Twisted Every Way(Phantom Of The Opera Fic)

Chapter 54:Arrival

Gustave had come without extensive long term packing, without a second letter, without confirmation. His brother needed him desperately, so he was there.

Erik had calmed down as the hours went by. This Luke meant everything to Gustave as well as Autumn. From the many words Gustave had used to describe Luke to him he knew him to be truly a son to them both.

He knew how he had felt watching Eli hanging on for dear life the worry he felt about his children. Looking into Gustaves eyes he could sense that same fear.

Fear of not having his father approve.

Erik didn't have the heart to remain mad.

Erik couldn't help but remeber the horrors Gustave had went through at Lukes age. The only thing separating him and the sea a small wooden plank. His life and fate in the hands of a madwoman.

Erik would kill for Gustave.

Gustave now jabbered on about New York, his gaze going to the nursery awaiting his brother every few moments.

Erik almost laughed aloud, smirking evilly to himself. He knew even Luke, let alone anyone in New York had no time to notice a strange man with a mask. All New Yorker's wore a Mask, a mask of lies and poker faces. He could easily follow any one of these people to their homes and have endless entertainment for weeks! Oh, the pranks he could play! But, Paris needed him, all that could come later.

Erik closed his eyes and in the map in his head followed the path Gustave spoke of to the apartment which he described as : "A small place, but big enough for happiness."

Now in the calm of the early afternoon, as the true daylight spread in and everyone grew happier and more awake with it, Erik could truly look at his son.

Gustave stood in front of him, talking happily, but Erik knew he looked much older and more tired. He seemed to age ten years in the last year, or as Autumn would later inform the last couple weeks.

"Father!" Gustave exclaimed pulling him into a hug. "I can't express what it means, your blessing."

Erik sighed, "No children for three years understood?"

Anabel laughed and Autumn nodded, "I'm sorry Gustave I had to agree of he wouldn't let me have you."

"We have Luke," Gustave laughed, "What or who else could we need?"

Autumn sent Christine a glance.

"I'm nervous for you. About the new baby." Gustave noted as he ran his hands through his hair, "I have this horrid feeling it's not going to be easy this time..."

Erik nodded, he knew that much.

Gustave laughed scarcely, "If I had known, about Eli- I would have- God, part of me can't stop thinking this is all my fault. That kid was my responsibility and I let him down. I just..."Gustave sighed and laughed, "I suppose I'm not making much sense."

Erik put a hand on his shoulder, "You're making perfect sense if I hadn't said what I said to Meg that day if I had held my tongue a second longer. Your mother never would have gotten hurt, and things might have been much different. But Gustave, if anyone is to blame here, It's me. I trusted him when I shouldn't have."

Christine looked away with a tired gaze, "Your father always thought you'd hold the whole incident against him."

Erik shot a betrayed look to his wife. He was unable to meet Gustaves eyes.

Gustave stared at him awestruck, "How could you ever be afraid of that?! For nearly 20 years now you have raised me perfectly in every way, on your own. I will never blame you for mothers pain, for anyone. Do not dare to blame your self for such a sin that was only committed by the one who pulled the trigger."