Christine had never been happier, her life had turned drastically since meeting Erik, and now that he had accepted her love for him, life was even better. They constantly took long walks through his gardens, Christine sharing her life stories with him and happier times with her father, Gustave Daae. Erik knew how hard it was for Christine when she lost her father, often at night while she was still at the opera house he would hear her crying for her father. He could not bear his angel crying, and had always been there to comfort her. Most days after their walks he would bring her into the music room, where together they would practice. Christine loved the fact that she was able to see him now when he instructed her on singing. Erik showed her how to use her diaphragm properly, and succeeded in helping her raise her pitch. She was becoming a better singer by the days, and longed for nothing more but to return to the stage, this time with Erik at her side.

The day was beautiful, and Erik had asked Christine to accompany him on a walk through the grounds. Now they were both sitting on a blanket, a picnic basket resting near they while the snow surrounded them. The sun was out and was warming their chilly bones. Erik watched as Christine spoke lividly about the opera, saying she missed singing in front of crowds and hoped to one day return to the stage. Christine noticed Erik was in a dream like state and asked what he was thinking.

He smiled, bringing sudden warmth to Christine's heart. "I agree with you returning to the stage" he told her.

She smiled and grasped his hand; his stroked her hand with his thumb, making idle circles.

Christine moved closer to him on the blanket, he opened his arms and brought her close to his chest. He turned and retrieved a blanket out of the picnic basket, covering them both. She snuggled deeper into his chest, savoring in the nearness of him. He rested his chin upon her head, causing a giggle from Christine. He glanced down in her direction, amusement written across his face.

"Now what do you find funny?" he asked her, stroking her arm in the process.

"Us!" she replied happily. Not fully understanding her exclamations he asked what she meant.

"You and I sitting in the snow, comfortable with each other, acting like a couple of school children with an infatuation". He laughed into her hair, "One more thing though" she added.

"What would that be" he asked her.

"You and I are happy" she said while kissing his hand.

Erik smiled at her words, yes they were both happy. For the first time in his years, he was truly happy.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Weeks were passing since Christine had left him and Raoul De Changy, was not a pleasant man. How could she have left him! He was a Vicomte, he was wealthy… he had everything and more. Nothing that monster could ever provide for Christine. He sighed and ran a hand through his blonde hair, yes he could have any woman he wanted… but he wanted Christine. She had said she wanted him, and now was at the hands of that… that thing. Not to worry though, he thought to himself. He was planning on taking Christine back. He knew once she saw him again, she would not even think twice of the Phantom. He thought through his plans again. That monster would never know what hit him. He laughed in his study, not much longer and he would have Christine back. He just had to wait for the perfect time.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Nerves wracked Christine as she smoothed down her dress for the millionth time, today she was meeting with Antoinette and Meg Giry. Erik had wanted to surprise Christine by having Meg and Antoinette come to his manor, knowing Antoinette personally; Erik had written a letter expressing his welcome to his home. He had surprised Christine with the note from Meg, expressing how excited she was to come see her new friend. Christine had basically tackled Erik with her happiness; she had missed Meg so much. Maryanne rushed into Christine's chambers moments later.

"Madam, a very animated young blonde is here to see you"

Christine squealed with delight and ran to hug the maid, bouncing with excitement.

"Excuse me" she told Maryanne and ran the length of the stairs. At the bottom was an open mouthed Meg, gawking at the large manor Erik owned.

"Meg!"

She was embraced by her young friend moments later, both talking so fast neither one had a clue what the other had said. It didn't matter though; Christine's best friend was here with her.

Madam Giry walked in a moment later with two small suitcases" she smiled as she saw the girls in a happy embrace.

"Seems as a certain daughter of mine left me to deal with her luggage" She said sternly but with amusement in her eyes.

Meg laughed at her mother and walked with Christine to embrace the older woman.

"It's so good to see you Christine" Madam Giry said. "Let me take a good look at you". She surveyed Christine for a moment in a motherly fashion, after a moment of surveillance she smiled "It seems our dear phantom knows how to take care of you".

Christine blushed at her words and opened her mouth to speak when she was cut off by a familiar voice.

"Of course I can take care of her" Erik said, coming up behind the group. "Taking care of myself is sometimes a problem though" he added with a laugh.

Antoinette looked at the man in front of her.

"Why Erik Destler, you have changed" she said in a tone she would use for her ballet rats.

He raised an amused eyebrow "How is that?" he asked her.

She laughed as she walked over to her old friend; he lifted her hand and kissed it.

"I have never known you to laugh" she said in an amused fashion.

Erik laughed and took Christine by the hand, without breaking contact with Christine's eyes he told her "I have something to smile about these days".

Christine felt her cheeks turn hot and turned to look at her friend. Meg was eyeing Erik in an unsure way, she knew of what this man was capable of and was not certain if he was truly safe yet. Christine noticed her unease and introduced Meg to Erik.

"Mademoiselle" Erik murmured while kissing her hand as well. Meg curtsied and turned to look at her mother. Her mother encouraged her to speak to this man.

"Thank you for inviting us to your home" she told him meekly.

Erik laughed, "Meg you have nothing to fear being in this house. I promise you I will not pull a Punjab lasso out on you". Meg squeaked in slight fear and turned at the sound of a voice.

"Now with that kind of attitude Erik, you may as well scared the poor woman". They all turned to see Nadir, accompanied by Maryanne.

Erik groaned at his friends remark "I meant that in best interest" he informed the annoying Persian.

Nadir raised a sculpted eyebrow "Of course you did" he said in a teasing tone.

"Now" Nadir said with a clap of his hands. "Who would like tea?"

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Hours later, Meg and Christine held their sides from laughing so hard. Nadir managed to hold on to his second tea cup, and Maryanne muttered a curse as she threw the remnants of the first cup away. Apparently Erik had amused them with a story of his in Persia. Still unsure of what he said, he turned to Christine who had tears in her eyes from her laughing fit.

He smiled a wry smile and asked what he said.

Everyone turned to look at him and broke into a fit of laughs again, feeling slightly confused Erik joined in their laughing. He didn't think stepping through elephant's feces was that funny…. But he enjoyed the laughter and soon found he was enjoying this new life so much more.

Concerning the elephant feces, I saw a show where the guy had walked through it unknowingly and it amused me… probably more than it should have lol. I thought the sophisticated Erik walking through such a thing would be as funny. He's obviously enjoying himself with all of them, and I wanted all of them to be comfortable around him as soon a possible. Erik telling an amusing story seemed to work… although he didn't realize it was amusing. Thanks for the reviews!