Christine strung the last piece of popcorn on the strand. She held it up and frowned seeing there was about a foot left.
"It looks like I will need to make more popcorn," she sighed. However, she had been situated on the Persian rug in front of the roaring fire so long she did not want to move from its comfort.
Erik who was putting tinsel on the tree turned to look at The Soprano, "Don't worry about that, Angel. I doubt Gustave will notice that, especially if we cut it and knot it off where the popcorn ends."
"But it's our first Christmas as a family and I want it to be perfect," Christine sighed, dropping the popcorn strand.
"It is already perfect," Erik sat down on the floor beside her. "You're alive, we're married and finally a family with our son. Plus, with the gifts we have for him, that popcorn strand will go unnoticed."
"But it won't for me!" Christine went to stand up but The Angel of Music grabbed her hand.
"Going somewhere?"
"Yes! To make the damned popcorn we've been talking about."
A sly grin on his bloated lips, Erik yanked on her hand, "I think not, Christine."
She toppled back onto the rug, her skirts puffing up around her.
"Erik!" She shrieked.
He chuckled, crawling onto of her. He removed a sprig of mistletoe from his vest pocket. It was flat and slightly withered but he held it over Christine's head. "I am learning fast about Christmas traditions and I believe one is due kisses under this poisonous plant."
Christine smiled, lifting her hands to her husband's mask, "Only if I can remove this."
He nodded and she lifted it sitting it beside the popcorn strand. She then wrapped her arms around her husband's neck and lifted her head up so her lips met his. The withered plant found its way to the floor as The Phantom's hands found their way into his wife's hair and down her chest.
She pulled away, slightly breathless, "Erik! Gustave might wake up."
"I thought you locked the parlor door," distended lips skimmed down her throat.
"I did. I didn't want him walking in on the Christmas surprise," Christine arched up her body into his.
"In that case, where did I put that mistletoe?" Erik leaned back down, passionately kissing her.
The Diva lifted her legs wrapping them around her husband's behind. Lips and fingers fondled over clothing. Nimble fingers, slowly undid the buttons on Christine's top. "Does this count as a Christmas surprise?"
Christine giggled, "For you, maybe. And my dress a gift you can unwrap."
Erik finished the last button and pushed the top open exposing her corset, "I am sure I can give you something in return." He pushed his loins into her as he leaned back down and kissed her. The Diva softly moaned. The Phantom of the Opera was going to like celebrating Christmas.