Erik

The day passed uneventfully.

It was later in the afternoon, sitting with Christine in the parlor, with nothing to do, that I realized we needed to get out of my house.

"Christine, would you like to take a trip to the surface?" Christine sat up straight, "Yes, Erik. I love it here, but sometimes we need to go outside....Do you not agree?" I nodded at her, "Well, then, why don't we go out?" She jumped up out of her chair, kissing my cheek before dashing to the door. I followed her, and we got into my boat.

"Where are we going, Erik?" Christine asked, excitement in her eyes. "I think we'll go to a near-by beach. Does that sound like a good idea?" "Oh! Oh!" Christine exclaimed, rocking the boat. "Christine, I would rather not fall in the water again..." Christine blushed, "I'm sorry. Though, it was completely your fault the first time." I mock-glared at her, and did something completely immature. I stuck my tongue out at her. Christine leaned back with a roar of laughter, "You have never done that before!" She giggled like a little schoolgirl. I rolled my eyes at her, hiding a smile. I bit my lip, once again trying to force myself not to tell Christine how very much I loved her. The tension inside me was becoming harder and harder to hold in. I so wanted to tell her I loved her! Eventually, through all the tension, we reached the shore.

I hailed a carriage, hiding my masked face under the large fedora I always wore outdoors. I helped Christine in before hopping inside myself. Once I gave the driver the directions, I sat back with a sigh. "How far away is the beach, Erik?" Christine asked, clutching my arm, looking all excited and adorable. I kissed the tip of her nose as a reply.

She sighed dramatically, settling into my chest. I rolled down the window so we would have a nice breeze during the ride.

"Christine!" The Fop's voice penetrated our silence. I slammed my head against the padded back of the carriage in frustration. Damn him! Christine sensed my irritation, and perhaps felt it, too. "He's nothing, Erik. Pay him no heed." She whispered, again snuggling into my chest. "Christine!" the Fop called again. "Driver, could you please go faster?" I tapped the glass between the driver and the inner coach. I saw him give a small nod and the coach sped up, hopefully leaving Raoul in a pool of dust.

All too soon, the cuddle fest that was the carriage ride was over. I got out first, then helped my Angel out of the carriage. I paid the driver, asking him to wait for us to come back. He grunted, but didn't object. I knew he would want to be paid for the extra troubles.

I grabbed Christine's hand, pulling her to the waterfront, which was deserted because it wasn't exactly 'beach season'. Some would consider it too early and too cold to be at the beach. However, the day was warm enough to be beach season. I pulled her to a little spot away from the tide. "Shall we take our shoes off, Christine?" Though I had not intended it, my tone came out teasing. She smirked at me, and took her shoes and stockings off. "Scandal! Oh, shameless lady!" I teased. She swatted my shoulder. "You sound like Mme. Giry! Oh, the beatings I would get if she knew this!" She laughed. "What a scandal, Christine! You....naughty girl!"

Christine stuck her tongue out at me, then jumped into my arms with a giggle. I set her down and slid my own shoes and socks off. "Shall we, Mademoiselle?" I held my elbow out to her. She took it, and we started a gentle stroll down the beach, letting the water lap at our toes. Christie squealed when the water hit her dress. "Shall I carry you, dear?" I asked, kissing her cheek. She blushed, hiking up her skirts a little.

We let the water lap at our feet, enjoying the empty beach and sunlight on our faces. "Oh, Erik...As much as I love our home, I do love the sunlight." She cooed looking towards the gorgeous horizon. I felt a twinge of guilt, "I am sorry, Christine." She smiled brightly, "Oh, it is no matter. I just miss the sunlight sometimes...Other than that, I regret nothing." My heart thudded.

We sat down on the sand, watching the sun command the sky. "I love the sunlight, Erik. It makes me so happy." "My little rose..." I cooed, and she giggled, "I suppose you could say that." "We should, I think, head back and collect our things before it gets dark." She nodded, standing up and brushing the sand off her dress. I stood with her, holding my arm out to her. She shook her head, lifting my arm so it was resting on her shoulder. She wiggled herself into my embrace.

"You know, Erik, the last time I was at a beach, my father was still alive..." She sounded wistful. "Oh?" I did not want to press her, or upset her. "Yes, It was a little seaside town, Mme. Valerius and her husband took us there... Father and I spent many-a night travelling around, sleeping beneath the stars, close together. I miss him, Erik." Without a word, I pulled her even closer, hugging her close to me. She snuggled into my chest. I loved Christine so much. We collected our things, putting them on again. It was relaxing to have the sun on our faces, the water on our feet. Christine took my hand. We made our way to the coach.

Christine nodded off during the ride home. I carried my sleeping Angel home, paying the driver, who took off the second the money was in his hand.

I set Christine in her bed, before sliding into the sheets next to her. If Christine and I ever got married, perhaps I would take her to the little seaside town...Would she like that? Oh, I hoped she would!