Bravissimo

Meeting Erik Destler

We walk out into the backstage hallway and pass a few people and Christine gives them friendly waves and nods. 

"How is your mask by the way? I know it's different but soon you can wear yours." She reminds me. 

"It's fine actually, it's definitely different because my ear is covered, as a burn victim's would." I explain and she nods. 

"I'm glad, the front looks like yours and even so...you still look so great!" She says and smiles at me. "Don't worry Erik, you've done this before, all in red." She says and winks at me. 

"You liked that didn't you?" I say with a devilish grin. "I'll keep it in mind." We reach the side doors to the lobby, and she herself takes a breath. 

"Even I have to prepare for some of these people." She says and giggles and opens the door. We slowly walk out around to the front of the lobby stairs. Everyone is wearing different shades of different colors, matching with their significant other. We see André, Firmin, Carlotta and Antoinette though she was more in the corner. I take a deep breath. "You're doing great, we don't have to approach anyone, they'll do it themselves, believe me." She turns to me and I take her hand in mine. "Just talk to me for a while." She says. 

"Is it wrong I still feel superior to most of these people?" I ask. 

"Absolutely not. You are!" She says and I pull her close. 

"Christine!" Firmin says from afar and Christine squeezes my hand. "You look marvelous!" He says giving a chefs kiss and she laughs. 

"Thank you Monsieur! And you look grand as well! Per usual!" She responds with the same energy. "

And, Erik! I presume?" Firmin says looking me over. I shrug and give a smile. 

"In the flesh! I've heard a lot about you and André, you two have done great for this place." I say resisting the urge to squeeze my hand into a fist. 

"Thank you sir, thank you." He says and bows while smiling at Christine. 

"A charmer, Isn't he?" She asks, Firmin laughs and André walks down the stairs to his side.

"Christine Daae? Is that you? I didn't recognize you with all this happiness and ease dear!" He says obviously joking. "Is this the man that caused it!?" He says reaching his hand out to mine. 

"Erik Destler." I say shaking his hand. "And I certainly hope so." He takes Christine's hand and kisses it. 

"He knows he is." Christine says laughing. 

"Well Monsieur De-" 

"Please, Erik is just fine." He says. 

"Well Erik! It was a pleasure to meet you. Keep up the good work, Christine has only been happier in your arms." André says, they lift their beverages and walk away. I let go of a breath I didn't know I was holding and Christine did a few small hops of joy making me chuckle. 

"You did it! You did it! See? They LOVED you! They really did!" She said putting her hands on my chest. 

"That was easier than I thought it would be." I said. I quickly bring her to myself making her give an adorable grunt and smile and we start dancing to the music. She giggles, music to my ears. 

"Our first dance in public." Christine says with a huge grin and I smile warmly back. Truthfully I thought I was going to have to make them buy the fact she was with me, but they just... knew. They could see it in her and I and I couldn't help but feel absolutely great. I twirl her around and we dance our way around the whole floor, with pure happiness.