Bravissimo

Her Phantom

I feel myself come back to life after Erik took it out of me. Erik sits up and rubs his eye. 

"Good morning Christine." He says and winks at me. I cover my face with both both my hands and smile, I can't help it. As I shake my head, Erik chuckles, "you can't hide under those hands forever." He says as he tugs my hands away and kisses me. 

"I wouldn't want to even if I could. I couldn't see you then." I say. 

"What's on the agenda today dear? Aren't they remodeling?" He asks a more serious tone. 

"Ah yes, it's cleaning today, saving what they can, and then they're getting started right away." I say and sit up. Erik immediately pulls me back down. 

"Are you going to give a day to yourself anytime soon?" He says with a smile. 

"You mean a day to you, dear?" I say sarcastically. He gives a laugh deep from his chest. 

"Me, you, same thing." He says. 

"Actually yes In two days I'm going to a reading, the sister to a recently deceased poet is doing a reading in the park. I'll be attending but as to not take away from her time on stage I'll be... hidden, in the background. You know? I fear all the attention would be brought to me." 

"Ah yes I understand." He says pulling something out from the side table, he hands it to me. It's the daily paper. 

"You went out without me!" I say and snatch it from his hands. "Oh I look a mess!" I say with a smile and my hand over my mouth. 

"I love this photo all the more," he says. 

"Why cause I hate it?" I shove him. 

"No because it's you being... you." I look at the photo, my face is filled with worry that of only I can tell, and I can see Meg's anxious little wave. He takes it back from me. 

"Hey!"

He gives a slight chuckle and clears his throat with a bright smile he says,  "Christine Daae returns to us alive and well, with no news of her Phantom of the Opera." He says and then slowly looks at me with a smile. 

"It says that?!" I say and try to take it and he jerks it away. 

"Of course! The story is you and I dear, get used to it." He says and lays back. I shake my head and he smiles. 

"Come with me to the reading." 

"What?" 

"Come on! It'll be fun, I really think you'll like it, poetry and music go hand and hand you know?" I say. 

"I'd have to be hidden." I give him an unamused look, "Erik so will I." I say. 

"Fine! Fine." He says giving in and I throw my hands up. 

"Yes!!!" I squeal and lay next to him wildly happy. 

"I know the poem you'd write Erik." I say with a smirk. 

"Is that so?" He says amused, "what is it then come on?" He says with a bold attitude.

I put my hand up and move it to the right as if I'm reading something, "The Craft of the Noose and Love." I say with a giggle. 

"Oh!" He laughs, "Really? Is that so?" He says with fake annoyance. 

"Well it worked on me!" I say and start to sit up again. Just then Erik rolls on top of me keeping himself above me with his arms, and I blush. 

"You're the only one I wanted Christine." He says kindly, "and I know Erik same goes for me," I bring myself up to kiss him and he attempts to deepen it but I pull away and pat his shoulder.

"Come on, I've got to go." I say. "You say such things for my reaction and then expect to leave right after." He says with a smirk. 

"Erik." I say and role my eyes. "I'll be back before we both know it my love. I must make an appearance today, we can't let your managers change everything now can we? My appearance is yours. Now you'll be there yes?" 

"You're no fun." Erik says getting off me. 

"That's not what you said last night dear." I say getting dressed. Erik chuckles, 

"Yes I am aware." 

"Don't you forget it." I say sternly. "Now you'll be there will you not?" 

"Always love. Always." I smile at that answer. 

"Good I may need a helping hand in decisions, I need my Angel." 

"Decisions?" He asks. 

"Well yes as the Former Prima Dona I'll be asked many things, and I'll stick my say in if they want it or not. Being as a lot will your input." Erik nods.

"Good." He says sliding his shoes on.

"Okay I take my leave. I'll uh- see you around." I say and giggle. 

"Yes, you will." He says with a grin.

I walk into the smashed mirror and down the tunnels. Things are about to get interesting.