Christine was rather proud of herself, all of her prep for tonight had finally paid off. This dinner party was going to have more than enough food for everyone, if nothing else could be said about it.
She wasn't as excited as she had intially been. Not even remotely. Her father was the reason she was in this situation and she hadn't seen Raoul properly in a long time. She wasn't sure she could connect with him as easily as she had in the past.
Yet at the same time, maybe she was simply worrying over nothing in regards to Raoul. Maybe the passage of time wouldn't actually mean anything.
After all, she and Meg were still getting to know each other- but the woman always brightened her day despite this. Maybe all that really mattered was that the time spent together was enjoyable. She could only hope so.
She only knew that the guests were arriving when a striking woman in red entered the room. She was oddly beautiful, despite being older.
Though, it was clear that she didn't think much of her from the expression on her face. She would have to try anyway, as she needed to be a polite hostess.
"Hello, I'm Christine." She informed, holding out a hand. The smile on her face was uncertain.
The woman's expression became disgusted and long suffering all at once. She raised a hand and took her own, giving it a dainty shake. She let go quickly, wiping it on her skirt.
"Carlotta." The woman returned shortly, looking out the window. She seemed as if she would rather be anywhere but here, in this room with her.
Christine took it in stride and turned her attention elsewhere. Despite ignoring each other, it was hard to deny the tension in the room.
She could only assume that Carlotta had no choice but to come along. She could almost pity her. The keyword being almost.
Meg's arrival was a welcome distraction. They chatted and giggled for awhile.
It was something that seemed to annoy Carlotta. Carlotta's annoyance brought out a side of Meg that Christine had never seen.
Not only was the blonde a big ball of sunshine, but she was also a big ball of sass. She was not proud to admit that she laughed more at her remarks than anything else lately.
She couldn't help it. The expression on Carlotta's face had made it more than worth it. Her cheeks had turned as red as her dress and lipstick. Truly, red was her color.
Their fun was interrupted when two men entered the kitchen unexpectedly. They were instantly recognizable to her, though the other women were confused.
"Raoul!" Christine blurted, surprised by the sheer joy that had welled up inside of her.
She skittered across the room and threw her arms around him. Raoul grunted lightly but returned her hug nevertheless, a chuckle rumbling in his chest.
He pulled away almost reluctantly a few minutes later, brushing a strand of hair out of her face. She offered him a radiant smile as she gazed up at him.
"It's been awhile, Christine. You look good.. real good." He murmured, though a bit of shock colored his tone.
Why would that be so surprising? She just married someone. It wasn't like she'd done anything overtly dangerous. She opted not to question it.
"Thank you..." Christine uttered softly, almost shyly. She couldn't help it. It was just easy for her to become flustered.
Even Erik could tell someone that.
She turned to introduce him to Meg, something he seemed happy enough to go along with.
She heard her papa slink out of the kitchen, probably unsure what to do with himself. She could only bring herself to care a little bit. Maybe the guilt would be worse later, but that was a problem for then.
Soon enough, she had everything laid out on the dining room table. It had taken awhile but it definitely hadn't felt like it. Between Raoul and Meg, time had flown by.
"Dinner is ready!" She called into the living room, giggling slightly afterward.
Christine couldn't help it because Raoul had embraced from behind, planting a kiss against her cheek.
"I'm glad. The smell was driving me crazy. It looks good." Raoul drawled almost playfully.
Nadir, her papa and the unknown male were kind enough to ignore the scene as the filed in to take their seats.
Unfortunately, her husband wasn't.
She found herself staring into pools of burning, molten gold. She was struck immediately by guilt even if she didn't love him. She married him. She shouldn't be behaving in such a way with another man.
However, his anger didn't seem directed at her. He seemed more put out with Raoul as his gaze flicked to him.
"de Chagny! Kindly get the fuck off my wife and come with me. We have something to discuss before we eat." Erik demanded harshly, a snarl settling on his lips.
Christine tried to find her voice, wanting to tell him that it wasn't a big deal. Nor was it what it looked like. But in the face of his rage, she couldn't bring herself to do so.
She didn't truly know what sort of man he was. Would he strike her if she were to cross him? She had no clue. It was safer to remain silent.
Raoul stiffened behind her but he let her go reluctantly. Though his movements had been slow, as if trying to challenge her husband. He ignored her as he exited the kitchen.
Meg stood and muttered something soothing as she lead her to her correct seat. It would've been more comforting if she didn't look so worried herself.
Erik turned on heel as soon as Raoul complied with his demand. He didn't even look back at him as he opened the front door.
He walked through it and threw himself down in one of the chairs on the porch. He pulled out a pack of cigarettes, holding it while he struggled to get his lighter out.
Once he had, he pulled out a cigarette and rested it in his mouth while he lit it.
He put the pack back and inhaled deeply, smirking when the boy groaned in annoyance.
He so loved getting him worked up. It was proof that he had more control over the younger man than he ever would over him.
"So? Are we going to talk or are you just going to smoke?" Raoul demanded, taking the other chair. An annoyed grunt left him as he did so.
"Yeah. We're going to talk. Well I am. You're going to listen, boy." Erik informed, standing. He closed the distance between them and leaned over the chair.
Since he was blocking the outside world's view of what he was doing, he confidently wrapped his hand around Raoul's throat.
He gave a squeeze and exhaled some smoke into his face when his eyes widened. He could only chuckle to himself when the other male gagged.
"I don't mind you being friends with Christine. I'm not going to stop you. You can spend time with her even." Erik started, trailing off tauntingly.
He needed to be sure that her was listening, after all. Raoul clawed at his wrist, tugging at it. But he was maintaining eye contact. He would just have to take that as a good sign.
"But. There's a but. If I ever see you in such a position with my wife again there will be consequences. If you ever dare to get intimate with her, I will ruin you in such a way that no woman will ever want you." Erik snarled, letting go and jerking his arm away.
Erik headed inside, leaving Raoul gasping and spluttering as he tried to collect himself.