Erik

Christine had gone up to the surface, and left me alone at home. I had nothing to do, so I thought I might go an visit Nadir. I figured it could not hurt to visit him, so I did.

I knocked the door, which was answered by Nadir's loyal servant, Darius. He bowed and let me in, then led me to the parlor, where Nadir was sitting. "Hello, Nadir." I greeted as I walked in. He looked up from the book he had been reading, and smiled. It was not a forced smile, how odd. that was usually the type of smile I received from Nadir. "Good morning Erik. How are you? Come, sit down, let us chat." He gestured to a chair beside him, setting his book down. I sat in the chair, wondering why he was so cheerful today. I asked as much, "Oh, I have just decided to have a more cheerful outlook." He chuckled. "Oh? Why is that? You have never been overly friendly with me...Why start now?" I cocked my head. "I am not overly sure, but I think you are less dangerous than before and I have decided to give you the benefit of the doubt." He shrugged again.

"So...What is going on in your life?" I asked, hoping desperately for something interesting to talk about. Christine popped into my mind. If there was nothing Nadir wanted to speak about, I would most definitely talk about Christine. "Not much...What about you, Erik? What do you want to talk about? It is clear that you want to talk about your life." Nadir grinned at me. He was infuriating.

"Well....

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Christine

After work was finished, I headed to the garden. Sadly, Raoul was there. He wanted to walk with me, I regretted flirting with him. I was such an idiot.

I should never have done that. Except that then I wouldn't have made Erik jealous. That was needed.

"So Christine, the Masquerade ball is coming up soon...Would you like to accompany me?" He leaned in like he wanted to kiss me. I evasively ducked and avoided the question, "I am not sure if I am going...I may have other plans."

"Oh? what are you doing?" Raoul raised his eyebrow.

"I am not sure, a friend wanted to do something and I am waiting on them..."

"Oh...Do you not want to go with me? Is that why? Do you have someone you would rather go with?" He looked so shattered, I could not disappoint him, after all, he had been nothing but nice to me. "I cannot promise to go with you, but if I do, I shall save a dance for you. Is that alright?" I asked, hoping I had't hurt his feelings. His face brightened, "Sure!" He hugged me then ran off. I sighed and continued my walk.

Erik

"Oh my. It seems that you and Christine are becoming close. It is interesting and lovely. I do hope you two end up together." Nadir smiled.

"So do I." I sighed. But, what if that did not happen, what if something got in the way of that? Something like a monsieur Raoul?

I missed Christine. Terribly.

"Nadir, thank you for chatting with me. I, however, think I should leave you now. Thank you once again." I bowed and turned to leave. "You're missing Christine aren't you?" Nadir smirked knowingly. I glared at Nadir but said nothing.

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Christine has not yet returned. Where could she be?

I sat in the chair I had placed by the door and waited for Christine. She had only not returned once, and that was when she got caught in my trap. I debated wether I should go looking for her or not.

At that moment, Christine came in the door. I stood up and stormed over to her, "Where have you been?" I asked, towering over her. Her eyes widened. "I..." She trailed. "Well? Where have you been? I nearly went out looking for you, I did not know where you were! Do I need to keep you here now?" "I am sorry, Erik. I did not mean to worry you. If you want me to stay with you and not return to the surface, I will." She promised.

My sweet Christine. Of course I would never keep her down here, no.

I rushed foreword and hugged her. I buried my face in her neck and smelled her hair. "I missed you." I murmured, "Do not ever do that to me again." Christine stroked my hair, pulling me closer. "I promise not to worry you." She said. "If you were to wear a ring of mine, as a pendant even, I would know that you would not leave me, and would therefore not become quite so worried." I offered, shrugging my shoulders. "Absolutely, Erik." Christine agreed.