Raphael glanced uneasily at his watch as he bit his lip. A performance was going to happen that he didn't want to miss.

I miss Marie so much he thought to himself. The rhythm thief glanced up. Fondue was whimpering. "Fondue you know I can't take you. You're a dog it wouldn't be safe" Raphael sighed. "Fine you can come but I don't want a repeat of this summer if you know what I mean" he paused thinking back.

That was the summer he decided to find out what the mark on the coin his father gave him meant. It only lead to trouble and almost death. He literally dodged a bullet with this one. Fortunately it was over and on that journey he met a wonderful girl: Marie. The person he intended on seeing today. "Let's go Fondue" he exclaimed and with that they were off.

It wasn't long before they were stopped. "Bonjour Raphael, what are you doing today?" asked a rather perky Simon. I'm not wearing Phantom attire am I? No matter. I thought for sure I was wearing it

thought a rather annoyed Raphael. "I have a performance to attend today and I'm going to be late if I don't head on out" he cried as he fled 'toot sweet' from Simon and Rue des Saint Peres.

No harm in telling him I guess Raphael was a bit more careful since the summer. At first it was only about himself and Fondue. He didn't care what would happen. But now he had more people to think about. He had turned slightly nervous because of it, but didn't let it stop him. "Wouef! Wouef!" Fondue cried. "Don't worry Fondue" he assured his dog.

Within seconds his quick and nimble legs took him to the front of the Paris Opera. The Opera had never lost its unbelievable charm. It seemed way more refined and elegant then the norm. Crowds swarmed the place, eager to see the newest addition to the conservatory and glimpse upon the royalty of her grace, Duchess Elizabeth.

"May I see your ticket sir?" said Julian. "Certainly" Raphael replied. He fumbled though his pocket. "Ah, here it is" I actually bought the tickets this time. "Merci, enjoy the show!" Julien winked. He let Fondue in! It was so busy that no one noticed the small white dog sitting anxious on the ground.

"Let's go get our seat Fondue" said Raphael, head cloudy from the excitement. He couldn't fully appreciate the architecture as he went up the stairs. It didn't matter for he had been in the building before. "You think any chandeliers are going to fall here today?"

There wasn't any chandeliers in the Opera House currently and there hadn't been any for years. "I'm kidding of course" he chuckled. Going to the Opera house reminded him of the famed Phantom of the Opera. Fondue shook his head unimpressed. That at least was what it looked like to Raphael. They shuffled inside as the lights went out.

Joyous chatter among the guests could be heard, breaking the awkwardness of them arriving almost late. Raphael sat down. Fondue crouched beneath the seat, unnoticed. They looked to the crimson curtain, which had just opened. It was showtime and the dynamic duo couldn't wait.

A silhouette emerged from the darkness. It was Marie, all alone. She was shaking a little and anxiety appeared on the tiny creases of her face. Breathe she reminded herself. The stage lights turned on. Shakily, Marie picked up her violin and glanced at the crowd, scanning the audience. The corner of her eyes picked up on the familiar red hair and chocolate brown eyes she was looking for. Raphael! You came for me Marie picked up her violin and begin to play. A song never heard by the ears of any filled the Opera with its glorious sound. The Opera was filled with a dreamlike quality.

The lights glimmered like stars on the night of the Fete de Paris. The music vibrated off the walls like at Norte Dame. Marie's hands glided easily along her violin caught up in the magic. The audience listened, enchanted by the piece. Marie who was overjoyed appeared to be floating off her feet and on another world. A world belonging to Raphael and her. Marie closed her eyes as the last note rang out. The applause was overwhelming and Marie was grateful for it all. For a year she spent her days and nights creating. learning, and perfecting this piece at the conservatoire. Marie bowed modestly. She made her way to the exit with the cheers of the audience echoing though her ears.

"That was amazing Marie, I've never heard anything like that before" Marie blushed.

Raphael continued "This is for you" In his hands was a lone white rose to match her dress. He could feel the heat off his cheeks as he held it out to her. "The way you play Marie, it moves people to do amazing things. I wouldn't have gotten this far if it wasn't for you."

Marie eyes welled with tears of happiness. She had Raphael back. He whispered in her ear as he leaned in to hug her. She leaned in too, seeking his warm embrace. It had been two long years without him.

"Well this is adorable." Raphael knew who this voice belonged to. It was Charlie. Phantom R's acquaintance if you could call her that. Raphael released his grip off Marie. She stood puzzled alongside the exit. Fondue nudged her dress. Charlie turned to face Marie. "I must say that was an absolutely splendid performance"

"Thank you for your kind words." Marie smiled. "You look familiar. I feel as if I've meet you before" Charlie nodded her head in acknowledgement. She was dressed in a stunning pink dress and her hair was shaped in ringlets. Charlie almost looked like a different person. "The name's Charlie"

"A pleasure, Charlie" Marie gestured to Raphael who was trying to be indifferent to this whole situation. "This is Raphael" she exclaimed, thinking that they didn't know each other. Raphael tugged nervously at his navy sweater. "Raphael, Nice to meet you. Pardon my interrupting" Charlie said with a hint of suspicion.

If only Charlie knew who I actually was... "Likewise. What brings you to the Opera?" asked Raphael attempting to cover the iciness he held in his tone. He was curious; Charlie didn't strike him as the type that would attend any formal event.

The eyes, the hair, the face, and the movements clued it in for her.

She was speaking to a rival.

"Wouldn't you like to know Phantom R?"

"For a private eye that took you a long time to figure out"

Charlie rolled her eyes. "I suppose I should leave you two lovebirds alone. Anyways my father ought to be worrying. Considering he never has any time to spend with me, he's quite overprotective. Farewell Raphael and Marie."

"Oh I know who she is now!" Marie cried out.

"Little too late Marie" Charlie smirked smugly.

Charlie faced the doors and left with a flourish.

What was that about? Marie wondered. She decided not to pry into the issue further out of respect.