Twisted Every Way(Phantom Of The Opera Fic)

Chapter 42:Teddy Bears

Gustave returned home late that night, a sleeping sister in his arms. 

"Here Mother, my arms about to break," he had chuckled passing her over. 

Erik rushed up to him, pulling him into a hug, meaningful and secure. 

Gustave gave off a laugh, "What's this for?"

Christine gave a shrug, "He's been that way all day. I've given up trying to figure out why."

"I know about the fire Gustave," Erik said slowly once Christine had left the room with Ilios. "I know you were trying to protect him but he was just a child."

Gustave gave a sad scoff after a moments hesitation and admitted all in his trembling voice, "He's not just a child. Can't you see it? In his eyes? Father, he never would have forgiven himself."

"He still hasn't Gustave." Erik sighed, "His silence I feel is his way of punishing himself."

Gustave looked up, "How do you know?"

"I spoke to him."

"And he spoke to you?" Gustave said in surprise, "What did he say?"

"Nothing. Just he was very clear he wanted me to be aware you had no part in any of the strange happenings around here this last year." Erik stated.

"What do you mean?" Gustave asked slowly raising an eyebrow. 

"Let's just say," Erik started, patting his son's knee, "That we were too busy being ghosts to notice one in our own presence."

"I'm no ghost," Eli said softly, rubbing his eyes and entering the conversation abruptly. 

Gustave nearly fell backward off his chair in shock. "Eli you scared me!" he laughed. 

Eli looked as though he might cry at the thought of scaring anybody. 

Before the small boy could turn to run away, Gustave scooped him up into his lap and bounced him gently. 

"So you told Father huh?"

A small nod. 

"Everything?"

A nod again.

Erik gave a look to Gustave and stood up, fixed his waistcoat and spoke firmly. "I believe you two have some things to discuss."

With that he departed. 

"Eli, why?" Gustave sighed turning the boy to look at him. "It wasn't your fault don't make it your fault."

Eli stayed silent. 

"I know you understand me Eli. It was my temper that started the fire not you. I'm supposed to protect you. Me! Not you protecting me with some story."

Eli gave no reply, just rested his head against Gustave's chest and gave a heavy sigh. 

"Eli I can't think of any reason for it at all," Gustave stated, clearly baffled in face and heart. 

Eli sat up abruptly, a scowl overtaking his usually docile face. 

"Because-"

Then he stopped. 

Gustave held his small hand gently to urge him onward. "Go on Eli," He nodded, "I'm listening."

Once again the small face contorted as if the reason was supposed to be so blatantly obvious. 

"Because I love you." Eli stated firmly. 

Gustave smiled softly, his own heart breaking at the heartfelt declaration.