Sorry for the delay my dears- this is a busy time of year, but to make up for my lateness I give you the first taste of EC fluff
Thank you to my lovely reviewers :)
Hope you guys all had a great Christmas.
Erik's Question
Raoul stared at the door which had just been slammed shut behind Erik.
"Do not mind him monsieur" Charles broke the awkward silence left in the Phantom's wake. "The poor boy's been through an awful lot in his life but there are very few people I trust more than him. I… I wouldn't be surprised if my Christine didn't hold a candle for him"
"He seems a little dangerous if you ask me" Raoul retorted, going off his experience of the Phantom. "Angry"
"An artistic temperament is nothing to worry about" Charles laughed. "I have known Erik for years- since he and Christine were children"
"You seem fond of him" Raoul sniffed
"He has brought my daughter greatness." Charles shrugged. "He has more than repaid me"
"Repaid you sir?"
There was no request that Raoul use his future Father in Law's first name. "Yes"
"You are doing very well Cherie" Erik favoured Christine a small smile, enjoying the blush which rose up prettily in her cheeks. He surreptitiously fingered the small box in his pocket
"Is something wrong, Erik?" Christine frowned taking a sip of the water which was always present during their lessons. "You're staring at me"
Erik's visible cheek lit up. "Do excuse me mademoiselle"
"Erik we've known each other since I was seven; you never call me mademoiselle unless something's bothering you, what is it?"
"I- I spoke you your father earlier Christine" He told her. "About the Bal Masque on New Year's Eve"
"Yes?" Christine nodded. As Prima Donna she was expected to be there. "Go on"
"I was wondering if you would do me the honour of accompanying me to the ball"
"Of course" she smiled.
"I was also hoping that you…" He'd never done anything like this before. "Would permit me to court you"
"What?" she hadn't been expecting that!
"Christine I may be hideous under this mask but I do love you; allow me to court you, please"
Christine laughed only to cease immediately when Erik's face fell. "Oh Erik, you silly man- of course you can court me. I doubt my father would allow anyone but you near me"
Erik kissed her.
It wasn't perfect as first kisses were supposed to be, it was a kiss of little experience but it was sweet. Christine returned the kiss without hesitation and was just about to deepen it when Erik's innate sense of propriety kicked in; he pulled away and swallowed.
"Well then Christine, the choice is yours; do we continue our lesson or go and tell your father about us?"
Oh dear I don't think Charles likes Raoul very much; or that Raoul will like this new development
Let me know what you think and I'll be updating very very soon