They walked in a comfortable silence as Gustave looked around the different attractions and buildings on their walk. Erik smiled at his awe and curiosity and wished that he had been there for the beginning of Gustave's life. He knew that it wasn't his fault but he had missed all the major milestones of his son's life that he would never get back and a small part of him felt guilty and hurt for that. He pushed it aside and vowed that since he couldn't change the past he would be there for his son from now until he was gone from this world.
He was broke out of his thoughts when Gustave asked "Father, are you coming to France with mother and I?"
Erik hid his sad smile as he answered "No, Gustave unfortunately not. I promised your mother that I would not disrespect Raoul's memory in anyways and I couldn't stand hurting her by doing that and also by fighting and arguing with Raoul's parents. Also, Paris isn't exactly most happy with my existence."
Gustave looked at him confused and asked "How come? Isn't Paris where you practically grew up?"
Erik smiled slightly at his son and answered, "I did some bad things that weren't necessarily welcomed by France, therefore I am not welcomed there."
Gustave looked at him in shock and asked, "What did you do father?"
Erik almost winced as he answered, "I will tell you when you are older, but for now, you are not ready."
Gustave nodded knowing that his father would keep his word. They arrived at Suicide Hall and Erik smiled knowingly when he saw Antoinette there.
She smiled at him and asked, "I was wondering if I could spend the day with my two favorite boys?"
Erik smiled brightly at her and answered "Of course, you never have to ask to spend time with us. You are family, we would always be delighted to have your company." Antoinette smiled at that and even brighter when Gustave rushed over and hugged her.
She returned the hug and chuckled "Bonjour to you to Gustave."
He answered "Hello. Are you really going to be spending the day with us?"
Antoinette smiled at him and said "Of course. Who else is going to make sure that you father isn't going to get you two into trouble?"
Gustave laughed and Erik pouted "I thought you trusted me."
Antoinette smirked, "I do trust you…most of the time."
Erik tried to hold his pout but failed as he started laughing. Gustave joined and Antoinette Giry smiled at seeing Erik so happy, he deserved it after so long of being unhappy.
Erik asked, "Let's go to my secret lair shall we?" Antoinette smiled at that, she figured that Erik would have a secret place to go when he needed some time to himself; she was fairly sure that him being who he was he had more than one secret lair, but she didn't say anything.
She watched Gustave's eyes widen at that as he asked in an awed voice "You have a secret lair?"
Erik smirked and answered "Of course. An evil genius has to have somewhere to plot."
Gustave laughed at that but was still curious and excited to see his father's secret place. The three started walking through Suicide Hall towards Erik's hidden room and he smiled as Gustave babbled to Madame Giry about breakfast in bed and helping Christine and Erik plot world domination.
He waited until his son finished his story before announcing "We are there."
He stopped in front of the wall and Gustave asked, "What do you mean father?"
Erik winked at him before pushing a space on the wall and it slid open to reveal a small but cozily cluttered room behind it.