Sweet Seduction
Chapter Five: An Evening to Remember-Part One
A/N: Okay, obviously this chap is a two-parter. It wasn't origanally intended to be, but it got so long I had to split it into two chaps. Let me know WHEN YOU REVIEW if I went a little overboard with the details and descriptions, oh, and if any Wicked fans reading this can spot the shamefully obvious line from Wicked that I threw in the dialogue.
Okay, enjoy
Disclaimer: I do not own the Phantom of the Opera. But I DO own The Producers! No wait, that's Mel Brooks...
Christine sat in front of the small mirror in her bedroom, rearranging her hair for at least the tenth time. She was so looking forward to tonight, and almost as excited and giddy as a little girl. Erik was absolutely amazing. This afternoon, she was feeling almost more miserable than ever. Even Erik's little mishap with the peppermints yesterday hadn't cheered her up. She missed the Opera House. She missed talking to Meg and the other ballet girls at rehearsals. She missed the fun and anticipation of dressing and preparing for the performance and the chaos backstage during the shows. She missed the thrill and energy of singing for the thousands of audience members. She even missed Madame Giry's sharp scoldings about her dancing and posture! It wasn't that she didn't like her life here with Erik. She'd probably be on the streets if it weren't for his kindness, for she couldn't sing at a rival opera. It was an unspoken rule that leading ladies or the "Prima Donnas" only sang for one opera company, since rivaling companies would never accept a "Prima Donna" from their competitor. So, it was so fortunate that Erik was letting her stay here. She didn't want him to think she wasn't grateful, or that she was unhappy, so she forced a smile and pleasant attitude when he was around, hiding her feelings.
But, this morning, when she knew Erik was out running an errand and she was all alone, she couldn't hold her tears in any longer. She had fallen onto the sofa and cried and cried. She cried until she thought that she had used up all her tears and then she found she still had many more to shed. Just at that moment, Erik returned from his errand and found her sprawled out on the sofa, her head buried in the cushions, sobbing. He was immediately concerned something was wrong, but she waved off his concerns, shaking her head. She couldn't stop crying. Eventually, he just moved over closer to her and held her against him while the sobs racked her small body, crying into his shirt while he stroked her hair and wondered what she was so upset about. Eventually, she calmed down enough to speak again. He gently tilted her head up towards his
"All finished now?"
She nodded, feeling like a small child
"Good. So, would you like to tell me what's wrong?"
And, finally, she did. She told him how much she missed Meg and Mme. Giry and all her friends. How she missed the performances and singing and everything she loved. And, she was worried. She hadn't heard from anyone after the fire and she thought she must be worrying them horridly. No one knew where she was. They might think she was hurt, or sick, or even dead.
Erik realized with a start that nothing was seriously wrong with Christine, which was a great relief. She was simply homesick and missed her friends and depressed. He had too admit, he had been feeling a little melancholy lately too. Maybe they both needed to get out, just this once and have some fun.
Suddenly, he had a great idea. After comforting Christine a little bit more, he had rushed off with another important "errand" he'd forgotten, leaving Christine to wonder what he was up to. He came back and said nothing the rest of the day, until an hour before dinnertime, he told Christine to change out of her house clothes and find the fanciest dress she owned to wear because they were spending an evening out. She was a bit surprised, but whatever he had in mind, it must be wonderful. And that explained why she was so excited about tonight. She loved surprises, but she wished she knew what Erik was doing or where they were going! They were hundreds of different things she could do with her hair, but she wouldn't know how to fix it since she had no idea how formal it needed to look. Finally, she just decided to give up, pulling a small section of curls back with a glimmering barrette and leaving the rest of her hair in curly waves down around her shoulders. She eyed herself in the mirror, deciding approvingly she didn't look that bad. Maybe just a touch of rogue...
Erik knocked at the door softly
"Christine? Are you ready?"
"Almost there, just putting on the finishing touches"
"May I come in?"
"One moment"
Fluffing out her hair one last time and smoothing down her skirt, she sighed, deciding she was finally ready. She walked over to the door, letting Erik in.
Erik's jaw practically hit the floor when he saw her. She looked absolutely stunning, in a sleeveless red dress that clung to her corseted waist tightly. The layers of thin gauze material that formed her skirt were beautiful, offering the tiniest glimpse of the silhouette of her shapely legs when the light was just right. The dresses train dragged the floor behind her, moving like a small, flowing red river as she walked. Her curly hair was beautifully arranged down around her bare shoulders, and she wore the faintest touch of rogue, bringing out the natural beauty in her flawless skin. He was speechless.
She bit her lip
"You don't like it, do you? Oh, I knew I shouldn't have worn this. It looks awful."
He shook his head, regaining his sense of speech
"Awful? Are you joking? You look utterly gorgeous. I don't... I can't even describe... I don't think I've ever seen anyone look more beautiful. You're perfect."
She smiled "Merci, monsieur. You are too kind. And I must say, you certainly look handsome yourself, monsieur Phantom"
Indeed he did. Attired in his sleek black evening suit with a red rose as his corsage, a wristwatch glittering from beneath his sleeve,his slicked back hair, and the light gleaming off his new white porcelain mask, he looked like a vision of elegance and wealth. He truly looked stunning.
She still had some doubts as she slipped into her high, sparkling red heels and pulled on her white,soft elbow length gloves
"But, Erik, are you sure this is appropriate for what we're doing?"
He nodded "Yes, you have certainly chosen the right ensemble for what awaits us this evening, mademoiselle. Brava"
She smiled coyly "You know, it would have been easier to make the choice if I knew what we were doing"
He chuckled "Oh no you don't! You are not going to force it out of me this early. Besides, why would you want to ruin the surprise?"
She smiled "All right, I promise I'll be a good little girl. But can I at least have a hint?" she pleaded
He shook his head firmly "Absolutely not. This is a surprise"
She shut the door as they both came out into the main room. Erik helped her into her coat, which was unusually heavy for the season. She shrugged it off
"Oh, Erik, this is so heavy for this time of year. It's nearly spring! Wouldn't a shawl be more suitable?"
He shook his head "No, trust me Christine, you are going to be needing that."
She wondered what he could possibly have in mind as he helped her back into it before adjusting his own cloak and hat. He checked his watch and smiled
"Right on time. All right my dear, uh, can you make it down the steps in those heels?"
She smiled playfully at him tossing her curls "Erik, we women were born for these kind of perilous tasks. It shan't be any trouble"
He had to admit, she did have natural poise to climb down four flights of stairs that led from their apartment to the ground floor in a long-trained dress and heels. How were women able to do that?Oh well, nature's mystery. He'd waste his time pondering over those insignificant questions later. Right now, he had bigger and better plans. Here we are Christine" he said, opening the door for her to enter the streets of Paris "Your carriage awaits"
She gasped in awe and excitement, having no idea he meant that literally. Parked on the pavement in front of them was a grand carriage, larger than any she'd ever seen and much more ornately detailed than the simple ones at the Opera House, pulled by two beautiful, strong chestnut mares. Christine turned around to Erik excitedly as he laughed at her childlike wonder.
"I had a feeling you'd like it"
Suddenly, she ran up to him and hugged him tightly, squealing with delight
"Oh, Erik, is this the surprise? Oh, this is wonderful! Thank you ever so much!"
He pretended to be shocked "This measly thing? The surprise. Oh, Christine, you insult me. This is merely the method of transportation"
She was speechless, dividing her time between starring at him and the carriage as he smiled at her childlike wonder. He finally assisted her up into the carriage before pulling himself in, shutting the door tightly behind them and nodding to the driver. He pulled the warm fur blanket onto both of their laps, feeling Christine's small body instinctively snuggling up against his. She hesitated for the briefest moment, before gently laying her head on his shoulder as he held back a sigh of content.
"Oh, Erik, this is perfect. You are so marvelous. I couldn't have imagined anything better than this"
He rolled his eyes "Well one needs adequate transportation if one would just happen to be dining at...oh, what's that little place called? I believe... La Petite Auberge." he said innocently
That got Christine's attention. She snapped her head off his shoulder looking at him
"Are you serious?"
"Would I lie?"
"Oh my goodness, Erik, we're dining at La Petite Auberge! That's the crème de la crème of Paris restaurants! I've always wanted to go there! But, however did you come across the reservations?"
He smiled mysteriously at her "I have my ways"
She was too delighted to wonder how on Earth he'd gotten reservations or paid for them. She was too fascinated with the glorious sight in front of her. The restaurant stretched almost a city block and had obviously spared no expense in their detailed architecture or illumination. She could see well dressed couples making a entrance as their carriage pulled up. Christine couldn't believe this was really happening to her. Erik stepped out of the carriage once it came to a stop, holding out his arm to assist Christine out of the carriage. She nervously patted her hair down again on top, and adjusted the bodice of her dress a bit.
Erik smiled at her " Don't tell me the Prima Donna of Paris is nervous?" he asked tauntingly
She sighed "Yes. A little"
Finally, she took his arm as he escorted her out of the carriage. She was tempted to glance back as the carriage sped off, but she fought the urge. This was such a fancy restaurant. She hadn't really paid attention to etiquette lessons that much, nor had the reasons or opportunities to need them. What if she made a fool of herself in here?
Erik was amazed that for once, the social status had changed. He was the self-assured, confident person for once, and Christine was the skittish, awkward person for a change. He'd never seen her this shy or nervous before.
"Relax" he whispered in her ear as they approached the grand double doors "It's just a restaurant. Eat, pay, leave, that's all there is to it"
She smiled "I know, I've just never been somewhere like this before. We never ate at restaurants in the ballet"
"Right, I went to restaurants all the time when I wasn't busy being the Phantom of the Opera" he said sarcastically
" I know, I'm just being foolish. But, Erik, all those people are starring at me. Did I not dress appropriately? Is the bodice too..." she broke off, embarrassed. She was about too say "low" when she realized how absurd that sounded when she was asking a man for once instead of Meg or her friends.
He squeezed her arm encouragingly "The bodice is fine, the dress is fabulous, your hair is gorgeous, you're overall beautiful and those women are simply jealous of your perfection. Any other questions?"
She shook her head. Erik always knew how to calm her nerves
"Do you have reservations?" the old man behind a registration desk asked (a pointless and obvious question, for why would one bother coming here if they didn't?).
" Monsieur Erik Destler and Mademoiselle Christine Daae, table for two"
Ahh Christine thought so he does have a surname. I was wondering
The old man peered above his spectacles at the two of them "Daae, you said? Mlle. Christine Daae, the opera singer?"
She blushed furiously as Erik nodded
"Well, this is certainly a delight mademoiselle, to see you still among the living. I quite admired your singing, but I thought you had mysteriously disappeared after that last performance, according to the papers" he trailed off suspiciously, glaring at Erik
Perfect Erik thought Just bloody perfect. He had been hoping they could enter discreetly without any recognition from Christine's admirers or the press. Apparently not if this old geiser had anything to say about it.
Before he could say anything, Christine cut him off
"Well, monsieur, thank you for the compliment, but you shouldn't believe everything you read. I'm quite well,but, would you do me a personal favor?" she asked batting her eyelashes
He nodded "Anything for you, mademoiselle"
"Could you not tell anyone we're here, please? We were just hoping to have a quiet evening away from the press or any fans. I'm sure you can imagine how exhausting it must be"
He nodded "Not a word, mademoiselle, not a word"
She flashed him a grateful smile as they went in "Merci, monsieur"
Erik was stunned. He was about to warn her that they really shouldn't be seen a lot, since people were still marveling over her disappearance and the Phantom, but apparently, she felt the same way he did.
He watched her reaction as they entered, feeling a similar rush of awe and excitement at the brilliantly designed and exquisite restaurant. It truly was breathtaking and had a majestic sort of presence even comparable to the Opera House with four stories and beautifully set tables. The place was alive with the soft hum of chatter and laughter from the diners, dressed in all their exquisite finery glittering under the crystal chandeliers while string quartets played quietly in the background. Christine gasped
"Oh Erik, this is so much more beautiful than I ever imagined. Thank you"
At that moment, a unformed server approached them
"Madame, monsieur"
"Mademoiselle" Erik corrected quickly, knowing Christine was blushing without even looking over at her
"My apologies then. Mademoiselle, Monsieur, welcome to La Petite Auberge. We hope you shall enjoy your dining expierence here tonight. Allow me to show you to your seats"
Christine could hardly contain her excitement as she followed Erik up the two flights of stairs to their table. When they were finally seated, she looked at Erik, surprised to see that he was starring at something behind her. She turned around, and was quite shocked to see two men sitting at a table in a far corner of the restaurant. The shock was that while one man was only average in looks and physical stature, the man across from him looked exactly like Raoul. No, it can't be him Christine thought quickly it's just my imagination again. But, if it's only my imagination, then why is Erik starring at him too? She thought uneasily
"Erik?" she said
He forced his attention to Christine, who was looking at him oddly
"Oh, I'm sorry, Christine, I thought I saw...well, never mind. So, have you decided on your entree yet?" he asked brightly
They both looked at their menus for awhile, debating over the delicious looking choices. Christine eyed the prices uneasily. Everything was very expensive, but Erik didn't seem to be bothered by that, telling her to order whatever she'd like when the waiter came to take their orders. So, she did.
It was a very pleasant evening. Christine couldn't remember having such a wonderful time with anyone before. The food was absolutely exquisite and practically melted in her mouth, but she enjoyed her conversations with Erik even more. They laughed over fond memories of the Opera House and her singing lessons and recalled wonderful experiences they'd shared. Christine even shared a few of her father's fairy tales she recalled fondly from her childhood. While they were both enjoying their delicious chocolate deserts, Erik reached across the table and gently took Christine's hand
"Christine?"
"Yes, Erik?"
"Are you...happy? I mean, staying with me and everything?"
"Yes, of course. You're a wonderful man, Erik."
"And your...feelings towards me haven't... changed, have they?"
"Well, I'm not sure, I mean,I suppose maybe they have. You've become a very good friend. Is that what you mean?"
"Yes I mean.. I just wanted to know how you felt. Is there anything you might still want that you make you happier"
She forced her voice to stay even and calm while answering
"No. I couldn't be happier"
Erik gave an inward sigh as he felt the slight bulge of the jewelry case in his pocket. Maybe she didn't feel the same towards him as he did towards her. Maybe he was rushing things. Maybe he was just holding onto empty hopes again.
Well, he'd never know if he didn't ask.
As the evening came to an end, he paid the check, helped Christine back into her warm coat ad escorted her back out to the carriage he had waiting. Once they were both settled inside, Christine felt her emotions overwhelm her. She truly could be happier. There was only one thing that would make her life complete right now, but she doubted Erik knew that. She doubted he even shared her feelings.
Well, she'd never know if she didn't try.
As the carriage settled into motion, she leaned over across the seat and gently draped her arms behind his neck. Before she let herself become nervous and shy again, she did it. She kissed him and instantly felt all her apprehensions and worries melt away. He didn't seem to mind, or feel awkward. Maybe he did share her feelings. She broke her lips away from his for a second, only to find him kissing her for a second time. He savored the sweet feeling of her lips on his, wanting him, needing him. He pulled off her gloves, one finger at a time, feeling the fine leather slide off her even smoother skin. She gently slid her fingers down his mask, wondering whether she could remove it or not, when she remembered what happened last time an quickly decided against it. Erik leaned back against the locked door, groaning softly with pleasure as she ran her fingers through his hair...
The driver cleared his throat rather loudly, alerting the two lovebirds that they had arrived at their destination. They broke apart, rather flustered as Christine retrieved her gloves and coat off the floor, hurriedly pulling them back on, and Erik smoothed his messy hair back into place. Christine sighed happily
"Thank you for the evening out, Erik. It was wonderful"
He looked at her
"My dear, it isn't over yet. It's just beginning"
He escorted her out of the carriage again, and she felt the cool, nipping Paris night air cutting through her thick jacket. But she forgot the cold as soon as she saw the magnificent site looming before her eyes, with Erik grasping her hand
"Erik, what are we...?"
"Come on Christine. We're going all the way to the top.
Literally"