly taken aback by his curt response, and was about to speak when she saw him smirking at her, a mischievous glint in his eye.
"Now you must get up." She smiled, pushing him again.
"Must I?" He smirked again before sniffing. "But I am ill. Far too ill to sit up."
Slightly concerned, she placed the back of her hand on his forehead only to find that he was no warmer than he should be. In fact, his temperature felt normal!
"You liar!" She laughed.
"I do not have a fever, but that does not make me a liar, Christine Daae!" He replied indignantly. "Also, I think that the injuries sustained in the past few weeks more than qualify for an afternoon in bed, don't you?" He smiled.
"Perhaps… but I…"
"Perhaps…" He mocked. "Perhaps you could join me?"
She laughed as he pulled her, quite suddenly down onto the bed so that she was lying atop him.
"Ow!" He yelled out almost as suddenly, holding his chest.
"That's your own fault." She smirked, although she was still slightly worried.
"It was worth it." He cooed, pulling her into an embrace as his lips captured hers. "What an ideal way to awaken."
"I could not agree more." She smiled into his mouth before kissing him again. "Come." She pulled away slightly. "Come downstairs with me and sit by the fire. The house is empty for the time being. Would you like some tea?"
"That would be lovely, Christine." He said, sniffing again.
"Wait a moment… why is the house empty?" He asked as he sat up.
"Nadir has gone in to town." She replied, smoothing her skirts.
"Ah. For more supplies?"
"Yes. He thought it best that he go instead of I. He said that because I went last time…"
"Yes. Experience has taught me that you do not want to be recognised in this town."
Christine bit her lip. She knew that she had to mention the letters… or at least one of them, but it was a difficult thing to bring up with Erik.
"Erik?" She began as he stood up.
"Hmm?"
"That letter that I began writing to Raoul…"
"Yes…" He said quietly. He recalled reading that letter. He recalled the words just as well as he recalled the circumstances under which he had read them; Emile's cellar… The depths of despair.
He recalled believing that Christine was dead, thinking that he would be. He recalled thinking that in his wake she had chosen Raoul. Thankfully none of those had come to pass…
"Well…" She laughed nervously. "Obviously that letter is lost, but I wrote to him just now and… I've asked Nadir to post the letter for me."
Erik set his jaw and looked away before taking a breath and returning to Christine's gaze.
"Thank you for telling me." He said calmly.
"Of course." She replied uneasily. "Do you not wish to know what it said?"
"No." He was curt, but pulled her into a reassuring embrace, and placed a gentle kiss atop her head. "There is no need."
"Thank you, Erik… For finally trusting me."
"It is not in my nature." He spoke.
"I know."
"But I do… I really do. Your love is still inconceivable to me, but I trust your words."
"Why did you think me so shallow?"
"Because the rest of the world is."
"The rest of the world is foolish."
He chuckled and held her tighter.
"Thank you."
"It is the truth." She smiled.
He pulled away from her embrace slightly.
"Christine, I hope you were cautious... with your letter…"
"Yes, of course. Nadir has already lectured me about it, but of course I was."
At this, Erik laughed.
"He always was the cautious one between the two of us."
She believed that…
"It is a shame the snow is still so thick." She mused as she peered out of the window downstairs. They had decided to take tea by the fire. Although Erik's head cold and injuries still plagued him, he was finally well rested and couldn't stand to be in bed any longer than he had to be. "It might have been nice to take a wander outside, to take in some sunshine." She turned to him. "Perhaps, if this thaw lasts for a few days and you feel strong enough, we might do that?"
"Yes, I'd like that." He smiled. He stretched an arm toward her, gesturing for her to come to re-join him on the couch. "I think I would benefit from some sunshine. It has been some time."
"How did you manage before, if you don't mind my asking?" She sat down beside him and took his hand. "Being… well, being underground, that is."
He eyed her.
"Well I… tried to visit the rooftop as often as I could. Usually, I could safely bet that I wouldn't run into anyone else there. Except…"
"Except?" She questioned?
…Order your fine horses…
…
…And you always beside me…
"What?" He replied, distracted.
"You said 'except'."
"Did I?"
To this day Christine was unaware of his presence that night. There was little need to mention that now. It was a time gone by, and they had both promised not to dwell.
"I'm not sure, Christine… I wasn't thinking clearly. This head cold…" He said uneasily. "You asked me how I managed? I was ill a lot of the time. Of course, some foods possess supplements for the vitamins that sunlight provide, but they too were difficult to attain for me."
He didn't know how he had done it for so long; stayed underground. Lived in that tomb. Just the thought of it now filled him with dread. He could never go back to that; that suffocation. Whatever else happened, he would never be confined again.
"I see." She said. And then, as if reading his mind, she spoke again. "Well you won't have to return to that. You can have as much sunshine as you'd like now. You're a new person, Erik."
"A new life does not make me a new person, Christine."
"No… but it's a start."
"Yes... perhaps."
That night, Nadir returned with enough food for a decent meal; something the trio had been craving for some time.
"This is nice, isn't it?" Christine began as Nadir took to preparing vegetables. She looked to Erik who was pouring wine for the three of them. "Almost like… a normal life, now."
"Living above ground is quite abnormal for me." He remarked.
She rolled her eyes.
Nadir scoffed.
"Yes, but we are somewhat falling into a rhythm now. Just uneventful meals, uninterrupted sleeps…"
"I take your meaning." Erik said, placing his hand over hers where it lay on the counter-top. "I just wish that I could give you more."
She hugged him. Although still not able to do so without causing him to cringe from the pain, he relished it.
"You're alive and well." She smiled and kissed him. "I couldn't ask for more."
They kissed again.
"Alright, you two." Nadir began. "Either help me with this or hand me my wine."
"Sorry." Christine smiled bashfully. They had done their best not to make Nadir feel uncomfortable, but it was difficult. Finally, seemingly they were out of danger and they had their chance to simply be together. Christine couldn't speak for Erik, but she found it difficult to keep her hands to herself.
Erik handed his friend a glass.
"Here, take this, you great curmudgeon."
Nadir spun around, his eyebrow cocked.
"That's interesting, coming from you…"
Christine laughed aloud.
"Why is that interesting?" Erik replied.
"He's right." Christine laughed, rubbing his back affectionately.
"Don't you start!" He shot playfully. "Alright, alright… everyone." He began, taking his glass in hand. "Shall we have a toast?"
"Oooh, haven't we become social?" Nadir jeered, complying and raising his glass. Erik ignored him.
"To friendship." Christine smiled, doing the same. She glanced at Erik who was eyeing her warmly.
"…And other things." He said.
"And other things." She repeated.
They enjoyed their dinner together. Their first, proper meal in who knew how long. The night was filled with wine, love, and laughter, and all the while Erik could not help but feel terribly in place. Weeks ago he would never have conceived himself to be so comfortable in a situation such as this, but as he was sitting by the fire, a glass of wine in his hand, Christine gently, absentmindedly caressing his neck beneath his collar, sharing stories and laughter, and actually being enjoyed by the people around him he could help but feel that it was where he belonged. At that moment, he was exactly where he was meant to be. It was glorious.
The night ended just as he would have hoped. Both slightly inebriated, warmed by both the claret liquid and the fire, he and Christine climbed into their bed and fell asleep in the arms of one another.
Each morning, Erik awoke feeling a little less sore, a little more comfortable. Each day he awoke with the same smile on his face, knowing who was next to him, knowing that she would wake up and love him.
Days passed with sweet, simple mundanity.
As Raoul sat down to open the letter addressed to him, he thought he recognised the penmanship. He had seldom seen Christine's handwriting, but the familiarly rounded and embellished curves on his name caused his stomach to drop.
As he opened the letter and read, the feeling remained. He brought his hand to his mouth, inhaling steeply as he read the phrase 'Little Lotte', allowing the piece of paper to fall from his hand and flutter to the carpeted ground beneath him.
"Christine…" He managed. He was thankful to whatever voice urged him to sit down before reading the letter, for he was now feeling quite faint.
She was safe. He was slightly disappointed to read that she and Erik were still together, but, telling himself that that was a selfish notion, he pushed it to the back of his mind. The words he couldn't quit wrap his mind around were those near the end;
'There is so much that needs to be said… I would see you…' The words teemed with possibility, and though he had previously resigned himself to the acceptance of her choice, he missed her terribly and could not help but hope.
Of course he would go to her, if only for a chance to see her again, to hear her voice again. No doubt days had already passed since she had penned this letter; too much time had already been wasted. His mind racing, Raoul stood up and left the room. Taking little more than a jacket as he swept past his perplexed staff, he left…
This time had been what Erik had always wanted, just to live his days with Christine in peace, to enjoy her company and simply be in her presence. Erik's wounds and bruises were healing well, even his gunshot wound and injured rib were beginning to trouble him less. He knew that his recovery would be a long road, but not living through constant pain was marvellous.
Nadir had travelled into town once more and Erik and Christine had been able to stroll outside during the thaw. Of course, it was short lived. Neither of them were equipped with suitable clothing and after a few minutes of shivering, and laughing at themselves for undertaking such a thing, they returned inside, taking their usual place by the fire.
"Perhaps another week and you'll be able to play music again?" Christine began hopefully, getting up and standing with her back to the fire.
"Careful of your dress, Christine." He warned, pulling her back slightly. "I don't know. I need to raise my left arm for the violin, and I cannot just yet. It may be a while."
She sighed.
"It seems an eternity since I have heard music."
"It seems an eternity since I have played it."
"Soon." She smiled.
"Soon."
She stared at the man before her. The flames from the hearth had illuminated his mask in a warm, and inviting way; no longer was it the cold, stark, insentient object associated with a man shrouded in mystery.
The highlights were almost glowing in the firelight, contrasting dramatically with the shadows that enveloped them. He had begun to wear it again. While he had been ill it had been too irritating, but he was, as he put it; 'feeling himself again.' Seemingly it had not affected his personality as it used to, so Christine did not see a problem with it. Yes, she wished he wouldn't wear it, and while he was aware of the fact, after all they had gone through it was the least of her worries. She smiled at him as he sat before her, finding no shame in staring at her fiancé; drinking him in. God, she loved him.
He smiled back, but his mind was no doubt on other things.
"Speaking of music…" She began, now feeling playful… even amorous. "I am still waiting for those lessons I was promised."
"Yes, well… Since then I have been slightly preoccupied." He smirked.
"Yes but, we do have a lot of free time now…" She purred.
"Yes but the circumstances here are not ideal to begin, I think we ought to wait…"
"Perhaps I could coax you." She interrupted, sitting on his lap and gently removing his mask.
"Uh, Christine…" He brought his hand up to cover his face. "I don't see how this is conducive to…"
She removed his hand, moving in and kissing him deeply before he could finish.
"It- it's not a matter of coaxing, I…"
She did it again.
He eyed her, his brow furrowed slightly. He did not attempt to speak again as she placed a kiss behind his ear, smiling as she heard him exhale beneath her.
"If you… truly want lessons, then I shall give them to you." He breathed. "Do you truly want them now?"
"Not truly…" She whispered, meeting his gaze. "I was just torturing you." She smiled.
He smiled in return before taking charge; hastily capturing her mouth.
"Wait, wait…" She began, pulling away. Immediately Erik began doubting himself. Had he done something wrong? Gotten too comfortable? He watched her intently as she stared at an obscure spot on the floor. He followed her gaze before looking back to her to see her pulling a rather unceremonious expression. Then, she sneezed.
"Sorry." She said, looking slightly embarrassed.
Unsure of why she was apologising, Erik smiled.
"You are adorable, Christine Daae."
"What? I just sneezed, and no doubt pulled the least attractive expression imaginable."
"Christine, there is not a time nor place that could make me not want to look on you."
"Well… you didn't say 'bless you'." She remarked, sniffing.
"Oh. Apologies. I've never had to say it before… Gesundheit." He smiled, stroking her hair gently. "I wonder, have you caught my head cold? Or perhaps it was our little jaunt outside." He sighed. "We should never have gone."
"Erik." She stated. "You are worrying too much! It might be nothing."
"Yes." He smiled uneasily, turning his gaze toward the hearth before them. "Yes, I'm sure you are right."
"Now…" She began, gently pulling his face toward hers once more. "Where were we?" She placed a hand on his cheek, caressing it as she drew closer.
Erik smiled and closed the gap, gently capturing her lips again.
Suddenly, a gush of icy wind blew through them as the front door lurched open.
"Daroga!" Erik yelled, frustrated.
"Opera Ghost!" Nadir retorted with a smirk as he closed the door behind him.
"Wha… What is that?" Erik began, both confused and outraged. "What are you doing?!"
"Well, careers, correct? Job titles? Is that the theme? I was the Daroga, you were the Opera Ghost…"
"Oh, very clever." Erik shot, folding his arms.
"Stop sulking and help me with this."
"Aren't you even going to apologise for interrupting?" Erik asked, reluctantly obliging.
"Yes, I am." He turned to Christine, who was still sitting on the couch attempting to mask the fact that she was thoroughly amused. "Christine, I apologise."
She looked to Erik to see him rolling his eyes before glancing at her, the corner of his mouth upturned in a smile.
Again, there was a knock at the door.
"Oh, who could it be now?!" Erik cried, now thoroughly annoyed.
"No, Erik." Nadir looked at his friend. "Really… who could it be?" His glance shifted to Christine. He brought his finger to his lips; a gesture to remain silent.
Erik froze. Panic set in, but he looked to Christine to see that she was not quite as concerned as he was. She looked nervous, yes… But she was not staring at the door, she was staring at him.
"Erik, I'm sorry… I neglected to tell you that…"
"What?" He whispered harshly, silently approaching her. "You neglected to tell me what?"
Knock. Knock. Knock.
"The letter that I told you about… I needed to speak with him in person, so…"
"'Him'?" Erik rounded on her. "Please do not confirm my suspicions. If you have invited someone here behind my back, then I will not happy. If I open that door and the person standing there is who I think it is, it will not end well!"
"Don't threaten me!" She spat.
"Christine…" Nadir began. "Have you brought someone here? Surely you are aware of the dangers…"
Knock. Knock. Knock.
"Chri- Little Lotte?" A familiar voice sounded from behind the door. "Little Lotte, are you there? I received your letter…"
"IT IS HIM!" Erik sneered, again in a harsh whisper. "Why is he calling you that?!"
"I had to use it as a pseudonym!"
Knock. Knock. Knock.
"Chri- Little Lotte, it is me… are you there?"
"Are you alone?" She finally called back.
"What are you doing?!" Erik spat.
"Thank God… Yes… of course!" Raoul replied. "I've been so worried!"
"You want me to leave him out there in the cold?!"
"Yes!"
Ignoring Erik, she marched to the door and opened it…
Oooh!
