Persian Macarons

(An in character Nadir Khan/Daroga/The Persian, RP blog)  Despite what certain people may say, I do have some self respect

[mirageoftheopera]

“Nadir, I’m not being hostile. Let’s be civil this time, yes?” 

Erika adjusted her hold on Reza. “Please forgive what I said in anger…I don’t want to keep him from you. You’ve been such a wonderful father.” She grinned at Raoul apologetically. “You both have. And…it’s no longer a secret. You can claim him openly. I’ll take the disgrace. I deserve it.”

@persianmacarons

[bronze-and-navy-is-creating-1]

She relaxed but still looked confused. “what did he say then? And her? I’m very confused at the moment.” Her blue eyes were pleading for some understanding of her feathered friend and his… Wife…

[persianmacarons]

“He patted your jaw and said ‘Lotte you’re so dumb’ but with lots of love and endearment.” he chuckled.

[bronze-and-navy-is-creating-1]

“and Erika?” She said, catching his avoidance

[persianmacarons]

“She’s still Erika.  She wants to talk to you if you’re feeling up to it…alone I assume.  Would you like me to stay by the door and listen in for you?”

[bronze-and-navy-is-creating-1]

“yes please. Hell I’d prefer you in there.” She said, holding his hand. “she’ll have to come here, I’m really not supposed to move.”

[persianmacarons]

“I don’t think she would let me be in the same room, but I’ll always be close by.  And they should be here in an hour or so, given the times they usually wake….Are you comfortable enough to take company right now?  Should I bring out extra pillows?”

[bronze-and-navy-is-creating-1]

“please… I wish you could be in the room. I trust you.” She said softly, squeezing his hand weakly.

[persianmacarons]

thinking for a moment, Nadir carefully lifted her and carried her to his bed to lay her dow on the much softer and more comfortable surface and stacks a few pillows behind her.  “How’s that, dear?”

[mirageoftheopera]

“Nadir, I’m not being hostile. Let’s be civil this time, yes?” 

Erika adjusted her hold on Reza. “Please forgive what I said in anger…I don’t want to keep him from you. You’ve been such a wonderful father.” She grinned at Raoul apologetically. “You both have. And…it’s no longer a secret. You can claim him openly. I’ll take the disgrace. I deserve it.”

@persianmacarons

[bronze-and-navy-is-creating-1]

She relaxed but still looked confused. “what did he say then? And her? I’m very confused at the moment.” Her blue eyes were pleading for some understanding of her feathered friend and his… Wife…

[persianmacarons]

“He patted your jaw and said ‘Lotte you’re so dumb’ but with lots of love and endearment.” he chuckled.

[bronze-and-navy-is-creating-1]

“and Erika?” She said, catching his avoidance

[persianmacarons]

“She’s still Erika.  She wants to talk to you if you’re feeling up to it…alone I assume.  Would you like me to stay by the door and listen in for you?”

[bronze-and-navy-is-creating-1]

“yes please. Hell I’d prefer you in there.” She said, holding his hand. “she’ll have to come here, I’m really not supposed to move.”

[persianmacarons]

“I don’t think she would let me be in the same room, but I’ll always be close by.  And they should be here in an hour or so, given the times they usually wake....Are you comfortable enough to take company right now?  Should I bring out extra pillows?”

[mirageoftheopera]

“Nadir, I’m not being hostile. Let’s be civil this time, yes?” 

Erika adjusted her hold on Reza. “Please forgive what I said in anger…I don’t want to keep him from you. You’ve been such a wonderful father.” She grinned at Raoul apologetically. “You both have. And…it’s no longer a secret. You can claim him openly. I’ll take the disgrace. I deserve it.”

@persianmacarons

[bronze-and-navy-is-creating-1]

She relaxed but still looked confused. “what did he say then? And her? I’m very confused at the moment.” Her blue eyes were pleading for some understanding of her feathered friend and his… Wife…

[persianmacarons]

“He patted your jaw and said ‘Lotte you’re so dumb’ but with lots of love and endearment.” he chuckled.

[bronze-and-navy-is-creating-1]

“and Erika?” She said, catching his avoidance

[persianmacarons]

“She’s still Erika.  She wants to talk to you if you’re feeling up to it...alone I assume.  Would you like me to stay by the door and listen in for you?”

[mirageoftheopera]

“Nadir, I’m not being hostile. Let’s be civil this time, yes?” 

Erika adjusted her hold on Reza. “Please forgive what I said in anger…I don’t want to keep him from you. You’ve been such a wonderful father.” She grinned at Raoul apologetically. “You both have. And…it’s no longer a secret. You can claim him openly. I’ll take the disgrace. I deserve it.”

@persianmacarons

[bronze-and-navy-is-creating-1]

She relaxed but still looked confused. “what did he say then? And her? I’m very confused at the moment.” Her blue eyes were pleading for some understanding of her feathered friend and his… Wife…

[persianmacarons]

“He patted your jaw and said ‘Lotte you’re so dumb’ but with lots of love and endearment.” he chuckled.

[mirageoftheopera]

“Nadir, I’m not being hostile. Let’s be civil this time, yes?” 

Erika adjusted her hold on Reza. “Please forgive what I said in anger…I don’t want to keep him from you. You’ve been such a wonderful father.” She grinned at Raoul apologetically. “You both have. And…it’s no longer a secret. You can claim him openly. I’ll take the disgrace. I deserve it.”

@persianmacarons

[persianmacarons]

Nadir’s face softened and he nodded, “you don’t deserve any of this…I shouldn’t have been so quick to take him but I panicked…I was afraid that I would lose him…he’s my world.”

@mirageoftheopera

[mirageoftheopera]

“I know…” Erika sighed. “I know. He shouldn’t be without either of us, though. I offer you your position back, as the children’s govorner. But, if you choose not to take it…I promise to bring Reza here to visit, as often as I can. We may not be an item, but we’re still his parents. We need to start acting like it.”

@persianmacarons

[persianmacarons]

He thought for a moment.  Erika had given him his son who loved dearly, but he didn’t want to go back and he certainly didn’t want to give up his son.  “I don’t know what to do…this situation is not ideal for any of us but…if you promise to bring him by often, and tell me before you take him out of France, then….I will let him stay with you.  But when he gets older if he desires to stay with Christine and I instead, we will let him.  He should gain full choice of which family he wants to stay with at 15, when he is circumcised and becomes a man.”

@mirageoftheopera

[mirageoftheopera]

Erika glanced at Raoul, a bit taken back. Circumcision wasn’t typically something in the cards for a Frenchman…but Erika had suspected that Nadir wanted to raise his son Muslim – as much as she disagreed with him on the matter.

“If he wants to, I’ll have no issue with it. And I swear, you’ll be there for every milestone and celebration. I’ll write to you daily, tell you how he’s faring. Though…I’m worried how I’ll explain this arrangement to Sylvie. I know she wouldn’t understand.”

@onfeatherywings @persianmacarons

[onfeatherywings]

“What if we bring her along too, or explain them as play dates….at least until she gets old enough to understand.”  Raoul offered “She visited when she was younger and I’m sure she’ll love to visit again.  The only thing I would be worried about would be her trying to fly around in here and getting her wings tangled in something.  Angel bones aren’t very strong.”

@mirageoftheopera

[mirageoftheopera]

“That’s an excellent idea, dear,” she said. “I’ll bring Reza back in the morning. Right now, we need to get home and sort the mess out over there.”

@onfeatherywings

[onfeatherywings]

“Please keep Christine safe, I don’t know how much I healed her, I haven’t exactly had training at ‘angel school’.  I can only go by what feels right.” he explained as he lifted Erika and Reza into his arms and carried them out to fly back home.

@mirageoftheopera

[mirageoftheopera]

Erika tucked Reza tightly in the quilt, afraid she would drop him in the air.

“If Christine is well enough, I’d like to speak with her tomorrow,” she added before they took off.

@onfeatherywings

[onfeatherywings]

Nadir nodded and saw them off with a wave.

Raoul held tightly, to the pair and flew as fast he could home so they warm back up.  “You know… it occurs to me that this is his first flight” he said with a chuckle.

@mirageoftheopera

[mirageoftheopera]

Erika almost didn’t hear him over the wind in her ears. “Yes, and he manages to sleep through it, by some miracle.”

Bundled up where the cold altitude couldn’t reach him, the smooth flight kept him in that peaceful sleep of his.

@onfeatherywings

[onfeatherywings]

Raoul laughed as he carried them in through the window and shut it firmly behind them.  “I wonder if he’ll be mad about that when he’s older?”

@mirageoftheopera

[mirageoftheopera]

“I doubt it,” Erika said, carefulky climbing down. “He can go for flights with Sylvie once she’s gotten the hang of things.”

And speak of the devil, once word circulated the master and mistress of the house had arrived, Sylvie came running into her parents’ bedroom.

“Maman! Papa!” She cried, wrapping herself around Raoul’s shin and sitting on his boot. “Don’t leave!”

Her sudden ruckus startled Reza awake, adding his tired crying to his sister’s hysterics. Erika sighed, knowing he would probably take a while to sleep again.

“Maman and Papa aren’t going anywhere, duckling,” she told her daughter sweetly. “We couldnt find Buba, and we were scared. But, look, he’s back now.” She held out the red-faced one-year-old so Sylvie could see him.

@onfeatherywings

[onfeatherywings]

Raoul smiled and scooped up Sylvie, “he’s such a cranky boy, you should give him a little kiss to feel better” he held Sylvie close to her brother and smiled when she gave him a kiss.  To his surprise it worked and Reza began to calm and smiled up at his sister, reaching out to squeeze her nose with a laugh.

@mirageoftheopera

[mirageoftheopera]

Erika saw the change, and wondered if Sylvie had her father’s healing abilities.

“We all need to sleep. Sylvie, we have a playdate at Uncle Nadir’s flat in the morning.”

@onfeatherywings

[onfeatherywings]

The little angel pouted, “I’m not tired though….and Reza just woke up.”

Raoul chuckle, “Sylvie, it’s getting dark and you won’t want to wake up if you don’t go to bed now.  Think about all the fun you’ll have tomorrow with Uncle Nadir.”

Finally the tot relented and nodded with a yawn reached for her brother to give him a goodnight hug.

@mirageoftheopera

[mirageoftheopera]

As Erika put the children down to rest, she nervously locked the nursery door behind her.

“I’m locking them in from now on,” she told Raoul. “Just in case.”

@onfeatherywings

[onfeatherywings]

Raoul nodded, though he was concerned.  “what if they have nightmares, do you think they’ll be okay?” he asked as he change into his pajamas and got ready for bed, exhausted after so much panicked flying in a single day.

@mirageoftheopera

[mirageoftheopera]

“I can hear them call from here,” Erika assured him. “I’m leaving the key on the nightstand.”

It still felt like a novelty, climbing into bed beside her husband. She pressed up beside him with a yawn, her arm draped over his toned chest.

“Today was bloody terrible,” she groaned. After a minuites of sleepy silence, she perked up. “Oh! Raoul, I never got a chance to tell you. The doctor examined me…that day, and he said it’s still possible for us to try again. You healed the worst of the damage, and the scarring won’t make me infertile.”

She gave him a small squeeze. “I don’t know how to feel about it. I’m still upset that Christine is replacing her, but…I can’t help the emptiness I feel. I don’t want Celeste to think we’ve forgotten about her, but…I still want to try again.”

@onfeatherywings

@onfeatherywings

[onfeatherywings]

Raoul smiled and kissed her, “No one is replacing her my love.  No one ever could.”  He held her close and wrapped them up in the blankets, “Give yourself time to figure things out, you’re a wonderful mother and deserve another chance.” he said sleepily.  “I love you, and you’re the strongest woman I’ve ever met…”

@mirageoftheopera

[mirageoftheopera]

Erika kissed him in return, her legs tangling up with his under the sheets. “I love you, too.” She rested her head in the crook of his arm. “You know,” she yawned. “We never did go courting like we should have done. Maybe thats something we could do, while everything settles into a new routine.”

@onfeatherywings

[onfeatherywings]

“We could boat down the Seine and I’ll play the violin for you while you sit under a parasol sipping a glass of wine.” he chuckled sleepily.  “Maybe we could get someone to paint our portraits, you’d look lovely…posed across a chaise lounge with a book and wine….put the…….greats to shame” was all Raoul managed to get out before falling sound asleep.

@mirageoftheopera

[mirageoftheopera]

Erika fell asleep next to him, smiling to herself for the first time in weeks.

—————

@bronze-and-navy-is-creating-1

[bronze-and-navy-is-creating-1]

It was later that afternoon that Christine stirred. She blinked, wrapped up in he couch, confused but feeling a bit better. “n-nadir?!” She called out in confusion, not recognizing her surroundings

[persianmacarons]

Unaware of the world around him, Nadir laid in front of the fire on a pile of blankets, snoring at the top of his lungs, and rather impressive snout.  Occasionally a large hand would reach up to scratch his stomach but other than that he was gone.

@bronze-and-navy-is-creating-1

[bronze-and-navy-is-creating-1]

Upon hearing the snore she looked down and giggled a bit to herself, despite the ordeal she was slowly remembering. She managed to reach down and shake him “Nadir… Nadir wake up…”

[persianmacarons]

Nadir mumbled something incoherent in his sleep and slowly blinked awake. “Christine….?  Are you all right, dear?”

He sat up slowly, yawned, and stretched, wincing at the loud pops and cracks his back made.  “You gave us all quite a scare last night…nearly froze to death.”

[bronze-and-navy-is-creating-1]

“is Reza okay? where is he? I… I remember Raoul saying that my baby was alive but that’s about it.” She said, struggling to sit up a bit before giving up as her muscles felt too week for that.

[persianmacarons]

“He’ll be over soon….Erika’s bringing him over for a ‘playdate’. We worked out a parenting agreement.  Until Reza gets ol enough to pick who he wants to stay with, he’ll be visiting.”  he yawned.

[bronze-and-navy-is-creating-1]

“are you okay with that?” She asked, a bit worried, she managed to sit up slightly.

[persianmacarons]

“I…as okay as I can be.  This certainly isn’t where I expected my life to go but I get to see my son and that’s fine.”

Nadir stood and kissed Christine’s forehead, “He’s going to be so happy to see you again, he’s a happy boy in general, but I think he likes your voice.”

[bronze-and-navy-is-creating-1]

“he was very calm when I had him last night… Why did you decide to stay here? What’s Erika doing about all this? I’d like to know where I stand on… Just tell me all that happened.” She said, curling under her blanket a bit

[persianmacarons]

“I stayed here because this is my home and I do not want to be under Erika’s thumb just because she has my son…I didn’t want you risking your health for extra travel either….other than that I don’t have any other reasons.  I hope you don’t mind.”  He carded his fingers through her hair, “I did what I thought was best.”

[bronze-and-navy-is-creating-1]

“if you are alright with it… Where do I stand with everything else? What happened?” She said, looking rather depressed. She still felt betrayed by them both, though Raouls good deeds redeemed himself quite a bit in her eyes.

[persianmacarons]

“Well, she wants to speak to you, and Raoul seems disappointed that you would let yourself sit out in the cold, but I don’t think he’s truly mad or disappointed in you.”

[bronze-and-navy-is-creating-1]

“Why on Earth would he be! Neither of them have the right. She sounded like she was getting violent, and wanted to seperate a kid from his father. I just removed the baby from a dangerous situation. If anything it should be me mad at them! Asking of that of a woman who nearly died by just sitting in a carriage, when all she wanted was a little support from her friends who owes her a great deal! Raoul I… Its a bit more fair, as he did go get me. But still it is me who was wronged to begin with!” She said, anger boiling again in her weak body.

[persianmacarons]

Nadir stood and scooped Christine into his arms so he could set her on his lap. “Christine.  I think he meant it playfully, you know he thinks the world of you.” 

[mirageoftheopera]

“Nadir, I’m not being hostile. Let’s be civil this time, yes?” 

Erika adjusted her hold on Reza. “Please forgive what I said in anger…I don’t want to keep him from you. You’ve been such a wonderful father.” She grinned at Raoul apologetically. “You both have. And…it’s no longer a secret. You can claim him openly. I’ll take the disgrace. I deserve it.”

@persianmacarons

[persianmacarons]

Nadir’s face softened and he nodded, “you don’t deserve any of this…I shouldn’t have been so quick to take him but I panicked…I was afraid that I would lose him…he’s my world.”

@mirageoftheopera

[mirageoftheopera]

“I know…” Erika sighed. “I know. He shouldn’t be without either of us, though. I offer you your position back, as the children’s govorner. But, if you choose not to take it…I promise to bring Reza here to visit, as often as I can. We may not be an item, but we’re still his parents. We need to start acting like it.”

@persianmacarons

[persianmacarons]

He thought for a moment.  Erika had given him his son who loved dearly, but he didn’t want to go back and he certainly didn’t want to give up his son.  “I don’t know what to do…this situation is not ideal for any of us but…if you promise to bring him by often, and tell me before you take him out of France, then….I will let him stay with you.  But when he gets older if he desires to stay with Christine and I instead, we will let him.  He should gain full choice of which family he wants to stay with at 15, when he is circumcised and becomes a man.”

@mirageoftheopera

[mirageoftheopera]

Erika glanced at Raoul, a bit taken back. Circumcision wasn’t typically something in the cards for a Frenchman…but Erika had suspected that Nadir wanted to raise his son Muslim – as much as she disagreed with him on the matter.

“If he wants to, I’ll have no issue with it. And I swear, you’ll be there for every milestone and celebration. I’ll write to you daily, tell you how he’s faring. Though…I’m worried how I’ll explain this arrangement to Sylvie. I know she wouldn’t understand.”

@onfeatherywings @persianmacarons

[onfeatherywings]

“What if we bring her along too, or explain them as play dates….at least until she gets old enough to understand.”  Raoul offered “She visited when she was younger and I’m sure she’ll love to visit again.  The only thing I would be worried about would be her trying to fly around in here and getting her wings tangled in something.  Angel bones aren’t very strong.”

@mirageoftheopera

[mirageoftheopera]

“That’s an excellent idea, dear,” she said. “I’ll bring Reza back in the morning. Right now, we need to get home and sort the mess out over there.”

@onfeatherywings

[onfeatherywings]

“Please keep Christine safe, I don’t know how much I healed her, I haven’t exactly had training at ‘angel school’.  I can only go by what feels right.” he explained as he lifted Erika and Reza into his arms and carried them out to fly back home.

@mirageoftheopera

[mirageoftheopera]

Erika tucked Reza tightly in the quilt, afraid she would drop him in the air.

“If Christine is well enough, I’d like to speak with her tomorrow,” she added before they took off.

@onfeatherywings

[onfeatherywings]

Nadir nodded and saw them off with a wave.

Raoul held tightly, to the pair and flew as fast he could home so they warm back up.  “You know… it occurs to me that this is his first flight” he said with a chuckle.

@mirageoftheopera

[mirageoftheopera]

Erika almost didn’t hear him over the wind in her ears. “Yes, and he manages to sleep through it, by some miracle.”

Bundled up where the cold altitude couldn’t reach him, the smooth flight kept him in that peaceful sleep of his.

@onfeatherywings

[onfeatherywings]

Raoul laughed as he carried them in through the window and shut it firmly behind them.  “I wonder if he’ll be mad about that when he’s older?”

@mirageoftheopera

[mirageoftheopera]

“I doubt it,” Erika said, carefulky climbing down. “He can go for flights with Sylvie once she’s gotten the hang of things.”

And speak of the devil, once word circulated the master and mistress of the house had arrived, Sylvie came running into her parents’ bedroom.

“Maman! Papa!” She cried, wrapping herself around Raoul’s shin and sitting on his boot. “Don’t leave!”

Her sudden ruckus startled Reza awake, adding his tired crying to his sister’s hysterics. Erika sighed, knowing he would probably take a while to sleep again.

“Maman and Papa aren’t going anywhere, duckling,” she told her daughter sweetly. “We couldnt find Buba, and we were scared. But, look, he’s back now.” She held out the red-faced one-year-old so Sylvie could see him.

@onfeatherywings

[onfeatherywings]

Raoul smiled and scooped up Sylvie, “he’s such a cranky boy, you should give him a little kiss to feel better” he held Sylvie close to her brother and smiled when she gave him a kiss.  To his surprise it worked and Reza began to calm and smiled up at his sister, reaching out to squeeze her nose with a laugh.

@mirageoftheopera

[mirageoftheopera]

Erika saw the change, and wondered if Sylvie had her father’s healing abilities.

“We all need to sleep. Sylvie, we have a playdate at Uncle Nadir’s flat in the morning.”

@onfeatherywings

[onfeatherywings]

The little angel pouted, “I’m not tired though….and Reza just woke up.”

Raoul chuckle, “Sylvie, it’s getting dark and you won’t want to wake up if you don’t go to bed now.  Think about all the fun you’ll have tomorrow with Uncle Nadir.”

Finally the tot relented and nodded with a yawn reached for her brother to give him a goodnight hug.

@mirageoftheopera

[mirageoftheopera]

As Erika put the children down to rest, she nervously locked the nursery door behind her.

“I’m locking them in from now on,” she told Raoul. “Just in case.”

@onfeatherywings

[onfeatherywings]

Raoul nodded, though he was concerned.  “what if they have nightmares, do you think they’ll be okay?” he asked as he change into his pajamas and got ready for bed, exhausted after so much panicked flying in a single day.

@mirageoftheopera

[mirageoftheopera]

“I can hear them call from here,” Erika assured him. “I’m leaving the key on the nightstand.”

It still felt like a novelty, climbing into bed beside her husband. She pressed up beside him with a yawn, her arm draped over his toned chest.

“Today was bloody terrible,” she groaned. After a minuites of sleepy silence, she perked up. “Oh! Raoul, I never got a chance to tell you. The doctor examined me…that day, and he said it’s still possible for us to try again. You healed the worst of the damage, and the scarring won’t make me infertile.”

She gave him a small squeeze. “I don’t know how to feel about it. I’m still upset that Christine is replacing her, but…I can’t help the emptiness I feel. I don’t want Celeste to think we’ve forgotten about her, but…I still want to try again.”

@onfeatherywings

@onfeatherywings

[onfeatherywings]

Raoul smiled and kissed her, “No one is replacing her my love.  No one ever could.”  He held her close and wrapped them up in the blankets, “Give yourself time to figure things out, you’re a wonderful mother and deserve another chance.” he said sleepily.  “I love you, and you’re the strongest woman I’ve ever met…”

@mirageoftheopera

[mirageoftheopera]

Erika kissed him in return, her legs tangling up with his under the sheets. “I love you, too.” She rested her head in the crook of his arm. “You know,” she yawned. “We never did go courting like we should have done. Maybe thats something we could do, while everything settles into a new routine.”

@onfeatherywings

[onfeatherywings]

“We could boat down the Seine and I’ll play the violin for you while you sit under a parasol sipping a glass of wine.” he chuckled sleepily.  “Maybe we could get someone to paint our portraits, you’d look lovely…posed across a chaise lounge with a book and wine….put the…….greats to shame” was all Raoul managed to get out before falling sound asleep.

@mirageoftheopera

[mirageoftheopera]

Erika fell asleep next to him, smiling to herself for the first time in weeks.

—————

@bronze-and-navy-is-creating-1

[bronze-and-navy-is-creating-1]

It was later that afternoon that Christine stirred. She blinked, wrapped up in he couch, confused but feeling a bit better. “n-nadir?!” She called out in confusion, not recognizing her surroundings

[persianmacarons]

Unaware of the world around him, Nadir laid in front of the fire on a pile of blankets, snoring at the top of his lungs, and rather impressive snout.  Occasionally a large hand would reach up to scratch his stomach but other than that he was gone.

@bronze-and-navy-is-creating-1

[bronze-and-navy-is-creating-1]

Upon hearing the snore she looked down and giggled a bit to herself, despite the ordeal she was slowly remembering. She managed to reach down and shake him “Nadir… Nadir wake up…”

[persianmacarons]

Nadir mumbled something incoherent in his sleep and slowly blinked awake. “Christine….?  Are you all right, dear?”

He sat up slowly, yawned, and stretched, wincing at the loud pops and cracks his back made.  “You gave us all quite a scare last night…nearly froze to death.”

[bronze-and-navy-is-creating-1]

“is Reza okay? where is he? I… I remember Raoul saying that my baby was alive but that’s about it.” She said, struggling to sit up a bit before giving up as her muscles felt too week for that.

[persianmacarons]

“He’ll be over soon….Erika’s bringing him over for a ‘playdate’. We worked out a parenting agreement.  Until Reza gets ol enough to pick who he wants to stay with, he’ll be visiting.”  he yawned.

[bronze-and-navy-is-creating-1]

“are you okay with that?” She asked, a bit worried, she managed to sit up slightly.

[persianmacarons]

“I…as okay as I can be.  This certainly isn’t where I expected my life to go but I get to see my son and that’s fine.”

Nadir stood and kissed Christine’s forehead, “He’s going to be so happy to see you again, he’s a happy boy in general, but I think he likes your voice.”

[bronze-and-navy-is-creating-1]

“he was very calm when I had him last night… Why did you decide to stay here? What’s Erika doing about all this? I’d like to know where I stand on… Just tell me all that happened.” She said, curling under her blanket a bit

[persianmacarons]

“I stayed here because this is my home and I do not want to be under Erika’s thumb just because she has my son…I didn’t want you risking your health for extra travel either….other than that I don’t have any other reasons.  I hope you don’t mind.”  He carded his fingers through her hair, “I did what I thought was best.”

[bronze-and-navy-is-creating-1]

“if you are alright with it… Where do I stand with everything else? What happened?” She said, looking rather depressed. She still felt betrayed by them both, though Raouls good deeds redeemed himself quite a bit in her eyes.

[persianmacarons]

"Well, she wants to speak to you, and Raoul seems disappointed that you would let yourself sit out in the cold, but I don’t think he’s truly mad or disappointed in you.”

[mirageoftheopera]

“Nadir, I’m not being hostile. Let’s be civil this time, yes?” 

Erika adjusted her hold on Reza. “Please forgive what I said in anger…I don’t want to keep him from you. You’ve been such a wonderful father.” She grinned at Raoul apologetically. “You both have. And…it’s no longer a secret. You can claim him openly. I’ll take the disgrace. I deserve it.”

@persianmacarons

[persianmacarons]

Nadir’s face softened and he nodded, “you don’t deserve any of this…I shouldn’t have been so quick to take him but I panicked…I was afraid that I would lose him…he’s my world.”

@mirageoftheopera

[mirageoftheopera]

“I know…” Erika sighed. “I know. He shouldn’t be without either of us, though. I offer you your position back, as the children’s govorner. But, if you choose not to take it…I promise to bring Reza here to visit, as often as I can. We may not be an item, but we’re still his parents. We need to start acting like it.”

@persianmacarons

[persianmacarons]

He thought for a moment.  Erika had given him his son who loved dearly, but he didn’t want to go back and he certainly didn’t want to give up his son.  “I don’t know what to do…this situation is not ideal for any of us but…if you promise to bring him by often, and tell me before you take him out of France, then….I will let him stay with you.  But when he gets older if he desires to stay with Christine and I instead, we will let him.  He should gain full choice of which family he wants to stay with at 15, when he is circumcised and becomes a man.”

@mirageoftheopera

[mirageoftheopera]

Erika glanced at Raoul, a bit taken back. Circumcision wasn’t typically something in the cards for a Frenchman…but Erika had suspected that Nadir wanted to raise his son Muslim – as much as she disagreed with him on the matter.

“If he wants to, I’ll have no issue with it. And I swear, you’ll be there for every milestone and celebration. I’ll write to you daily, tell you how he’s faring. Though…I’m worried how I’ll explain this arrangement to Sylvie. I know she wouldn’t understand.”

@onfeatherywings @persianmacarons

[onfeatherywings]

“What if we bring her along too, or explain them as play dates….at least until she gets old enough to understand.”  Raoul offered “She visited when she was younger and I’m sure she’ll love to visit again.  The only thing I would be worried about would be her trying to fly around in here and getting her wings tangled in something.  Angel bones aren’t very strong.”

@mirageoftheopera

[mirageoftheopera]

“That’s an excellent idea, dear,” she said. “I’ll bring Reza back in the morning. Right now, we need to get home and sort the mess out over there.”

@onfeatherywings

[onfeatherywings]

“Please keep Christine safe, I don’t know how much I healed her, I haven’t exactly had training at ‘angel school’.  I can only go by what feels right.” he explained as he lifted Erika and Reza into his arms and carried them out to fly back home.

@mirageoftheopera

[mirageoftheopera]

Erika tucked Reza tightly in the quilt, afraid she would drop him in the air.

“If Christine is well enough, I’d like to speak with her tomorrow,” she added before they took off.

@onfeatherywings

[onfeatherywings]

Nadir nodded and saw them off with a wave.

Raoul held tightly, to the pair and flew as fast he could home so they warm back up.  “You know… it occurs to me that this is his first flight” he said with a chuckle.

@mirageoftheopera

[mirageoftheopera]

Erika almost didn’t hear him over the wind in her ears. “Yes, and he manages to sleep through it, by some miracle.”

Bundled up where the cold altitude couldn’t reach him, the smooth flight kept him in that peaceful sleep of his.

@onfeatherywings

[onfeatherywings]

Raoul laughed as he carried them in through the window and shut it firmly behind them.  “I wonder if he’ll be mad about that when he’s older?”

@mirageoftheopera

[mirageoftheopera]

“I doubt it,” Erika said, carefulky climbing down. “He can go for flights with Sylvie once she’s gotten the hang of things.”

And speak of the devil, once word circulated the master and mistress of the house had arrived, Sylvie came running into her parents’ bedroom.

“Maman! Papa!” She cried, wrapping herself around Raoul’s shin and sitting on his boot. “Don’t leave!”

Her sudden ruckus startled Reza awake, adding his tired crying to his sister’s hysterics. Erika sighed, knowing he would probably take a while to sleep again.

“Maman and Papa aren’t going anywhere, duckling,” she told her daughter sweetly. “We couldnt find Buba, and we were scared. But, look, he’s back now.” She held out the red-faced one-year-old so Sylvie could see him.

@onfeatherywings

[onfeatherywings]

Raoul smiled and scooped up Sylvie, “he’s such a cranky boy, you should give him a little kiss to feel better” he held Sylvie close to her brother and smiled when she gave him a kiss.  To his surprise it worked and Reza began to calm and smiled up at his sister, reaching out to squeeze her nose with a laugh.

@mirageoftheopera

[mirageoftheopera]

Erika saw the change, and wondered if Sylvie had her father’s healing abilities.

“We all need to sleep. Sylvie, we have a playdate at Uncle Nadir’s flat in the morning.”

@onfeatherywings

[onfeatherywings]

The little angel pouted, “I’m not tired though….and Reza just woke up.”

Raoul chuckle, “Sylvie, it’s getting dark and you won’t want to wake up if you don’t go to bed now.  Think about all the fun you’ll have tomorrow with Uncle Nadir.”

Finally the tot relented and nodded with a yawn reached for her brother to give him a goodnight hug.

@mirageoftheopera

[mirageoftheopera]

As Erika put the children down to rest, she nervously locked the nursery door behind her.

“I’m locking them in from now on,” she told Raoul. “Just in case.”

@onfeatherywings

[onfeatherywings]

Raoul nodded, though he was concerned.  “what if they have nightmares, do you think they’ll be okay?” he asked as he change into his pajamas and got ready for bed, exhausted after so much panicked flying in a single day.

@mirageoftheopera

[mirageoftheopera]

“I can hear them call from here,” Erika assured him. “I’m leaving the key on the nightstand.”

It still felt like a novelty, climbing into bed beside her husband. She pressed up beside him with a yawn, her arm draped over his toned chest.

“Today was bloody terrible,” she groaned. After a minuites of sleepy silence, she perked up. “Oh! Raoul, I never got a chance to tell you. The doctor examined me…that day, and he said it’s still possible for us to try again. You healed the worst of the damage, and the scarring won’t make me infertile.”

She gave him a small squeeze. “I don’t know how to feel about it. I’m still upset that Christine is replacing her, but…I can’t help the emptiness I feel. I don’t want Celeste to think we’ve forgotten about her, but…I still want to try again.”

@onfeatherywings

@onfeatherywings

[onfeatherywings]

Raoul smiled and kissed her, “No one is replacing her my love.  No one ever could.”  He held her close and wrapped them up in the blankets, “Give yourself time to figure things out, you’re a wonderful mother and deserve another chance.” he said sleepily.  “I love you, and you’re the strongest woman I’ve ever met…”

@mirageoftheopera

[mirageoftheopera]

Erika kissed him in return, her legs tangling up with his under the sheets. “I love you, too.” She rested her head in the crook of his arm. “You know,” she yawned. “We never did go courting like we should have done. Maybe thats something we could do, while everything settles into a new routine.”

@onfeatherywings

[onfeatherywings]

“We could boat down the Seine and I’ll play the violin for you while you sit under a parasol sipping a glass of wine.” he chuckled sleepily.  “Maybe we could get someone to paint our portraits, you’d look lovely…posed across a chaise lounge with a book and wine….put the…….greats to shame” was all Raoul managed to get out before falling sound asleep.

@mirageoftheopera

[mirageoftheopera]

Erika fell asleep next to him, smiling to herself for the first time in weeks.

—————

@bronze-and-navy-is-creating-1

[bronze-and-navy-is-creating-1]

It was later that afternoon that Christine stirred. She blinked, wrapped up in he couch, confused but feeling a bit better. “n-nadir?!” She called out in confusion, not recognizing her surroundings

[persianmacarons]

Unaware of the world around him, Nadir laid in front of the fire on a pile of blankets, snoring at the top of his lungs, and rather impressive snout.  Occasionally a large hand would reach up to scratch his stomach but other than that he was gone.

@bronze-and-navy-is-creating-1

[bronze-and-navy-is-creating-1]

Upon hearing the snore she looked down and giggled a bit to herself, despite the ordeal she was slowly remembering. She managed to reach down and shake him “Nadir… Nadir wake up…”

[persianmacarons]

Nadir mumbled something incoherent in his sleep and slowly blinked awake. “Christine….?  Are you all right, dear?”

He sat up slowly, yawned, and stretched, wincing at the loud pops and cracks his back made.  “You gave us all quite a scare last night…nearly froze to death.”

[bronze-and-navy-is-creating-1]

“is Reza okay? where is he? I… I remember Raoul saying that my baby was alive but that’s about it.” She said, struggling to sit up a bit before giving up as her muscles felt too week for that.

[persianmacarons]

“He’ll be over soon….Erika’s bringing him over for a ‘playdate’. We worked out a parenting agreement.  Until Reza gets ol enough to pick who he wants to stay with, he’ll be visiting.”  he yawned.

[bronze-and-navy-is-creating-1]

“are you okay with that?” She asked, a bit worried, she managed to sit up slightly.

[persianmacarons]

“I…as okay as I can be.  This certainly isn’t where I expected my life to go but I get to see my son and that’s fine.”

Nadir stood and kissed Christine’s forehead, “He’s going to be so happy to see you again, he’s a happy boy in general, but I think he likes your voice.”

[bronze-and-navy-is-creating-1]

“he was very calm when I had him last night… Why did you decide to stay here? What’s Erika doing about all this? I’d like to know where I stand on… Just tell me all that happened.” She said, curling under her blanket a bit

[persianmacarons]

“I stayed here because this is my home and I do not want to be under Erika’s thumb just because she has my son...I didn’t want you risking your health for extra travel either....other than that I don’t have any other reasons.  I hope you don’t mind.”  He carded his fingers through her hair, “I did what I thought was best.”

[mirageoftheopera]

“Nadir, I’m not being hostile. Let’s be civil this time, yes?” 

Erika adjusted her hold on Reza. “Please forgive what I said in anger…I don’t want to keep him from you. You’ve been such a wonderful father.” She grinned at Raoul apologetically. “You both have. And…it’s no longer a secret. You can claim him openly. I’ll take the disgrace. I deserve it.”

@persianmacarons

[persianmacarons]

Nadir’s face softened and he nodded, “you don’t deserve any of this…I shouldn’t have been so quick to take him but I panicked…I was afraid that I would lose him…he’s my world.”

@mirageoftheopera

[mirageoftheopera]

“I know…” Erika sighed. “I know. He shouldn’t be without either of us, though. I offer you your position back, as the children’s govorner. But, if you choose not to take it…I promise to bring Reza here to visit, as often as I can. We may not be an item, but we’re still his parents. We need to start acting like it.”

@persianmacarons

[persianmacarons]

He thought for a moment.  Erika had given him his son who loved dearly, but he didn’t want to go back and he certainly didn’t want to give up his son.  “I don’t know what to do…this situation is not ideal for any of us but…if you promise to bring him by often, and tell me before you take him out of France, then….I will let him stay with you.  But when he gets older if he desires to stay with Christine and I instead, we will let him.  He should gain full choice of which family he wants to stay with at 15, when he is circumcised and becomes a man.”

@mirageoftheopera

[mirageoftheopera]

Erika glanced at Raoul, a bit taken back. Circumcision wasn’t typically something in the cards for a Frenchman…but Erika had suspected that Nadir wanted to raise his son Muslim – as much as she disagreed with him on the matter.

“If he wants to, I’ll have no issue with it. And I swear, you’ll be there for every milestone and celebration. I’ll write to you daily, tell you how he’s faring. Though…I’m worried how I’ll explain this arrangement to Sylvie. I know she wouldn’t understand.”

@onfeatherywings @persianmacarons

[onfeatherywings]

“What if we bring her along too, or explain them as play dates….at least until she gets old enough to understand.”  Raoul offered “She visited when she was younger and I’m sure she’ll love to visit again.  The only thing I would be worried about would be her trying to fly around in here and getting her wings tangled in something.  Angel bones aren’t very strong.”

@mirageoftheopera

[mirageoftheopera]

“That’s an excellent idea, dear,” she said. “I’ll bring Reza back in the morning. Right now, we need to get home and sort the mess out over there.”

@onfeatherywings

[onfeatherywings]

“Please keep Christine safe, I don’t know how much I healed her, I haven’t exactly had training at ‘angel school’.  I can only go by what feels right.” he explained as he lifted Erika and Reza into his arms and carried them out to fly back home.

@mirageoftheopera

[mirageoftheopera]

Erika tucked Reza tightly in the quilt, afraid she would drop him in the air.

“If Christine is well enough, I’d like to speak with her tomorrow,” she added before they took off.

@onfeatherywings

[onfeatherywings]

Nadir nodded and saw them off with a wave.

Raoul held tightly, to the pair and flew as fast he could home so they warm back up.  “You know… it occurs to me that this is his first flight” he said with a chuckle.

@mirageoftheopera

[mirageoftheopera]

Erika almost didn’t hear him over the wind in her ears. “Yes, and he manages to sleep through it, by some miracle.”

Bundled up where the cold altitude couldn’t reach him, the smooth flight kept him in that peaceful sleep of his.

@onfeatherywings

[onfeatherywings]

Raoul laughed as he carried them in through the window and shut it firmly behind them.  “I wonder if he’ll be mad about that when he’s older?”

@mirageoftheopera

[mirageoftheopera]

“I doubt it,” Erika said, carefulky climbing down. “He can go for flights with Sylvie once she’s gotten the hang of things.”

And speak of the devil, once word circulated the master and mistress of the house had arrived, Sylvie came running into her parents’ bedroom.

“Maman! Papa!” She cried, wrapping herself around Raoul’s shin and sitting on his boot. “Don’t leave!”

Her sudden ruckus startled Reza awake, adding his tired crying to his sister’s hysterics. Erika sighed, knowing he would probably take a while to sleep again.

“Maman and Papa aren’t going anywhere, duckling,” she told her daughter sweetly. “We couldnt find Buba, and we were scared. But, look, he’s back now.” She held out the red-faced one-year-old so Sylvie could see him.

@onfeatherywings

[onfeatherywings]

Raoul smiled and scooped up Sylvie, “he’s such a cranky boy, you should give him a little kiss to feel better” he held Sylvie close to her brother and smiled when she gave him a kiss.  To his surprise it worked and Reza began to calm and smiled up at his sister, reaching out to squeeze her nose with a laugh.

@mirageoftheopera

[mirageoftheopera]

Erika saw the change, and wondered if Sylvie had her father’s healing abilities.

“We all need to sleep. Sylvie, we have a playdate at Uncle Nadir’s flat in the morning.”

@onfeatherywings

[onfeatherywings]

The little angel pouted, “I’m not tired though….and Reza just woke up.”

Raoul chuckle, “Sylvie, it’s getting dark and you won’t want to wake up if you don’t go to bed now.  Think about all the fun you’ll have tomorrow with Uncle Nadir.”

Finally the tot relented and nodded with a yawn reached for her brother to give him a goodnight hug.

@mirageoftheopera

[mirageoftheopera]

As Erika put the children down to rest, she nervously locked the nursery door behind her.

“I’m locking them in from now on,” she told Raoul. “Just in case.”

@onfeatherywings

[onfeatherywings]

Raoul nodded, though he was concerned.  “what if they have nightmares, do you think they’ll be okay?” he asked as he change into his pajamas and got ready for bed, exhausted after so much panicked flying in a single day.

@mirageoftheopera

[mirageoftheopera]

“I can hear them call from here,” Erika assured him. “I’m leaving the key on the nightstand.”

It still felt like a novelty, climbing into bed beside her husband. She pressed up beside him with a yawn, her arm draped over his toned chest.

“Today was bloody terrible,” she groaned. After a minuites of sleepy silence, she perked up. “Oh! Raoul, I never got a chance to tell you. The doctor examined me…that day, and he said it’s still possible for us to try again. You healed the worst of the damage, and the scarring won’t make me infertile.”

She gave him a small squeeze. “I don’t know how to feel about it. I’m still upset that Christine is replacing her, but…I can’t help the emptiness I feel. I don’t want Celeste to think we’ve forgotten about her, but…I still want to try again.”

@onfeatherywings

@onfeatherywings

[onfeatherywings]

Raoul smiled and kissed her, “No one is replacing her my love.  No one ever could.”  He held her close and wrapped them up in the blankets, “Give yourself time to figure things out, you’re a wonderful mother and deserve another chance.” he said sleepily.  “I love you, and you’re the strongest woman I’ve ever met…”

@mirageoftheopera

[mirageoftheopera]

Erika kissed him in return, her legs tangling up with his under the sheets. “I love you, too.” She rested her head in the crook of his arm. “You know,” she yawned. “We never did go courting like we should have done. Maybe thats something we could do, while everything settles into a new routine.”

@onfeatherywings

[onfeatherywings]

“We could boat down the Seine and I’ll play the violin for you while you sit under a parasol sipping a glass of wine.” he chuckled sleepily.  “Maybe we could get someone to paint our portraits, you’d look lovely…posed across a chaise lounge with a book and wine….put the…….greats to shame” was all Raoul managed to get out before falling sound asleep.

@mirageoftheopera

[mirageoftheopera]

Erika fell asleep next to him, smiling to herself for the first time in weeks.

—————

@bronze-and-navy-is-creating-1

[bronze-and-navy-is-creating-1]

It was later that afternoon that Christine stirred. She blinked, wrapped up in he couch, confused but feeling a bit better. “n-nadir?!” She called out in confusion, not recognizing her surroundings

[persianmacarons]

Unaware of the world around him, Nadir laid in front of the fire on a pile of blankets, snoring at the top of his lungs, and rather impressive snout.  Occasionally a large hand would reach up to scratch his stomach but other than that he was gone.

@bronze-and-navy-is-creating-1

[bronze-and-navy-is-creating-1]

Upon hearing the snore she looked down and giggled a bit to herself, despite the ordeal she was slowly remembering. She managed to reach down and shake him “Nadir… Nadir wake up…”

[persianmacarons]

Nadir mumbled something incoherent in his sleep and slowly blinked awake. “Christine….?  Are you all right, dear?”

He sat up slowly, yawned, and stretched, wincing at the loud pops and cracks his back made.  “You gave us all quite a scare last night…nearly froze to death.”

[bronze-and-navy-is-creating-1]

“is Reza okay? where is he? I… I remember Raoul saying that my baby was alive but that’s about it.” She said, struggling to sit up a bit before giving up as her muscles felt too week for that.

[persianmacarons]

“He’ll be over soon….Erika’s bringing him over for a ‘playdate’. We worked out a parenting agreement.  Until Reza gets ol enough to pick who he wants to stay with, he’ll be visiting.”  he yawned.

[bronze-and-navy-is-creating-1]

“are you okay with that?” She asked, a bit worried, she managed to sit up slightly.

[persianmacarons]

“I...as okay as I can be.  This certainly isn’t where I expected my life to go but I get to see my son and that’s fine.”

Nadir stood and kissed Christine’s forehead, “He’s going to be so happy to see you again, he’s a happy boy in general, but I think he likes your voice.”

[mirageoftheopera]

“Nadir, I’m not being hostile. Let’s be civil this time, yes?” 

Erika adjusted her hold on Reza. “Please forgive what I said in anger…I don’t want to keep him from you. You’ve been such a wonderful father.” She grinned at Raoul apologetically. “You both have. And…it’s no longer a secret. You can claim him openly. I’ll take the disgrace. I deserve it.”

@persianmacarons

[persianmacarons]

Nadir’s face softened and he nodded, “you don’t deserve any of this…I shouldn’t have been so quick to take him but I panicked…I was afraid that I would lose him…he’s my world.”

@mirageoftheopera

[mirageoftheopera]

“I know…” Erika sighed. “I know. He shouldn’t be without either of us, though. I offer you your position back, as the children’s govorner. But, if you choose not to take it…I promise to bring Reza here to visit, as often as I can. We may not be an item, but we’re still his parents. We need to start acting like it.”

@persianmacarons

[persianmacarons]

He thought for a moment.  Erika had given him his son who loved dearly, but he didn’t want to go back and he certainly didn’t want to give up his son.  “I don’t know what to do…this situation is not ideal for any of us but…if you promise to bring him by often, and tell me before you take him out of France, then….I will let him stay with you.  But when he gets older if he desires to stay with Christine and I instead, we will let him.  He should gain full choice of which family he wants to stay with at 15, when he is circumcised and becomes a man.”

@mirageoftheopera

[mirageoftheopera]

Erika glanced at Raoul, a bit taken back. Circumcision wasn’t typically something in the cards for a Frenchman…but Erika had suspected that Nadir wanted to raise his son Muslim – as much as she disagreed with him on the matter.

“If he wants to, I’ll have no issue with it. And I swear, you’ll be there for every milestone and celebration. I’ll write to you daily, tell you how he’s faring. Though…I’m worried how I’ll explain this arrangement to Sylvie. I know she wouldn’t understand.”

@onfeatherywings @persianmacarons

[onfeatherywings]

“What if we bring her along too, or explain them as play dates….at least until she gets old enough to understand.”  Raoul offered “She visited when she was younger and I’m sure she’ll love to visit again.  The only thing I would be worried about would be her trying to fly around in here and getting her wings tangled in something.  Angel bones aren’t very strong.”

@mirageoftheopera

[mirageoftheopera]

“That’s an excellent idea, dear,” she said. “I’ll bring Reza back in the morning. Right now, we need to get home and sort the mess out over there.”

@onfeatherywings

[onfeatherywings]

“Please keep Christine safe, I don’t know how much I healed her, I haven’t exactly had training at ‘angel school’.  I can only go by what feels right.” he explained as he lifted Erika and Reza into his arms and carried them out to fly back home.

@mirageoftheopera

[mirageoftheopera]

Erika tucked Reza tightly in the quilt, afraid she would drop him in the air.

“If Christine is well enough, I’d like to speak with her tomorrow,” she added before they took off.

@onfeatherywings

[onfeatherywings]

Nadir nodded and saw them off with a wave.

Raoul held tightly, to the pair and flew as fast he could home so they warm back up.  “You know… it occurs to me that this is his first flight” he said with a chuckle.

@mirageoftheopera

[mirageoftheopera]

Erika almost didn’t hear him over the wind in her ears. “Yes, and he manages to sleep through it, by some miracle.”

Bundled up where the cold altitude couldn’t reach him, the smooth flight kept him in that peaceful sleep of his.

@onfeatherywings

[onfeatherywings]

Raoul laughed as he carried them in through the window and shut it firmly behind them.  “I wonder if he’ll be mad about that when he’s older?”

@mirageoftheopera

[mirageoftheopera]

“I doubt it,” Erika said, carefulky climbing down. “He can go for flights with Sylvie once she’s gotten the hang of things.”

And speak of the devil, once word circulated the master and mistress of the house had arrived, Sylvie came running into her parents’ bedroom.

“Maman! Papa!” She cried, wrapping herself around Raoul’s shin and sitting on his boot. “Don’t leave!”

Her sudden ruckus startled Reza awake, adding his tired crying to his sister’s hysterics. Erika sighed, knowing he would probably take a while to sleep again.

“Maman and Papa aren’t going anywhere, duckling,” she told her daughter sweetly. “We couldnt find Buba, and we were scared. But, look, he’s back now.” She held out the red-faced one-year-old so Sylvie could see him.

@onfeatherywings

[onfeatherywings]

Raoul smiled and scooped up Sylvie, “he’s such a cranky boy, you should give him a little kiss to feel better” he held Sylvie close to her brother and smiled when she gave him a kiss.  To his surprise it worked and Reza began to calm and smiled up at his sister, reaching out to squeeze her nose with a laugh.

@mirageoftheopera

[mirageoftheopera]

Erika saw the change, and wondered if Sylvie had her father’s healing abilities.

“We all need to sleep. Sylvie, we have a playdate at Uncle Nadir’s flat in the morning.”

@onfeatherywings

[onfeatherywings]

The little angel pouted, “I’m not tired though….and Reza just woke up.”

Raoul chuckle, “Sylvie, it’s getting dark and you won’t want to wake up if you don’t go to bed now.  Think about all the fun you’ll have tomorrow with Uncle Nadir.”

Finally the tot relented and nodded with a yawn reached for her brother to give him a goodnight hug.

@mirageoftheopera

[mirageoftheopera]

As Erika put the children down to rest, she nervously locked the nursery door behind her.

“I’m locking them in from now on,” she told Raoul. “Just in case.”

@onfeatherywings

[onfeatherywings]

Raoul nodded, though he was concerned.  “what if they have nightmares, do you think they’ll be okay?” he asked as he change into his pajamas and got ready for bed, exhausted after so much panicked flying in a single day.

@mirageoftheopera

[mirageoftheopera]

“I can hear them call from here,” Erika assured him. “I’m leaving the key on the nightstand.”

It still felt like a novelty, climbing into bed beside her husband. She pressed up beside him with a yawn, her arm draped over his toned chest.

“Today was bloody terrible,” she groaned. After a minuites of sleepy silence, she perked up. “Oh! Raoul, I never got a chance to tell you. The doctor examined me…that day, and he said it’s still possible for us to try again. You healed the worst of the damage, and the scarring won’t make me infertile.”

She gave him a small squeeze. “I don’t know how to feel about it. I’m still upset that Christine is replacing her, but…I can’t help the emptiness I feel. I don’t want Celeste to think we’ve forgotten about her, but…I still want to try again.”

@onfeatherywings

@onfeatherywings

[onfeatherywings]

Raoul smiled and kissed her, “No one is replacing her my love.  No one ever could.”  He held her close and wrapped them up in the blankets, “Give yourself time to figure things out, you’re a wonderful mother and deserve another chance.” he said sleepily.  “I love you, and you’re the strongest woman I’ve ever met…”

@mirageoftheopera

[mirageoftheopera]

Erika kissed him in return, her legs tangling up with his under the sheets. “I love you, too.” She rested her head in the crook of his arm. “You know,” she yawned. “We never did go courting like we should have done. Maybe thats something we could do, while everything settles into a new routine.”

@onfeatherywings

[onfeatherywings]

“We could boat down the Seine and I’ll play the violin for you while you sit under a parasol sipping a glass of wine.” he chuckled sleepily.  “Maybe we could get someone to paint our portraits, you’d look lovely…posed across a chaise lounge with a book and wine….put the…….greats to shame” was all Raoul managed to get out before falling sound asleep.

@mirageoftheopera

[mirageoftheopera]

Erika fell asleep next to him, smiling to herself for the first time in weeks.

—————

@bronze-and-navy-is-creating-1

[bronze-and-navy-is-creating-1]

It was later that afternoon that Christine stirred. She blinked, wrapped up in he couch, confused but feeling a bit better. “n-nadir?!” She called out in confusion, not recognizing her surroundings

[persianmacarons]

Unaware of the world around him, Nadir laid in front of the fire on a pile of blankets, snoring at the top of his lungs, and rather impressive snout.  Occasionally a large hand would reach up to scratch his stomach but other than that he was gone.

@bronze-and-navy-is-creating-1

[bronze-and-navy-is-creating-1]

Upon hearing the snore she looked down and giggled a bit to herself, despite the ordeal she was slowly remembering. She managed to reach down and shake him “Nadir… Nadir wake up…”

[persianmacarons]

Nadir mumbled something incoherent in his sleep and slowly blinked awake. “Christine….?  Are you all right, dear?”

He sat up slowly, yawned, and stretched, wincing at the loud pops and cracks his back made.  “You gave us all quite a scare last night…nearly froze to death.”

[bronze-and-navy-is-creating-1]

“is Reza okay? where is he? I… I remember Raoul saying that my baby was alive but that’s about it.” She said, struggling to sit up a bit before giving up as her muscles felt too week for that.

[persianmacarons]

“He’ll be over soon....Erika’s bringing him over for a ‘playdate’. We worked out a parenting agreement.  Until Reza gets ol enough to pick who he wants to stay with, he’ll be visiting.”  he yawned.

[mirageoftheopera]

“Nadir, I’m not being hostile. Let’s be civil this time, yes?” 

Erika adjusted her hold on Reza. “Please forgive what I said in anger…I don’t want to keep him from you. You’ve been such a wonderful father.” She grinned at Raoul apologetically. “You both have. And…it’s no longer a secret. You can claim him openly. I’ll take the disgrace. I deserve it.”

@persianmacarons

[persianmacarons]

Nadir’s face softened and he nodded, “you don’t deserve any of this…I shouldn’t have been so quick to take him but I panicked…I was afraid that I would lose him…he’s my world.”

@mirageoftheopera

[mirageoftheopera]

“I know…” Erika sighed. “I know. He shouldn’t be without either of us, though. I offer you your position back, as the children’s govorner. But, if you choose not to take it…I promise to bring Reza here to visit, as often as I can. We may not be an item, but we’re still his parents. We need to start acting like it.”

@persianmacarons

[persianmacarons]

He thought for a moment.  Erika had given him his son who loved dearly, but he didn’t want to go back and he certainly didn’t want to give up his son.  “I don’t know what to do…this situation is not ideal for any of us but…if you promise to bring him by often, and tell me before you take him out of France, then….I will let him stay with you.  But when he gets older if he desires to stay with Christine and I instead, we will let him.  He should gain full choice of which family he wants to stay with at 15, when he is circumcised and becomes a man.”

@mirageoftheopera

[mirageoftheopera]

Erika glanced at Raoul, a bit taken back. Circumcision wasn’t typically something in the cards for a Frenchman…but Erika had suspected that Nadir wanted to raise his son Muslim – as much as she disagreed with him on the matter.

“If he wants to, I’ll have no issue with it. And I swear, you’ll be there for every milestone and celebration. I’ll write to you daily, tell you how he’s faring. Though…I’m worried how I’ll explain this arrangement to Sylvie. I know she wouldn’t understand.”

@onfeatherywings @persianmacarons

[onfeatherywings]

“What if we bring her along too, or explain them as play dates….at least until she gets old enough to understand.”  Raoul offered “She visited when she was younger and I’m sure she’ll love to visit again.  The only thing I would be worried about would be her trying to fly around in here and getting her wings tangled in something.  Angel bones aren’t very strong.”

@mirageoftheopera

[mirageoftheopera]

“That’s an excellent idea, dear,” she said. “I’ll bring Reza back in the morning. Right now, we need to get home and sort the mess out over there.”

@onfeatherywings

[onfeatherywings]

“Please keep Christine safe, I don’t know how much I healed her, I haven’t exactly had training at ‘angel school’.  I can only go by what feels right.” he explained as he lifted Erika and Reza into his arms and carried them out to fly back home.

@mirageoftheopera

[mirageoftheopera]

Erika tucked Reza tightly in the quilt, afraid she would drop him in the air.

“If Christine is well enough, I’d like to speak with her tomorrow,” she added before they took off.

@onfeatherywings

[onfeatherywings]

Nadir nodded and saw them off with a wave.

Raoul held tightly, to the pair and flew as fast he could home so they warm back up.  “You know… it occurs to me that this is his first flight” he said with a chuckle.

@mirageoftheopera

[mirageoftheopera]

Erika almost didn’t hear him over the wind in her ears. “Yes, and he manages to sleep through it, by some miracle.”

Bundled up where the cold altitude couldn’t reach him, the smooth flight kept him in that peaceful sleep of his.

@onfeatherywings

[onfeatherywings]

Raoul laughed as he carried them in through the window and shut it firmly behind them.  “I wonder if he’ll be mad about that when he’s older?”

@mirageoftheopera

[mirageoftheopera]

“I doubt it,” Erika said, carefulky climbing down. “He can go for flights with Sylvie once she’s gotten the hang of things.”

And speak of the devil, once word circulated the master and mistress of the house had arrived, Sylvie came running into her parents’ bedroom.

“Maman! Papa!” She cried, wrapping herself around Raoul’s shin and sitting on his boot. “Don’t leave!”

Her sudden ruckus startled Reza awake, adding his tired crying to his sister’s hysterics. Erika sighed, knowing he would probably take a while to sleep again.

“Maman and Papa aren’t going anywhere, duckling,” she told her daughter sweetly. “We couldnt find Buba, and we were scared. But, look, he’s back now.” She held out the red-faced one-year-old so Sylvie could see him.

@onfeatherywings

[onfeatherywings]

Raoul smiled and scooped up Sylvie, “he’s such a cranky boy, you should give him a little kiss to feel better” he held Sylvie close to her brother and smiled when she gave him a kiss.  To his surprise it worked and Reza began to calm and smiled up at his sister, reaching out to squeeze her nose with a laugh.

@mirageoftheopera

[mirageoftheopera]

Erika saw the change, and wondered if Sylvie had her father’s healing abilities.

“We all need to sleep. Sylvie, we have a playdate at Uncle Nadir’s flat in the morning.”

@onfeatherywings

[onfeatherywings]

The little angel pouted, “I’m not tired though….and Reza just woke up.”

Raoul chuckle, “Sylvie, it’s getting dark and you won’t want to wake up if you don’t go to bed now.  Think about all the fun you’ll have tomorrow with Uncle Nadir.”

Finally the tot relented and nodded with a yawn reached for her brother to give him a goodnight hug.

@mirageoftheopera

[mirageoftheopera]

As Erika put the children down to rest, she nervously locked the nursery door behind her.

“I’m locking them in from now on,” she told Raoul. “Just in case.”

@onfeatherywings

[onfeatherywings]

Raoul nodded, though he was concerned.  “what if they have nightmares, do you think they’ll be okay?” he asked as he change into his pajamas and got ready for bed, exhausted after so much panicked flying in a single day.

@mirageoftheopera

[mirageoftheopera]

“I can hear them call from here,” Erika assured him. “I’m leaving the key on the nightstand.”

It still felt like a novelty, climbing into bed beside her husband. She pressed up beside him with a yawn, her arm draped over his toned chest.

“Today was bloody terrible,” she groaned. After a minuites of sleepy silence, she perked up. “Oh! Raoul, I never got a chance to tell you. The doctor examined me…that day, and he said it’s still possible for us to try again. You healed the worst of the damage, and the scarring won’t make me infertile.”

She gave him a small squeeze. “I don’t know how to feel about it. I’m still upset that Christine is replacing her, but…I can’t help the emptiness I feel. I don’t want Celeste to think we’ve forgotten about her, but…I still want to try again.”

@onfeatherywings

@onfeatherywings

[onfeatherywings]

Raoul smiled and kissed her, “No one is replacing her my love.  No one ever could.”  He held her close and wrapped them up in the blankets, “Give yourself time to figure things out, you’re a wonderful mother and deserve another chance.” he said sleepily.  “I love you, and you’re the strongest woman I’ve ever met…”

@mirageoftheopera

[mirageoftheopera]

Erika kissed him in return, her legs tangling up with his under the sheets. “I love you, too.” She rested her head in the crook of his arm. “You know,” she yawned. “We never did go courting like we should have done. Maybe thats something we could do, while everything settles into a new routine.”

@onfeatherywings

[onfeatherywings]

“We could boat down the Seine and I’ll play the violin for you while you sit under a parasol sipping a glass of wine.” he chuckled sleepily.  “Maybe we could get someone to paint our portraits, you’d look lovely…posed across a chaise lounge with a book and wine….put the…….greats to shame” was all Raoul managed to get out before falling sound asleep.

@mirageoftheopera

[mirageoftheopera]

Erika fell asleep next to him, smiling to herself for the first time in weeks.

—————

@bronze-and-navy-is-creating-1

[bronze-and-navy-is-creating-1]

It was later that afternoon that Christine stirred. She blinked, wrapped up in he couch, confused but feeling a bit better. “n-nadir?!” She called out in confusion, not recognizing her surroundings

[persianmacarons]

Unaware of the world around him, Nadir laid in front of the fire on a pile of blankets, snoring at the top of his lungs, and rather impressive snout.  Occasionally a large hand would reach up to scratch his stomach but other than that he was gone.

@bronze-and-navy-is-creating-1

[bronze-and-navy-is-creating-1]

Upon hearing the snore she looked down and giggled a bit to herself, despite the ordeal she was slowly remembering. She managed to reach down and shake him “Nadir… Nadir wake up…”

[persianmacarons]

Nadir mumbled something incoherent in his sleep and slowly blinked awake. “Christine....?  Are you all right, dear?”

He sat up slowly, yawned, and stretched, wincing at the loud pops and cracks his back made.  “You gave us all quite a scare last night...nearly froze to death.”

[mirageoftheopera]

“Nadir, I’m not being hostile. Let’s be civil this time, yes?” 

Erika adjusted her hold on Reza. “Please forgive what I said in anger…I don’t want to keep him from you. You’ve been such a wonderful father.” She grinned at Raoul apologetically. “You both have. And…it’s no longer a secret. You can claim him openly. I’ll take the disgrace. I deserve it.”

@persianmacarons

[persianmacarons]

Nadir’s face softened and he nodded, “you don’t deserve any of this…I shouldn’t have been so quick to take him but I panicked…I was afraid that I would lose him…he’s my world.”

@mirageoftheopera

[mirageoftheopera]

“I know…” Erika sighed. “I know. He shouldn’t be without either of us, though. I offer you your position back, as the children’s govorner. But, if you choose not to take it…I promise to bring Reza here to visit, as often as I can. We may not be an item, but we’re still his parents. We need to start acting like it.”

@persianmacarons

[persianmacarons]

He thought for a moment.  Erika had given him his son who loved dearly, but he didn’t want to go back and he certainly didn’t want to give up his son.  “I don’t know what to do…this situation is not ideal for any of us but…if you promise to bring him by often, and tell me before you take him out of France, then….I will let him stay with you.  But when he gets older if he desires to stay with Christine and I instead, we will let him.  He should gain full choice of which family he wants to stay with at 15, when he is circumcised and becomes a man.”

@mirageoftheopera

[mirageoftheopera]

Erika glanced at Raoul, a bit taken back. Circumcision wasn’t typically something in the cards for a Frenchman…but Erika had suspected that Nadir wanted to raise his son Muslim – as much as she disagreed with him on the matter.

“If he wants to, I’ll have no issue with it. And I swear, you’ll be there for every milestone and celebration. I’ll write to you daily, tell you how he’s faring. Though…I’m worried how I’ll explain this arrangement to Sylvie. I know she wouldn’t understand.”

@onfeatherywings @persianmacarons

[onfeatherywings]

“What if we bring her along too, or explain them as play dates….at least until she gets old enough to understand.”  Raoul offered “She visited when she was younger and I’m sure she’ll love to visit again.  The only thing I would be worried about would be her trying to fly around in here and getting her wings tangled in something.  Angel bones aren’t very strong.”

@mirageoftheopera

[mirageoftheopera]

“That’s an excellent idea, dear,” she said. “I’ll bring Reza back in the morning. Right now, we need to get home and sort the mess out over there.”

@onfeatherywings

[onfeatherywings]

“Please keep Christine safe, I don’t know how much I healed her, I haven’t exactly had training at ‘angel school’.  I can only go by what feels right.” he explained as he lifted Erika and Reza into his arms and carried them out to fly back home.

@mirageoftheopera

[mirageoftheopera]

Erika tucked Reza tightly in the quilt, afraid she would drop him in the air.

“If Christine is well enough, I’d like to speak with her tomorrow,” she added before they took off.

@onfeatherywings

[onfeatherywings]

Nadir nodded and saw them off with a wave.

Raoul held tightly, to the pair and flew as fast he could home so they warm back up.  “You know… it occurs to me that this is his first flight” he said with a chuckle.

@mirageoftheopera

[mirageoftheopera]

Erika almost didn’t hear him over the wind in her ears. “Yes, and he manages to sleep through it, by some miracle.”

Bundled up where the cold altitude couldn’t reach him, the smooth flight kept him in that peaceful sleep of his.

@onfeatherywings

[onfeatherywings]

Raoul laughed as he carried them in through the window and shut it firmly behind them.  “I wonder if he’ll be mad about that when he’s older?”

@mirageoftheopera

[mirageoftheopera]

“I doubt it,” Erika said, carefulky climbing down. “He can go for flights with Sylvie once she’s gotten the hang of things.”

And speak of the devil, once word circulated the master and mistress of the house had arrived, Sylvie came running into her parents’ bedroom.

“Maman! Papa!” She cried, wrapping herself around Raoul’s shin and sitting on his boot. “Don’t leave!”

Her sudden ruckus startled Reza awake, adding his tired crying to his sister’s hysterics. Erika sighed, knowing he would probably take a while to sleep again.

“Maman and Papa aren’t going anywhere, duckling,” she told her daughter sweetly. “We couldnt find Buba, and we were scared. But, look, he’s back now.” She held out the red-faced one-year-old so Sylvie could see him.

@onfeatherywings

[onfeatherywings]

Raoul smiled and scooped up Sylvie, “he’s such a cranky boy, you should give him a little kiss to feel better” he held Sylvie close to her brother and smiled when she gave him a kiss.  To his surprise it worked and Reza began to calm and smiled up at his sister, reaching out to squeeze her nose with a laugh.

@mirageoftheopera

[mirageoftheopera]

Erika saw the change, and wondered if Sylvie had her father’s healing abilities.

“We all need to sleep. Sylvie, we have a playdate at Uncle Nadir’s flat in the morning.”

@onfeatherywings

[onfeatherywings]

The little angel pouted, “I’m not tired though….and Reza just woke up.”

Raoul chuckle, “Sylvie, it’s getting dark and you won’t want to wake up if you don’t go to bed now.  Think about all the fun you’ll have tomorrow with Uncle Nadir.”

Finally the tot relented and nodded with a yawn reached for her brother to give him a goodnight hug.

@mirageoftheopera

[mirageoftheopera]

As Erika put the children down to rest, she nervously locked the nursery door behind her.

“I’m locking them in from now on,” she told Raoul. “Just in case.”

@onfeatherywings

[onfeatherywings]

Raoul nodded, though he was concerned.  “what if they have nightmares, do you think they’ll be okay?” he asked as he change into his pajamas and got ready for bed, exhausted after so much panicked flying in a single day.

@mirageoftheopera

[mirageoftheopera]

“I can hear them call from here,” Erika assured him. “I’m leaving the key on the nightstand.”

It still felt like a novelty, climbing into bed beside her husband. She pressed up beside him with a yawn, her arm draped over his toned chest.

“Today was bloody terrible,” she groaned. After a minuites of sleepy silence, she perked up. “Oh! Raoul, I never got a chance to tell you. The doctor examined me…that day, and he said it’s still possible for us to try again. You healed the worst of the damage, and the scarring won’t make me infertile.”

She gave him a small squeeze. “I don’t know how to feel about it. I’m still upset that Christine is replacing her, but…I can’t help the emptiness I feel. I don’t want Celeste to think we’ve forgotten about her, but…I still want to try again.”

@onfeatherywings

@onfeatherywings

[onfeatherywings]

Raoul smiled and kissed her, “No one is replacing her my love.  No one ever could.”  He held her close and wrapped them up in the blankets, “Give yourself time to figure things out, you’re a wonderful mother and deserve another chance.” he said sleepily.  “I love you, and you’re the strongest woman I’ve ever met…”

@mirageoftheopera

[mirageoftheopera]

Erika kissed him in return, her legs tangling up with his under the sheets. “I love you, too.” She rested her head in the crook of his arm. “You know,” she yawned. “We never did go courting like we should have done. Maybe thats something we could do, while everything settles into a new routine.”

@onfeatherywings

[onfeatherywings]

“We could boat down the Seine and I’ll play the violin for you while you sit under a parasol sipping a glass of wine.” he chuckled sleepily.  “Maybe we could get someone to paint our portraits, you’d look lovely…posed across a chaise lounge with a book and wine….put the…….greats to shame” was all Raoul managed to get out before falling sound asleep.

@mirageoftheopera

[mirageoftheopera]

Erika fell asleep next to him, smiling to herself for the first time in weeks.

—————

@bronze-and-navy-is-creating-1

[bronze-and-navy-is-creating-1]

It was later that afternoon that Christine stirred. She blinked, wrapped up in he couch, confused but feeling a bit better. “n-nadir?!” She called out in confusion, not recognizing her surroundings

[persianmacarons]

Unaware of the world around him, Nadir laid in front of the fire on a pile of blankets, snoring at the top of his lungs, and rather impressive snout.  Occasionally a large hand would reach up to scratch his stomach but other than that he was gone.

@bronze-and-navy-is-creating-1

[mirageoftheopera]

“Nadir, I’m not being hostile. Let’s be civil this time, yes?” 

Erika adjusted her hold on Reza. “Please forgive what I said in anger…I don’t want to keep him from you. You’ve been such a wonderful father.” She grinned at Raoul apologetically. “You both have. And…it’s no longer a secret. You can claim him openly. I’ll take the disgrace. I deserve it.”

@persianmacarons

[persianmacarons]

Nadir’s face softened and he nodded, “you don’t deserve any of this…I shouldn’t have been so quick to take him but I panicked…I was afraid that I would lose him…he’s my world.”

@mirageoftheopera

[mirageoftheopera]

“I know…” Erika sighed. “I know. He shouldn’t be without either of us, though. I offer you your position back, as the children’s govorner. But, if you choose not to take it…I promise to bring Reza here to visit, as often as I can. We may not be an item, but we’re still his parents. We need to start acting like it.”

@persianmacarons

[persianmacarons]

He thought for a moment.  Erika had given him his son who loved dearly, but he didn’t want to go back and he certainly didn’t want to give up his son.  “I don’t know what to do...this situation is not ideal for any of us but...if you promise to bring him by often, and tell me before you take him out of France, then....I will let him stay with you.  But when he gets older if he desires to stay with Christine and I instead, we will let him.  He should gain full choice of which family he wants to stay with at 15, when he is circumcised and becomes a man.”

@mirageoftheopera

[mirageoftheopera]

“Nadir, I’m not being hostile. Let’s be civil this time, yes?” 

Erika adjusted her hold on Reza. “Please forgive what I said in anger…I don’t want to keep him from you. You’ve been such a wonderful father.” She grinned at Raoul apologetically. “You both have. And…it’s no longer a secret. You can claim him openly. I’ll take the disgrace. I deserve it.”

@persianmacarons

[persianmacarons]

Nadir’s face softened and he nodded, “you don’t deserve any of this...I shouldn’t have been so quick to take him but I panicked...I was afraid that I would lose him...he’s my world.”

@mirageoftheopera

[mirageoftheopera]

Almost collapsing with relief, Erika took the infant from Nadir as gently as she could. Her renewed tears fell down her pale, concave cheeks as she brought his forehead to her lips.

“Thank God you’re alright, my lovely,” she whispered to him, and dotted his pudgy face with kisses. “Maman was so worried over you.”

Her knees weak with cold and emotion, Erika went to the couch and wrapped herself and Reza in the quilt while she tried to calm herself.

@onfeatherywings

[onfeatherywings]

Raoul knelt by Erika’s side while Nadir closed the door to keep the warmth in.  The angel brushed the air from his wife’s face while he tried to strip off her soaked stockings to hang in front of the fire.  “Are you all right, you’re not too cold are you?”

@mirageoftheopera

[mirageoftheopera]

“I’ll be alright now,” Erika said softly, gently rocking her sleeping baby. “God, thank you so much, Raoul. Thank you.”

Reza’s eyes opened just a bit at his mother’s voice, but drifted shut again. He cooed in his sleepiness and started suckling his hand.

“Nadir…” Erika took a deep breath, determined not to let anger consume her. “Can you tell me why? Why steal him from me?”

@persianmacarons

[persianmacarons]

“He is my son, my first and perhaps my only.  If Christine doesn’t make it, he’ll be all I have left.  I refuse to further intrude on a marriage that makes you so happy…”

@mirageoftheopera

[mirageoftheopera]

“Nadir…we can be parents without being together. Think of it…” She wracked her brain. “…think of it as a form of friendship. This situation…it’s revealed my infidelity. There’s no need to hide anymore. I just…”

She suddenly sat up straighter. “Wait…isn’t Christine here with you? I thought Reza was with her.”

@onfeatherywings @persianmacarons

[onfeatherywings]

“She’s in an alley, I blessed her so she should be fine… she wouldn’t let herself be moved.”  he said quietly.

[persianmacarons]

“I tried to convince her to come with me but she thought if she did she’d die….she said that when morning came, if she was alive, she’d return to me.”  He said sadly.

@mirageoftheopera

[mirageoftheopera]

“Well, if she’s going to be fine, then let’s have her here.” Erika glanced out the window at the quickly-fading sunlight. “She’s fortunate that I wont be pressing charges, but I don’t want the poor girl to die.”

@onfeatherywings

[onfeatherywings]

“I’ll get her here as quickly as I can, please don’t fight while I’m gone” he said as he slipped through the door and took off once more to find the alley he’d seen Christine in.

When he spotted the alley he landed carefully and hid his wings as he approached the spot Christine had been.  “Christine…Christine are you still here?” he whispered.

@bronze-and-navy-is-creating-1

[bronze-and-navy-is-creating-1]

She was, and quietly at her name she moaned. She wasn’t hurting as bad now, but was exhausted to the point she no longer felt cold or warm. Just the pain in her stomach and the weight on her body. Bellow her was a small puddle of dried blood that terrified her. She could only fight to live and pray some how the little life in her remained.

[onfeatherywings]

Raoul was relieved for all of half a second before he noticed the dry blood.  Consequences be damned. The angel scooped her into his arms and flew as fast as he could back to Nadir’s flat where he huddled her under his wings and opened the door.

Before anything could be said he rushed into the nearest bedroom and took a blanket to wrap Christine into a tight bundle and lay her flat near the fireplace.  “She’s too stubborn for her own good” he huffed as he finally moved his wings away from her.

[bronze-and-navy-is-creating-1]

Christine grew confused as slowly her surroundings caught up to her, being near Raoul helped heal her more. When she realized Raoul was there she immidaitly begged, not even thinking “Raoul… Raoul is … Did I lose her? Please. Tell me …”

[onfeatherywings]

“Her…the baby?” he placed warm and gentle hands on her stomach.  “I…I think so, I certainly feel something alive in there.  It’s not very strong though, you’re going to need a lot of rest to recover from this, Christine.”  He scooted her around a little so her other side would get warmed too.  “What on earth made you think it was a good idea to stay outside in the cold like that?”

[bronze-and-navy-is-creating-1]

“I was afraid… Carriage… Bumping… Not good…” She mumbled, relaxing quite a bit at the news.

[onfeatherywings]

Raoul sighed, shoulders slumping, “Lotte you’re so dumb….” he huffed with all the loving fondness of a childhood friend who would absolutely give her a tap on the jaw if she weren’t cold and fragile.

[bronze-and-navy-is-creating-1]

She could only huff and curl closer to the warmth of the fire. She was slowly becoming more aware, which in turn allowed for more panic. “Where… Nadir…”

[persianmacarons]

“I’m right here, dearest, do you need anything?” Nadir asked as he knelt next to her and gently stroked her cheek.

[bronze-and-navy-is-creating-1]

“Is… Everything okay? Is Reza safe?” She asked, moving closer to him like a moth to flame.

[persianmacarons]

Nadir glanced back at Erika and her husband suspiciously, “for now…Erika and Raoul came trying to break down my door looking for him.”

He carefully lifted Christine into his arms and kissed her, “you’re so cold.”

[bronze-and-navy-is-creating-1]

She managed to wrap weak arms around his neck and burry herself into his warm soft chest. Only there did she break down. “I thought .. I thought we both were going to die… I… I was I was so scared. I heard Erika threatening to take Reza away from you and he was crying from the yelling and so I ran hoping to calm things and not even half way the damn carriage caused the cramps and I got so scared..”

[persianmacarons]

“shhhhhh, rest, you’re safe now, so are Reza and the baby.  I’ll be here with you, and if you sleep I’ll be here when you wake.” he softly cooed while rubbing her back.

[bronze-and-navy-is-creating-1]

She nodded, nuzzling him a bit. Before she fell asleep completely she mumbled “Defend me Nadir…” And with that she finally let exhaustion take over, finding complete comfort in his arms.

[persianmacarons]

“Always.” he whispered, kissing her forehead.  “Well….What do we do now?” he asked the pair.

@mirageoftheopera

[mirageoftheopera]

Reza was fast asleep against his mother’s heartbeat. Erika rocked him slowly, both of them bundled under her quilt.

“I should go home to Sylvie…” she said with a tired sigh. “But…Nadir, we need to talk.” 

She looked up at her ex-lover with a genuine look in her eye. “I’m done with my foolery, I swear. I just…want to talk to you, as the father of my child.”

To her husband, she said: “And, Raoul, before you say anything…I’m sorry I did this to us…to everyone.”

@persianmacarons

[persianmacarons]

Nadir sighed, “What is there to speak about.  I can only assume the worst will happen.”

@mirageoftheopera

[mirageoftheopera]

Almost collapsing with relief, Erika took the infant from Nadir as gently as she could. Her renewed tears fell down her pale, concave cheeks as she brought his forehead to her lips.

“Thank God you’re alright, my lovely,” she whispered to him, and dotted his pudgy face with kisses. “Maman was so worried over you.”

Her knees weak with cold and emotion, Erika went to the couch and wrapped herself and Reza in the quilt while she tried to calm herself.

@onfeatherywings

[onfeatherywings]

Raoul knelt by Erika’s side while Nadir closed the door to keep the warmth in.  The angel brushed the air from his wife’s face while he tried to strip off her soaked stockings to hang in front of the fire.  “Are you all right, you’re not too cold are you?”

@mirageoftheopera

[mirageoftheopera]

“I’ll be alright now,” Erika said softly, gently rocking her sleeping baby. “God, thank you so much, Raoul. Thank you.”

Reza’s eyes opened just a bit at his mother’s voice, but drifted shut again. He cooed in his sleepiness and started suckling his hand.

“Nadir…” Erika took a deep breath, determined not to let anger consume her. “Can you tell me why? Why steal him from me?”

@persianmacarons

[persianmacarons]

“He is my son, my first and perhaps my only.  If Christine doesn’t make it, he’ll be all I have left.  I refuse to further intrude on a marriage that makes you so happy…”

@mirageoftheopera

[mirageoftheopera]

“Nadir…we can be parents without being together. Think of it…” She wracked her brain. “…think of it as a form of friendship. This situation…it’s revealed my infidelity. There’s no need to hide anymore. I just…”

She suddenly sat up straighter. “Wait…isn’t Christine here with you? I thought Reza was with her.”

@onfeatherywings @persianmacarons

[onfeatherywings]

“She’s in an alley, I blessed her so she should be fine… she wouldn’t let herself be moved.”  he said quietly.

[persianmacarons]

“I tried to convince her to come with me but she thought if she did she’d die….she said that when morning came, if she was alive, she’d return to me.”  He said sadly.

@mirageoftheopera

[mirageoftheopera]

“Well, if she’s going to be fine, then let’s have her here.” Erika glanced out the window at the quickly-fading sunlight. “She’s fortunate that I wont be pressing charges, but I don’t want the poor girl to die.”

@onfeatherywings

[onfeatherywings]

“I’ll get her here as quickly as I can, please don’t fight while I’m gone” he said as he slipped through the door and took off once more to find the alley he’d seen Christine in.

When he spotted the alley he landed carefully and hid his wings as he approached the spot Christine had been.  “Christine…Christine are you still here?” he whispered.

@bronze-and-navy-is-creating-1

[bronze-and-navy-is-creating-1]

She was, and quietly at her name she moaned. She wasn’t hurting as bad now, but was exhausted to the point she no longer felt cold or warm. Just the pain in her stomach and the weight on her body. Bellow her was a small puddle of dried blood that terrified her. She could only fight to live and pray some how the little life in her remained.

[onfeatherywings]

Raoul was relieved for all of half a second before he noticed the dry blood.  Consequences be damned. The angel scooped her into his arms and flew as fast as he could back to Nadir’s flat where he huddled her under his wings and opened the door.

Before anything could be said he rushed into the nearest bedroom and took a blanket to wrap Christine into a tight bundle and lay her flat near the fireplace.  “She’s too stubborn for her own good” he huffed as he finally moved his wings away from her.

[bronze-and-navy-is-creating-1]

Christine grew confused as slowly her surroundings caught up to her, being near Raoul helped heal her more. When she realized Raoul was there she immidaitly begged, not even thinking “Raoul… Raoul is … Did I lose her? Please. Tell me …”

[onfeatherywings]

“Her…the baby?” he placed warm and gentle hands on her stomach.  “I…I think so, I certainly feel something alive in there.  It’s not very strong though, you’re going to need a lot of rest to recover from this, Christine.”  He scooted her around a little so her other side would get warmed too.  “What on earth made you think it was a good idea to stay outside in the cold like that?”

[bronze-and-navy-is-creating-1]

“I was afraid… Carriage… Bumping… Not good…” She mumbled, relaxing quite a bit at the news.

[onfeatherywings]

Raoul sighed, shoulders slumping, “Lotte you’re so dumb….” he huffed with all the loving fondness of a childhood friend who would absolutely give her a tap on the jaw if she weren’t cold and fragile.

[bronze-and-navy-is-creating-1]

She could only huff and curl closer to the warmth of the fire. She was slowly becoming more aware, which in turn allowed for more panic. “Where… Nadir…”

[persianmacarons]

“I’m right here, dearest, do you need anything?” Nadir asked as he knelt next to her and gently stroked her cheek.

[bronze-and-navy-is-creating-1]

“Is… Everything okay? Is Reza safe?” She asked, moving closer to him like a moth to flame.

[persianmacarons]

Nadir glanced back at Erika and her husband suspiciously, “for now…Erika and Raoul came trying to break down my door looking for him.”

He carefully lifted Christine into his arms and kissed her, “you’re so cold.”

[bronze-and-navy-is-creating-1]

She managed to wrap weak arms around his neck and burry herself into his warm soft chest. Only there did she break down. “I thought .. I thought we both were going to die… I… I was I was so scared. I heard Erika threatening to take Reza away from you and he was crying from the yelling and so I ran hoping to calm things and not even half way the damn carriage caused the cramps and I got so scared..”

[persianmacarons]

“shhhhhh, rest, you’re safe now, so are Reza and the baby.  I’ll be here with you, and if you sleep I’ll be here when you wake.” he softly cooed while rubbing her back.

[bronze-and-navy-is-creating-1]

She nodded, nuzzling him a bit. Before she fell asleep completely she mumbled “Defend me Nadir…” And with that she finally let exhaustion take over, finding complete comfort in his arms.

[persianmacarons]

“Always.” he whispered, kissing her forehead.  “Well....What do we do now?” he asked the pair.

@mirageoftheopera

[mirageoftheopera]

Almost collapsing with relief, Erika took the infant from Nadir as gently as she could. Her renewed tears fell down her pale, concave cheeks as she brought his forehead to her lips.

“Thank God you’re alright, my lovely,” she whispered to him, and dotted his pudgy face with kisses. “Maman was so worried over you.”

Her knees weak with cold and emotion, Erika went to the couch and wrapped herself and Reza in the quilt while she tried to calm herself.

@onfeatherywings

[onfeatherywings]

Raoul knelt by Erika’s side while Nadir closed the door to keep the warmth in.  The angel brushed the air from his wife’s face while he tried to strip off her soaked stockings to hang in front of the fire.  “Are you all right, you’re not too cold are you?”

@mirageoftheopera

[mirageoftheopera]

“I’ll be alright now,” Erika said softly, gently rocking her sleeping baby. “God, thank you so much, Raoul. Thank you.”

Reza’s eyes opened just a bit at his mother’s voice, but drifted shut again. He cooed in his sleepiness and started suckling his hand.

“Nadir…” Erika took a deep breath, determined not to let anger consume her. “Can you tell me why? Why steal him from me?”

@persianmacarons

[persianmacarons]

“He is my son, my first and perhaps my only.  If Christine doesn’t make it, he’ll be all I have left.  I refuse to further intrude on a marriage that makes you so happy…”

@mirageoftheopera

[mirageoftheopera]

“Nadir…we can be parents without being together. Think of it…” She wracked her brain. “…think of it as a form of friendship. This situation…it’s revealed my infidelity. There’s no need to hide anymore. I just…”

She suddenly sat up straighter. “Wait…isn’t Christine here with you? I thought Reza was with her.”

@onfeatherywings @persianmacarons

[onfeatherywings]

“She’s in an alley, I blessed her so she should be fine… she wouldn’t let herself be moved.”  he said quietly.

[persianmacarons]

“I tried to convince her to come with me but she thought if she did she’d die….she said that when morning came, if she was alive, she’d return to me.”  He said sadly.

@mirageoftheopera

[mirageoftheopera]

“Well, if she’s going to be fine, then let’s have her here.” Erika glanced out the window at the quickly-fading sunlight. “She’s fortunate that I wont be pressing charges, but I don’t want the poor girl to die.”

@onfeatherywings

[onfeatherywings]

“I’ll get her here as quickly as I can, please don’t fight while I’m gone” he said as he slipped through the door and took off once more to find the alley he’d seen Christine in.

When he spotted the alley he landed carefully and hid his wings as he approached the spot Christine had been.  “Christine…Christine are you still here?” he whispered.

@bronze-and-navy-is-creating-1

[bronze-and-navy-is-creating-1]

She was, and quietly at her name she moaned. She wasn’t hurting as bad now, but was exhausted to the point she no longer felt cold or warm. Just the pain in her stomach and the weight on her body. Bellow her was a small puddle of dried blood that terrified her. She could only fight to live and pray some how the little life in her remained.

[onfeatherywings]

Raoul was relieved for all of half a second before he noticed the dry blood.  Consequences be damned. The angel scooped her into his arms and flew as fast as he could back to Nadir’s flat where he huddled her under his wings and opened the door.

Before anything could be said he rushed into the nearest bedroom and took a blanket to wrap Christine into a tight bundle and lay her flat near the fireplace.  “She’s too stubborn for her own good” he huffed as he finally moved his wings away from her.

[bronze-and-navy-is-creating-1]

Christine grew confused as slowly her surroundings caught up to her, being near Raoul helped heal her more. When she realized Raoul was there she immidaitly begged, not even thinking “Raoul… Raoul is … Did I lose her? Please. Tell me …”

[onfeatherywings]

“Her…the baby?” he placed warm and gentle hands on her stomach.  “I…I think so, I certainly feel something alive in there.  It’s not very strong though, you’re going to need a lot of rest to recover from this, Christine.”  He scooted her around a little so her other side would get warmed too.  “What on earth made you think it was a good idea to stay outside in the cold like that?”

[bronze-and-navy-is-creating-1]

“I was afraid… Carriage… Bumping… Not good…” She mumbled, relaxing quite a bit at the news.

[onfeatherywings]

Raoul sighed, shoulders slumping, “Lotte you’re so dumb….” he huffed with all the loving fondness of a childhood friend who would absolutely give her a tap on the jaw if she weren’t cold and fragile.

[bronze-and-navy-is-creating-1]

She could only huff and curl closer to the warmth of the fire. She was slowly becoming more aware, which in turn allowed for more panic. “Where… Nadir…”

[persianmacarons]

“I’m right here, dearest, do you need anything?” Nadir asked as he knelt next to her and gently stroked her cheek.

[bronze-and-navy-is-creating-1]

“Is… Everything okay? Is Reza safe?” She asked, moving closer to him like a moth to flame.

[persianmacarons]

Nadir glanced back at Erika and her husband suspiciously, “for now…Erika and Raoul came trying to break down my door looking for him.”

He carefully lifted Christine into his arms and kissed her, “you’re so cold.”

[bronze-and-navy-is-creating-1]

She managed to wrap weak arms around his neck and burry herself into his warm soft chest. Only there did she break down. “I thought .. I thought we both were going to die… I… I was I was so scared. I heard Erika threatening to take Reza away from you and he was crying from the yelling and so I ran hoping to calm things and not even half way the damn carriage caused the cramps and I got so scared..”

[persianmacarons]

“shhhhhh, rest, you’re safe now, so are Reza and the baby.  I’ll be here with you, and if you sleep I’ll be here when you wake.” he softly cooed while rubbing her back.

[mirageoftheopera]

Almost collapsing with relief, Erika took the infant from Nadir as gently as she could. Her renewed tears fell down her pale, concave cheeks as she brought his forehead to her lips.

“Thank God you’re alright, my lovely,” she whispered to him, and dotted his pudgy face with kisses. “Maman was so worried over you.”

Her knees weak with cold and emotion, Erika went to the couch and wrapped herself and Reza in the quilt while she tried to calm herself.

@onfeatherywings

[onfeatherywings]

Raoul knelt by Erika’s side while Nadir closed the door to keep the warmth in.  The angel brushed the air from his wife’s face while he tried to strip off her soaked stockings to hang in front of the fire.  “Are you all right, you’re not too cold are you?”

@mirageoftheopera

[mirageoftheopera]

“I’ll be alright now,” Erika said softly, gently rocking her sleeping baby. “God, thank you so much, Raoul. Thank you.”

Reza’s eyes opened just a bit at his mother’s voice, but drifted shut again. He cooed in his sleepiness and started suckling his hand.

“Nadir…” Erika took a deep breath, determined not to let anger consume her. “Can you tell me why? Why steal him from me?”

@persianmacarons

[persianmacarons]

“He is my son, my first and perhaps my only.  If Christine doesn’t make it, he’ll be all I have left.  I refuse to further intrude on a marriage that makes you so happy…”

@mirageoftheopera

[mirageoftheopera]

“Nadir…we can be parents without being together. Think of it…” She wracked her brain. “…think of it as a form of friendship. This situation…it’s revealed my infidelity. There’s no need to hide anymore. I just…”

She suddenly sat up straighter. “Wait…isn’t Christine here with you? I thought Reza was with her.”

@onfeatherywings @persianmacarons

[onfeatherywings]

“She’s in an alley, I blessed her so she should be fine… she wouldn’t let herself be moved.”  he said quietly.

[persianmacarons]

“I tried to convince her to come with me but she thought if she did she’d die….she said that when morning came, if she was alive, she’d return to me.”  He said sadly.

@mirageoftheopera

[mirageoftheopera]

“Well, if she’s going to be fine, then let’s have her here.” Erika glanced out the window at the quickly-fading sunlight. “She’s fortunate that I wont be pressing charges, but I don’t want the poor girl to die.”

@onfeatherywings

[onfeatherywings]

“I’ll get her here as quickly as I can, please don’t fight while I’m gone” he said as he slipped through the door and took off once more to find the alley he’d seen Christine in.

When he spotted the alley he landed carefully and hid his wings as he approached the spot Christine had been.  “Christine…Christine are you still here?” he whispered.

@bronze-and-navy-is-creating-1

[bronze-and-navy-is-creating-1]

She was, and quietly at her name she moaned. She wasn’t hurting as bad now, but was exhausted to the point she no longer felt cold or warm. Just the pain in her stomach and the weight on her body. Bellow her was a small puddle of dried blood that terrified her. She could only fight to live and pray some how the little life in her remained.

[onfeatherywings]

Raoul was relieved for all of half a second before he noticed the dry blood.  Consequences be damned. The angel scooped her into his arms and flew as fast as he could back to Nadir’s flat where he huddled her under his wings and opened the door.

Before anything could be said he rushed into the nearest bedroom and took a blanket to wrap Christine into a tight bundle and lay her flat near the fireplace.  “She’s too stubborn for her own good” he huffed as he finally moved his wings away from her.

[bronze-and-navy-is-creating-1]

Christine grew confused as slowly her surroundings caught up to her, being near Raoul helped heal her more. When she realized Raoul was there she immidaitly begged, not even thinking “Raoul… Raoul is … Did I lose her? Please. Tell me …”

[onfeatherywings]

“Her…the baby?” he placed warm and gentle hands on her stomach.  “I…I think so, I certainly feel something alive in there.  It’s not very strong though, you’re going to need a lot of rest to recover from this, Christine.”  He scooted her around a little so her other side would get warmed too.  “What on earth made you think it was a good idea to stay outside in the cold like that?”

[bronze-and-navy-is-creating-1]

“I was afraid… Carriage… Bumping… Not good…” She mumbled, relaxing quite a bit at the news.

[onfeatherywings]

Raoul sighed, shoulders slumping, “Lotte you’re so dumb….” he huffed with all the loving fondness of a childhood friend who would absolutely give her a tap on the jaw if she weren’t cold and fragile.

[bronze-and-navy-is-creating-1]

She could only huff and curl closer to the warmth of the fire. She was slowly becoming more aware, which in turn allowed for more panic. “Where… Nadir…”

[persianmacarons]

“I’m right here, dearest, do you need anything?” Nadir asked as he knelt next to her and gently stroked her cheek.

[bronze-and-navy-is-creating-1]

“Is… Everything okay? Is Reza safe?” She asked, moving closer to him like a moth to flame.

[persianmacarons]

Nadir glanced back at Erika and her husband suspiciously, “for now...Erika and Raoul came trying to break down my door looking for him.”

He carefully lifted Christine into his arms and kissed her, “you’re so cold.”