Erik didn't see the point in rehashing what they'd already went over. It would make Christine doubt her ability to help him or soothe him and that was the last thing he wanted.
He didn't want to make her doubt herself for any reason. As much as he hated to admit it, this meant that he couldn't tell the truth either. Lying to her would physically pain him. He knew that much for certain.
But the truth would be just as bad. She wouldn't trust him to take care of himself. She'd probably insist on dropping off his lunch and while he'd love to see her more - it would change their relationship in a horrid way.
No woman could really be happy with a man that they thought they needed to baby. Not really. No matter how maternal a woman was, that was just too much of a strain. Too much of a burden.
"I've just been busy. Incredibly busy. My employees have mucked everything up. I have angry clients to soothe. I can't risk being away too often as I'm constantly receiving calls." Erik explained, biting his puffy lower lip once more.
It wasn't a full on lie, but it wasn't the full truth either. It was a careful balance of the two. Even so, that did nothing to lessen the guilt. He liked to think that he hid it extremely well.
Though Christine could read him, she probably wouldn't assume the correct reason.
This knowledge was a relief but it also caused the twisting sensation in his guts to intensify.
Christine slowly but surely softened, straightening out and sitting up. Her expression was worried and tender all at once.
"Oh.. that makes sense. I'm sorry if it seemed like I was accusing you of something. I just missed having you around here, is all." She murmured, toying with a loose string in the blanket.
Oh God. At this point he was more than tempted to let the truth roll off of his tongue and let the pieces fall where they may. Consequences be damned.
But he swallowed down the urge. He knew it wouldn't end well. He didn't want to risk Christine giving up on him in any capacity.
She was it for him. He was fairly certain that some part of him had known that from the beginning.
"It's alright, sweetheart. I probably should've explained myself. I promise I'll try to come back for lunch a little more often. Don't want you feeling lonely." Erik murmured, holding his arms out towards her.
Christine wasted no time in throwing herself into them, nuzzling against his chest with a content hum. His eyes fluttered shut and he knotted a hand in her hair, holding her in place.
It felt like a missing piece had snapped back into place. One he hadn't even been aware was missing until this exact moment.
The silence lingered between them as he became lost in his thoughts. The longer they held each other, the less interest he had in returning to work tomorrow.
Perhaps he should follow through on his earlier idea of having some sort of vacation. Both of them could sure as hell use it.
Maybe Carlotta would be gone for good by the time that they got back.
"You know.. I think we should go on a trip. Just me and you. Anywhere you want." Erik suggested thoughtfully, pressing a kiss to the top of her head.
He pulled back after a few moments, narrowly missing getting headbutted in the jaw as Christine pulled away.
The eager expression on her face made the close call all the more worth it. Especially after the state that he'd found her in.
"I love that idea! Could we go to my home country? Please?! I think you'd really like it. It's relaxing and that's just what you need, anyway, you shouldn't be trying to push yourself the way you used to." Christine rambled excitedly.
It was hard to be annoyed by her reminder when she was so damn joyful and she meant well. She was only trying to look out for him, after all.
Christine was pleased to see that Erik kept his promise. During those few weeks before their trip, he came home for lunch every day.
It was something that improved her mood immensely. But it was nothing compared to how eager she was to start her day this morning.
They were finally flying out to Sweden later on. She couldn't wait to show Erik her old home. She hoped that he would like it as much as she did.
She hit the snooze button on the alarm clock and rolled over. She admitted Erik's sleeping, relaxed features for a few moments before she nuzzled closer.
She raised a hand to gently trace his cheekbones and jawline. He looked so much more peaceful like this. Closer to his actual age, without all the stress marring them. Sometimes she hated his employees and his clients.
He stirred but she didn't let that dissuade her. That was exactly what Christine wanted. She leaned down and gently ghosted her lips over his. She did this a few times before he groaned in the back of his throat.
His eyelashes fluttered slightly and opened to reveal his amber colored eyes. They seemed to glitter in the dim lighting of the room.
"If you're going to kiss me, do it properly, Mon Coeur." Erik uttered, his voice raspier than usual.
Before she could respond, he knotted a hand in her about and pulled her down so as to press his lips against hers with more ease. She didn't hesitate to return the kiss.
What started as simple kisses spiralled into something more than it should've. Christine wasn't complaining, though. But they needed to remain on schedule. It would ruin everything if they missed their flight.
She pulled away and Erik pouted at her, his brows furrowed as he panted faintly.
She simply giggled as she pushed herself out of his hold and off the bed. She let her hips take on more of a sway as she headed to the bathroom.
"You can still get what you want if you join me." Christine called over her shoulder, ignoring the way her cheeks heated up.
A small giggle left her when she heard a dull thump and the sounds of Erik cursing under his breath. Sometimes that man was far too easy.