"Really Not That Different"
Chapter 1
The dark outline of a shadowy figure seemed to wear a path in the rug as he paced back and forth, stopping abruptly at the slightest of noise outside the dressing room door. Grasped tightly within his gloved hand lay the note she'd left for him in the chapel, requesting for him to meet her in her room one hour after she show ended…and she was late! This only helped to fuel his anger and uneasiness about the entire situation. Their lessons had been progressing wonderfully over the past months since he had revealed himself to her and brought her to his home beneath the opera house. On more than one occasion she had made the trip down to him for an impromptu lesson and had spent the evening in his company, their topics would range from music to the arts, the opera house and the cast and sometimes it would stray to whatever topic they desired. It wasn't uncommon for the two to enjoy one another's company for hours: Erik would play just for her to enjoy, sometimes together they would compose new music together or just sit in companionable silence together-she with her book and Erik sketching portrait after portrait of his beautiful angel. Life had progressed this way for untold evenings, and it was the first intimate contact he'd ever experienced.
Erik practically growled at the feel of helplessness, he was the Phantom: The Opera Ghost. He was feared and was in control of the intricate workings of an entire opera house! He had POWER! Stopping suddenly he took a shaky breath as understanding dawned brightly in his mind; The Phantom was in love. Erik stopped pacing and began to analyze his realization trying to pinpoint the exact time when an innocent friendship between tutor and student turned into love. His thoughts were interrupted as the familiar sound of giggles filled the room; Erik moved closer to the door to listen more closely to the conversation just outside the door. That sweet angelic voice of his love and the ridiculous noise of the pompous boy! Erik could hardly control his rage at the sound of the boy's voice.
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Raoul escorted Christine to the safety of her dressing room, "Here we are my Little Lotte, safe and sound. No ghosts shall haunt you tonight."
Christine patted Raoul's hand where it rested on her arm and ducked her head, "There are no ghost's Raoul; only Men, Angels and Spirits." Smiling sweetly at him she heard the chimes of the clock in her room, 'Erik will be arriving…' she thought, glancing at the closed door as though she could see into her room. A loud sigh escaped her lips as she looked up at Raoul, "Thank you for dinner but it is quite late and I must admit I am exhausted."
Raoul touched her cheek lightly caressing her soft skin with his thumb, "Tomorrow then? Dinner at my estate? Then a carriage ride in the evening together?" He offered his perfect smile hard to resist.
Leaning into the warmth of his touch Christine nodded, "Yes that sounds lovely. Good evening Raoul."
Raoul bent slightly brushing his lips with hers ever so softly, as he pulled back he smiled at her, "Good night Sweet Lotte."
Christine smiled at him and moved to open her door, "Night." She whispered as she started to entire her room, pausing slightly only to watch Raoul take his leave.
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Erik was seeing red; he'd heard everything and only could imagine what had occurred just beyond those heavy oak doors. At the sound of her entry Erik retreated into the shadows contemplating on just leaving to save his fragile heart or the ramifications of his temper in regards to the boy. Deciding to remain for what ever was about to occur, he stilled his movements to blend into the darkness.
Entering her room Christine locked the door behind her, resting against it with a large smile across her face as she gently touched her lips where the feather soft touch of her childhood sweetheart still lingered.
"You requested my presence?" A husky male voice sounded through her silent room startling her and causing her to jump slightly.
Christine covered her heart with her hands, "You startled me Erik, and I didn't hear you come in."
"I, my dear, was in the room at the requested time. It was you who was…delayed," The heavy under tone hung on the last word. Erik took a step forward into the dim candlelight, his eyes locked tightly on hers, "Where were you?" He asked sternly, praying to whoever would listen that his voice wouldn't betray his emotions.
Christine sighed as she removed her cloak and moved away from the door, "Please Erik, I told you about Raoul and our childhood together. He wanted to celebrate my performance this evening." Laying her cloak down she moved to face him.
The somber look on her face terrified Erik; this wasn't his normal vibrant Angel; who was his muse, his beauty, his love. His once innocent protégée hand soared under his tutelage, finding her own wings and beginning to leave him behind: Alone. "Your letter said we needed to speak?"
"Yes…we do." She replied offering her hand to him. Hesitantly, Erik took it and followed her to the layback chair taking a seat beside her. Christine took a few deep breathes as she held tightly to his hand, attempting to calm her frazzled nerves. Finally dragging her eyes up to his she found the courage to speak, "It's about you and I, our evenings together…our lessons…our relationship."
Erik's breath caught yet his features were steeled, "What about us my Angel?" Unknowingly, he clasped his other hand over hers as though he were clinging to her as a means of retaining his contact with her.
Intent on being strong and getting through this conversation she kept eye contact as she spoke, "I've grown under your teaching Erik, but I feel I've learned all I can. In discussing my career with Raoul we believe that I've grown past the need for a tutor." She explained the confusion his face quite evident. Before she lost her strength she continued, "And us…Erik you and I are just much too different we're from two separate worlds…"
Hurt flashed over his features at her admission, Erik knew in his heart she was right. "I realize that," He replied lowering his head to bite back the tears that stung his eyes and threatened to betray him. Looking for the words that would sway her heart Erik attempted to reason with her.
"But, my Angel, what we do have in common," Erik lifted his head and looked deep into her eyes as he touched her cheek ever so softly, the warm leather rubbing over the soft velvet skin of her cheek. "What we have could bond us for life."
Christine moved away from his touch attempting to steel her resolve and remain strong. If she wanted to continue exploring her relationship with Raoul, her heart could not be filled with feelings for Erik. "Erik please…we can't continue this." She replied standing from her seat and moving away for air, trying to calm her rapid pulse.
Erik stood slowly the fear of losing her becoming a terrifying reality; as he approached her he removed his gloves slipping them into his pocket. He longed to feel her soft skin once more if this were to be the last time they were to be in each others presence, as he came to stand directly behind her he placed his hands on her shoulders.
Christine had to fight of the urge to lean back into his chest, taking a few deep breaths she tried to ignore the feeling of his hands on her bare shoulders that could quickly become her undoing. Biting back tears she managed to whisper, "Erik…it has to be this way."
Erik shook his head, unprepared to let her end it this way. Slowly he encouraged her to face him, his last attempt at appealing to her heart. "Christine…" he began softly, his husky voice heavy with emotions. "Look behind your own soul and the person that you'll see…just might remind you of me."
Tears began to flow freely from her eyes as she looked away from his heavy gaze. A soft warm hand touched her cheek, he used the pad of his thumb to wipe away her tears, barely able to speak she could only choke out a whisper, "Erik…please don't."
A slight tremble seeped into his voice as he lifted her face to meet his eyes Erik softly sang to her, "I laugh…I love…I hope and I try…"
Christine pulled away from Erik, turning away from him unable to stout the tears that now were flowing freely.
Erik moved closer to her as he continued, "I hurt…I need…I fear and I cry." Grabbing her hand he turned her to face him once more, "And I know you do the same things too, so we're really not that different…me and you." His last words hung in the air like a prayer as Erik leaned closer to her intent on tasting her sweet lips just once.
The warmth of their breaths began to mix as he closed the distance between their lips; Christine sobbed and turned her face away moments before their lips touched. Refusing to meet his eyes again she turned from him once more, her resolve crumbling by the minute, "I'm sorry Erik."
Erik felt his heart break as she turned from him; obviously his plea had fallen on deaf ears. The soft sobs that were escaping her lips cut at him like a knife directly to his now broken heart. Realizing there was nothing left to say that could change her mind after his proclamation of love, Erik hung his head in defeat and moved slowly to the mirror pausing slightly at the passageway looking back once more.
Christine couldn't stop the tears that fell freely, the hurt in his eyes had been more painful they she ever could have imagined. She knew it would be difficult to tell him she didn't need him as a tutor anymore, she desired to be her own woman and to strive to become a Prima Donna of the Opera House. She heard Erik's retreat and the hesitation at the mirror, taking a deep breath she lifted her head holding it up high and steadied her shoulders attempting to put up a strong front. Trying to prove that she meant what she said and didn't regret it, if she wanted any chance for a relationship with Raoul and to accomplish her other dreams she needed something more. Christine took a deep breath and moved to her vanity to prepare for bed.
If it were possible Erik's heart broke just a little more as she moved away from him, not bothering to even cast him a glance. Turning away from the room he slipped past the mirror latching it as he went, intent on making the long trip down to his lair alone and in total darkness: Like everything else in his life.
TBC…
A/N: Welcome to my second installment to the Song Fic Series, lyrics are by Collin Raye the song "Really not that different." AU Story is based off the movie, set after "Think of Me" but before the Masq Ball; characters based on those portrayed by the movie cast. Leave love or hate just let me know what you think of it, I really love this song and thought it went well with Erik and Christine's love story. Love to hear from Ya'll! Always, Lady