The Phantom of the Opera: A Beauty and a Beast (Guile and Melody)

[Saiyan Princess]

Christine smiled at the Phantom, grateful that he loved the food. "That's wonderful, Erik." She ate another bite. "I'm glad that I've had the chance to see you once more. It's been quite different then how I normally would think at the time when we were young." Gustav listened to them. "Wait, why haven't I met you before if Mother and you were friends?" The boy pressured. "That's awful. You're very nice, Mister Y." Gustav looked up at him, expectantly. "You really should come around more often."

 

[Guile]

"I'm glad you have too." Erik smiled, his words genuine. Oh yes, he was more than glad that he had the chance to see Christine again. "Of course it would be much different, wouldn't it?" He thought for a moment about this. "A lot has changed since then." He did not explain further. Christine and he understood and Gustav should not hear an explanation to his words. That's when the boy spoke up and Erik grew quite nervous. Damn! He would have to lie to him. Oh, how he hated that! Even still, he simply smiled calmly at the child. His child. "Well, I suppose it's because I've been awfully busy with Phantasma. I've had to keep it up and running well for the last ten years. It's quite a lot of work." He chuckled lightly before acknowledging the boy's last statement. Desperate for a way out of such talk, Erik looked to Christine for help but realized he would have to come up with something on his own. "Well, I do wish I could." Suddenly his tone was serious. He sounded as if he were trying to hide his own sadness, which he was. "It would be bliss to visit you often but...as I said, I am very busy." Erik lied, trying not to meet Christine's gaze again. "Besides, I would not wish to impose on your family. You must do things that families do, things that I cannot be a part of." Then, he added quickly, "seeing as I am only a friend. Everyone deserves to have time alone with their family, without being interrupted by others. I feel that I would be overstaying my welcome if I were to visit more than I already do." Erik knew that Christine would understand what he was saying, even if Gustav could not fully. All the boy needed to know was that Erik was not able to promise anything along the lines of visiting them more. The two adults in the room knew that it was because he was not particularly wanted around, and because he had promised he would stay away.

 

[Saiyan Princess]

Gustav smiled, though it wasn't as brightly as normally it would be. "That's okay, Mister Y. It isn't your fault. You're busy with your work." Christine smiled as her son spoke. She knew the child would understand, though Erik had clearly told a lie. "Well, I think that's enough questions, don't you, Erik?" She didn't want him to feel too uncomfortable. "A man has a right to his own secrecy. Especially a magician." Christine smiled in his direction. "He has to work to make the show the amazing thing it is today."

 

[Guile]

"Naturally, Christine. Magicians must never let their secrets out. It would ruin us." Erik was able to look up at her and smile, as he was comforted by her words. Still, he knew Gustav was putting on a smile for him when he must truly be disappointed. To try and cheer him up, Erik attempted to show the child how much he meant to him. The last thing he wanted was for Gustav to think that work was more important than spending time with him. Even if he couldn't be the boy's father, he could be a good friend. He placed his silverware on the table and looked into the child's eyes kindly as he spoke. "Don't forget, Gustav, that while I am working, I would much rather be spending time with you and your family. You are far more special to me than any circus." From inside his coat, Erik produced a neat bundle of clean parchment, which he presented to the child with a smile. "For you." He said cheerily, holding it out to him. "For your compositions, Monsieur composer. If you don't want to forget your music, you must have something to write it down on, correct?" Erik chuckled softly.

 

[Saiyan Princess]

"Thank you so much, Monsieur Composer." Gustav took the parchment from him, gently, careful not to wrinkle or tear it. "I'll do my best, sir. I promise." With that, he stood, forgetting his food and bowing once to Erik. "I promise that this won't go to waste." He was just a cheerful as he skipped off to their piano to start working on his piece. "I know just what to do." Christine smiled, excited for her son. "That was very kind of you." Christine told him as she gathered the dishes to clean them. "Now, because of you, he won't go to sleep." While washing the dishes she hummed Don Juan.

 

[Guile]

Erik grinned as he watched Gustav head off for the piano. It was a lovely sight, indeed, to see that he had made the boy smile. He knew that his small gift would keep him happy and preoccupied, perhaps when Raoul could not. Erik decided that if he could not be there for his son, then at least he could give him something that would bring a bit more joy into his life. "It was nothing, Christine. Hardly anything when compared to what I wish I could give him." The love of a father, he thought but did not say. Erik laughed at her words. "Ah, yes, but it may also keep him out of the way when you're awake." He joked, but went silent when he realized that the tune she was humming was his Don Juan. Erik himself hadn't thought of that piece in years, for it was nothing to him anymore...without Christine. He was surprised that she had remembered it so well. "I thought you would have long since ridded your thoughts of my music." Erik questioned quietly, as if afraid to speak as he stood and moved towards her just a bit.

 

[Saiyan Princess]

Christine didn't hear him come forward. She was even more shocked when she felt the tips of his boots at her heels. "Erik, I wish there were something I could do to ease your pain." She told him with a smile. "I'm truly sorry that I cannot." Christine wanted to lean back aagainst him, rest her head on his shoulder and stay there. "I want to thank you for treating Gustav the way you do." At last, she laid against him, listening as his hot breath pierced her shoulder. "I wish we could stay like this forever, but one song will have to do, for now." Realizing what she let herself do, Christine immediately stood straight again. "I'm sorry." She proceeded with the dishes again. "I should not have gotten into this so deeply."

 

[Guile]

Erik held in a sigh as she spoke, unable to keep from feeling disappointed that he could not hold her in his arms. Still, he had no bitter feelings toward Christine, he never had. The pain in his heart was of no fault of hers. She didn't mean to hurt him so. "Don't dwell on such things, Christine. It is not your fault that I let myself get carried away so long ago, thinking that perhaps I too could have a family like other men." Erik paused for a moment to swallow, as if that would help keep his pain at bay. That is when Christine laid against him and he could not help but run his hands up and down her arms, but only for a moment. "I wish we could too..." Before he knew it, she had stood up again and he was left feeling rather cold, without her against him. "Christine, do not be sorry. I am the one who should apologize." Erik took a few steps away from her, not because he wanted to, but because he felt it would make her feel more comfortable. "I keep coming back here, to your home, while your husband is away. I have no right to and I am sorry. I cannot keep myself away, not while I still have time left before...before I must stay away forever as I promised. I am weak." He looked down at the ground, ashamed of himself. God, he felt like Meg trying to force love into someone's heart when they clearly loved another.

 

[Saiyan Princess]

Christine felt his anxiety and fears. She knew exactly what it felt like. "Erik, if I weren't married, then, maybe we could be a family, but I still wear a marital band." Christine showed her ring finger. "I'm sorry. Please, I'll sing the song, but I'm not sure if I want you to leave or not." A small smile rested perfectly on Christine's face. "Oh, God, forgive me." She prayed. "I shouldn't want another while I am married." She turned back to him. "I'm not seeing you as weak. Only a strong man would come here, knowing I am married." With saddened, frail expression, she smiled still, obviously glad to have him near.

 

[Guile]

"Strong?" Erik laughed softly and shook his head. "No...no, I am just a fool." He met her gaze calmly. "Even so, I am a fool that loves you." Figuring she would not react well to this, Erik held up a hand to silence her, for just a moment so that he could explain himself. "I know, Christine, I know. You are married. As much as it pains me, I will respect the bond you have with your husband. Still..." He went to her once more and wrapped her in a comforting embrace, knowing that this whole ordeal was causing her pain and confusion. "I beg you not to hate me for being unable to control myself around you. I know you are married and yet I cannot help but wish to hold you in my arms like this." Running his fingers through her hair, Erik took in her scent and closed his eyes. "God understands, my dear. Your husband...he does not do as he should. He should be home with you and the child and yet he leaves you both home alone far too often. If God is going to blame anyone, he will blame Raoul and I for your conflicted feelings. It is our fault. He is not a proper husband and father and I...I cannot learn to let you go."

 

[Saiyan Princess]

Christine snuggled up to the man, her nose on his collar bone. "I'm sorry, Erik. This is just all happening so fast that I can't process anything." What Erik said was true, Christine became momentarily irritated when he held up his hand. "I am not a child. Don't treat me like one. You stopped doing that when I was eighteen." She let her hands fall to her sides. "I forgive you for everything. And God forgives my Raoul as well. Though Raoul is at the pub, he'll return and then you have to leave, unless you can actually scare him off this time."

 

[Guile]

Erik held her close, running his hand up and down her back in an attempts to comfort her. "Forgive me, Christine. I suppose I have forgotten how to act around you." He seemed to smile weakly for a moment. "I spent so many years watching over you - protecting you - in my own way. I did that for so long, I grew accustomed to it. Then, you were just...gone. Even with Madame Giry, Meg, and my employees all around I've still felt alone. I suppose, now that you're here again, my mind has reverted back to my old, far too overprotective, ways." Erik glanced at her, as if to ask for forgiveness without words, feeling rather guilty. "Perhaps God can forgive Raoul for what he has done or, rather, for what he has failed to do. Unfortunately, I cannot. I suppose that doesn't matter though. What matters is you, Christine. You and Gustav. I want you to be happy, both of you, and I will do whatever it takes to ensure that you are. That being the reason why I have agreed to leave you both alone, should you wish it, after your performance. I don't want to go - not then, not even now." He seemed to pull her in tighter as he said this, but not threateningly...lovingly. "Even so, I will, for your sake." Then, Erik pulled back to look into her eyes again, raised a brow at her questioningly. "Unless...unless you would rather I chase him off." He offered this option to her jokingly, giving her a warm smile with it. Though, he would truly chase off the Vicomte if Christine were to ever permit it.

 

[Saiyan Princess]

To Christine's astonishment, she actually caught herself chuckling at Erik's explanation for his behavior. "There's nothing to forgive. Not after those first blessed words that you have ever spoken to me when I had gone mad because of Father's departure from this world." She stroked his hand. "Don't apologize for taking care of me." She could never allow him to feel guilt for loving her, for no one can control who they love. "As for now, I don't know if I want you to leave or not, but I still want some time to rehearse, alone, so I must ask you to leave. You won't see it until it's real." She rushed him toward the door. "I'll see you tonight."

 

[Guile]

Erik was almost as surprised as Christine by her chuckle. Still, it was lovely to hear it again - lovely to see her smiling and to know that she is happy, even if only for a little while. "Thank you, Christine. I don't regret coming to you that night, even if things didn't turn out as planned. I'm just grateful to have been in your presence for so long." He smiled at her when she touched his hand. It made him feel connected to her - reminded him that she really was here and that this was not just a dream. Yes, Christine was there and she cared. She cared about him, after all the wrongs he had done to her. "Thank you for everything, Christine." Just a few moments later she was dragging him to the door and all his sadness had gone from him. He was smiling again, loving how much she cared about preparing to sing this song. "Alright, my dear, I shall leave you to rehearse. Don't overexert yourself. Thank you for allowing me to stay, Christine. I enjoyed myself tonight. It was bliss to see you and Gustav again." Erik chuckled before taking her hand in his and bringing it to his lips, so that he could place a tender kiss upon her soft skin. "Until tonight, then." He left her with one last, warm smile before turning and leaving her home to head back to Phantasma.

 

[Saiyan Princess]

"Of course." Christine waved him away with a bright smile. She wasn't anxious at all. Not even the thought of Gustav being taken came to her mind. "Now, I can just relax without having a single worry in the world. Meanwhile, at the local pub, Raoul was busy taking a fourth shot of something strong, though he wasn't drunk yet. "I can't believe he didn't show up. I was an idiot for going into business with the bastard. This is all that Mister Y's fault. I'm certain he has something to do with this. Then, Meg came in. "Raoul! You have to get Christine and Gustave out of here! Erik's back!" She looked scared. "What are you saying? Even if he came back, I'm not scared of him."

 

[Guile]

Erik walked back to Phantasma with the look of intoxication in his eyes. And yet, it was from neither alcohol nor drug induce. It was love, yes, and quite obviously so. He knew Christine was married and he would respect the bond she had with her husband, just as he had promised her. But even still, just the idea that she might not send him away for good was enough to send Erik into a state of high. It was lovely thinking that there was even the tiniest of possibilities that he might still be allowed to see Christine and their son after the performance. His endless thoughts are what caused him to be a bit clumsier than usual, but he luckily made it back to the circus without falling over himself like a fool.

 

[Saiyan Princess]

"Well, well, look who's returned. And, in a state of bliss, I might add." Madame Giry was arranging the very next show. "It's wonderful to see you like this, my friend." She stood from her spot at Erik's desk, counting out their money so far, just for something to do. "I'm assuming she allowed you to hold her, am I right?" She stopped counting. "I do hope you know that, one, you missed another chance to see Meg perform, and, two, she went away to the pub." Madame Giry didn't want him to feel bad, she just wanted him to be filled in on what was happening. "Still, I'm glad that you are in such a good mood. Did Christine enjoy the design?"

 

[Guile]

Erik had the kindest smile on his face when he turned to see his friend, alerted of her presence by the sound of her voice. He leaned against his desk, staring down at the wood like a young boy who had been kissed for the first time by his little crush. "Oh, my friend...it is so wonderful to have her near. I know she is bound to a husband that is clearly not myself, but just being around her and seeing her smile - knowing that she is at least happy to see me - it is the best feeling in the world." Erik cut his words off there, noticing the tone in Madame Giry's voice, and looked up at her. Meg? Oh, God! Everything came back to him at the mention of her name. What he had done to her...oh, the way he frightened her! His smile, all the beautiful feelings Christine had left him with were gone now. "What do you mean?" Erik became frantic inside, but tried not to let his friend see it. "Why did she go off to the pub? What is she doing there?" He hadn't meant for his voice to sound so stern, so loud, but he was worried for Meg. The last thing he had wanted to do was chase her into drinking away her sorrows - for that is what he feared she was doing.

 

[Saiyan Princess]

Madame Giry shrugged. "It's possible that she could be drinking. She's of legal age, so I cannot stop her." She answered, not exactly worried about Meg. The blonde would never intentionally get drunk. "That's all you can do at a pub. I doubt she's in any trouble. She's a smart girl with good judgement." When she had finished explaining, the old woman looked toward Erik again. "Don't worry. You should be happy! Christine actually said yes to this performance!" She grabbed his shoulders. "Try to stay calm. It isn't good for any one man to worry so much." She kissed his cheek and walked away. "She should be back soon."

 

[Guile]

After Madame Giry had left, Erik stood there, his mind whirling. She didn't seem to concerned for Meg, so perhaps he should trust her judgment. If Meg's own mother wasn't worried, then why should he be? Then again, it was possible that Madame Giry didn't know what had happened between her daughter and Erik, and that worried him. If she knew, would she be concerned for her daughter? Does she know? He began to pace slowly around his room, thinking hard about what he should do. Erik wanted to stay here, to listen to his friend for once and stop worrying. Perhaps Meg was simply going out to have some time alone. What was the harm in that? Then again, what if she truly was still upset and was drinking far too much. She could end up in an awful lot of trouble that way...Eventually, Erik decided he would go out and just make sure she was alright. He owed her that much, even if she didn't want him around right now. So, he grabbed his coat and headed out towards the pub.

 

[Saiyan Princess]

Meanwhile, at the pub, Raoul was still enjoying time alone. He had the greatest wife in the world, the greatest child as well. He saw no reason to be worried about this. "Another, please, sir." He told the old barman. "Sir, that was your sixth, haven't you had-" Raoul held up a hand to stop him. "I said another, sir." The older man groaned as he poured. Meg flew in. "Raoul! Raoul, you have to take your family! It isn't safe." She looked distraught. Raoul was utterly perplexed. "I already told you that I'm not afraid of him, Miss Giry." He chuckled. Still, Meg pleaded with him to go, then she flew back out.

 

[Guile]

Erik entered the pub and slipped around through the shadows of the place, just like he used to do back at the Opera. He was searching for Meg, but when he saw the Vicomte there as well his thoughts quickly turned to him. Erik couldn't have been more furious with this pathetic excuse for a man. When he turned his head to search for Meg again, he found her gone. Well, at least she was not drinking. Then...what was she doing here? Why was she speaking to the Vicomte? He was utterly confused, having been too far away to hear the first part of their conversation. Even so, he had heard Raoul's last comment. And that was enough to make Erik come out of the shadows and make himself known to the man. Damn his own safety, his own anonymity. This fop would know that the Phantom of the Opera was, indeed, here and that he was not safe - not if he continued to mistreat Christine and Gustav. "Oh, but Monsieur le Vicomte...you should be afraid of me." He walked up to the bar beside the man and slapped the palm of his hand down on the counter very near to him, hissing in his ear. "And just what do you think you are doing here? I thought you had a wife and child at home?" Erik had to work quite hard to contain himself and not attack the man. "The family you worked so hard to have. Do you remember that? Do you remember them? Or have you forgotten that you have certain duties as a husband and father?"

 

[Saiyan Princess]

Raoul was furious as well. "What are you doing here!?!" He fell out of his seat but quickly regained his footing. "I'll kill you this time, I swear it! Not a step closer!" He moved around toward Erik's side of the counter, but didn't touch him. "Get out of here, now! What I do in my spare time is none of your business. I told you that I am not afraid of you." His face was red, his pulse was almost sky rocketing. "You aren't welcome here." He growled.

 

[Guile]

"You'll kill me, boy?" Erik scoffed and continued to glare at him with a blazing intensity. "You would be dead before you could draw a gun from your side." He threatened, but made no attempt to attack Raoul physically, only verbally. He even laughed at the man's words. "I am not welcome anywhere. That has never stopped me before, now, has it?" The rage rose in him as he recalled all the times he had found Christine alone at home with her child, their child - her husband no where to be seen. "Why does she love you?" Erik growled, seriously contemplating this question. "You neglect both your wife and the child by coming here to blow your money away and get drunk. You are never home, are you? And when you are you are disgustingly unpleasant, provided you've had enough to drink by then." Suddenly, something snapped in Erik's head and he decided to stop playing with his prey. He reached out and grabbed Raoul by the collar of his shirt, but made no further attempt to actually harm him. "You pathetic excuse for a man! How could you let her sit at home alone so often? How can you even bare to be away from her for so long?" Erik shoved Raoul backwards, and released his collar. "You make her unhappy. She is not content with her life as it is. She needs to be loved by someone who will be there for her, who can put her wants and needs above their own. You do not deserve her."

 

[Saiyan Princess]

Monsieur le Vicomte de Chagney froze when Erik grabbed him. "I have made mistakes in life, but you've made many more. Get your filthy disgusting hands off of me!" He even pushed Erik away, even after he was free. "Do not touch me or my family ever again. Get out!" He ordered again. Looking around, he saw that the bar was empty. They were alone, he could kill Erik right now and there would be no witnesses. "She loves me, we love each other, because I am able to give her things that you are not." Raoul finally answered him. "She has loved me since we were infants and I must thank you for releasing her ten years ago. We've grown into a beautiful family since then."