It was the gala of the century for those in the opera business. Everyone who was someone in the world of opera would be there, donating their fair share to the education of music in schools, and Christine was thrilled to have finally gotten her chance.

Her career started only a few months prior, but she felt as though nothing would stop her now. She'd performed on the largest stages in the country and her voice had been heard by millions of people. Tours and parts in operas were being offered left and right, and this was only her first event of many that was only a dream the year before.

Christine Daae was discovered by a connection of her father's. He was a violinist, better than most, who worked with many composers in many travelling shows around the country. When her mother had died at the small age of six, Christine too had learned to travel, but it wasn't until she was twenty that she'd stopped moving around with her father and began to settle in on her own.

Now, she had her own career, not only boosting her father's popularity, but also helping him to make more money. He wanted to retire, but hadn't thought it possible until recently.

The only thing her fame hadn't brought her was a boyfriend. She could sing at as many opera houses as she wanted, but most of the men on stage were either taken or didn't particularly care for her type. This meant that she had to attend the gala alone which really put a crowbar in her happiness. She would have loved to bring her father, but he was wrapped in a very important tour with Les Miserables currently and couldn't go.

There were faces on the red carpet that excited her to her core. Growing up, surrounded by famous singers and living their legacy was something that made her very attuned to those who were walking before her, ready to get onto the carpet and have a thousand photos of them taken, maybe even more. Soon it would even be her turn.

Christine saw one face in particular that intrigued her greatly. There was a composer of operas who she favored above all, and his reputation was positively enthralling. He wore a mask to protect his identity, going by The Phantom, and his operas were above all else. Christine adored his work, and she'd even performed it once! No one knew his real name, but everyone knew who he was when they saw the white mask which he wore out in public quite often. He seemed to like the attention, graciously talking to those who approached him and even allowing photographs.

She wished so very much to talk to him. Of course, these things were literally for mingling, but that didn't mean she would ever have the guts to approach him. He'd attended one of her performances in which she had the lead of his opera, but that was all she knew. That night had been one of her best, or at least, she tried to make it so. Maybe she'd run into him, or at least that was her hope.

Christine eventually had her turn getting her picture taken. She'd lost sight of The Phantom, but she knew her eye couldn't hold him forever. He was tall and skinny, always wearing a black-out outfit to these types of things, so at least he wouldn't be too hard to spot again.

The cameras flashed in her eye, and she tried very hard to keep the smile going, making sure every hair on her head was in place. She mostly hoped her father would be proud of her.

When Christine finally got into the gala, her heart skipped several beats, seeing even more opera royalty that baffled her little frame. Even nine months in the business meeting this and that person couldn't prepare her for the sudden success of her own self, thrust into this world, almost synonymous with some of the names present.

Christine shivered and attempted to find someone she knew, start with common ground and mingle her way towards… somewhere else.

Her eyes landed on Raoul quickly, a pale blue suit and pretty woman occupying his time. He'd starred opposite her in debut opera and they'd actually become close friends because of it. He was a gentle human, and Christine quite adored how kind he was to her as she learned the ropes of being on such a huge production.

The dance floor was completely clear of anyone, and Christine supposed it was because not everyone was there yet. People still poured in, their eyes dilated from all the pictures being taken then sudden dim lighting. It was amusing, and as she grabbed a water from one of the proffered trays, she caught sight of The Phantom again.

He was so different from everyone else. Christine didn't know what it was but his operas consisted of something else that no one else's did. It was hard to even compare in her mind that someone could be as good as him one day… really she didn't think it possible.

Shying away, Christine abandoned her hope of talking to him as she looked back and saw Raoul coming her way. The Phantom was caught up in real stars, like the veteran diva Carlotta, or the tragically injured dancer Antoinette Giry. Christine had worked with her daughter once, and she had wished her and the ballerina had gotten more time together, their friendship had so much potential.

"Hi, Christine," Raoul said, every bit French as he sounded when he placed two kisses to her cheeks.

"Hi, Raoul, how are you?"

"Wonderful, you look smashing in that dress."

"Thanks," Christine replied, blushing at the comment. He'd always been very handsome and good with words, it was a wonder he hadn't been snatched up yet.

"Gold really does suit you," he added, grabbing her hand and gently squeezing it before letting go.

"Did you come with anyone?" She asked, sipping her water.

"No," Raoul had champagne, "Same as always, I'm afraid. Is it true you're going to be doing another Phantom piece soon?"

Oh, how she wished! Such gossip was very common, unfortunately the gossip surrounding them was usually untrue.

"If only, his works are so hard to get into. I only played a lead in the first one I did because the original lead broke her leg!"

"You still deserved it regardless of happenstance," Raoul said.

"Thank you. I'm hoping my audition for the Mainstage role went well, but everyone who is anyone auditions for Mainstage, so I can't honestly compete with them."

Her chatting companion scowled at her.

"Don't belittle yourself, Christine. They announced tenor yesterday, though…" He hinted, hoping she heard the news.

"I know! Congratulations, by the way, and all the more reason I want the part! To star with you again would be just perfect."

"I would love nothing more. I've missed you, honestly."

Christine felt overwhelmed at such nice comments. They'd gotten along very well, but she didn't know he enjoyed her work this much!

"I've missed you too, Raoul. No one I've worked with can hit tenor notes like you can."

He tipped his glass to her in thanks, taking back the last of his flume. She did truly love working with him, and to do so again would be good for her. Repeating stars working with one-another showed that people liked her, and she did so want people to like her.

"How about a dance?" He asked suddenly, looking over at the dance floor which seemed to have begun filling in.

Christine agreed, but knew her wishes of running into The Phantom would not be met there. He never danced, not even when most of the tables and rest of the room were empty. Still, she did love to partake in dancing, so she could not deny Raoul the pleasure.

"I'd love to."

Their dance was a beautiful waltz which changed to something jazzy, then moved on through one more song before Raoul was interrupted by another of Christine's co-stars who had left his boyfriend to dance with her. She took the liberty of dancing with several men, and even one of her female co-stars, when she finally felt the need to take a break and grab another water, maybe even snack.

As she looked over the immense amount of food there to consume, she was overwhelmed by her options. Everything looked so wonderful, and she rarely ever ate so lavishly, not being used to it. Restaurants and to-go meals were her home-cooking, so these decadent things were foreign to her. This was why she was so startled when someone touched her shoulder gently, attempting to achieve her attention.

When Christine looked to see who it was that had so terribly startled her, she was immensely glad she had yet to take any food. It would have certainly turned her stomach.

The Phantom had grabbed her attention, and she was in shock. His mask was covering most of his face, bar his chin and lips, yet he looked pleasant… happy, if she so dared to assume.

"Good evening, Miss Daae," he spoke eloquently, and Christine nearly fell to the floor.

She had heard his voice over the television or radio, but to hear it in person was sin itself! The sound was unlike anything she ever heard, and it was as though he spoke music. Then again, his operas were probably proof enough of that already.

"Good evening, Sir." She dared not call him Mr. Phantom. That would do no good.

He smirked, and Christine realized with sudden alarm that he knew who she was… and he'd approached her!

"I just wanted to let you know that your performance of my Breathless King was, for lack of a better term, breathtaking."

Christine had no idea how to respond, as she felt a simple thanks wasn't enough.

"Thank you…" she stuttered, "I've never… ever performed something like it before."

Seeming undeterred, he chuckled, one of the most hearty sounds she had ever heard before.

"That is the common consensus. I like to write that way, however, so that way I forge ahead for those who wish to compose something as unique as I have."

There was a touch of humility there, but he also did not bring down his work, seeming to know its exact worth. That was a good quality in a person, Christine had discovered. If they slightly belittled themselves and also knew they possessed talent, the person tended to be a fine human being.

"I was glad to have had you upon the stage when I came, the other woman who was supposed to perform I had heard before. I like to hear fresh talent, especially when it delivers such an outstanding rendition of my work."

Christine had to be blushing, "I'm honored, truly."

He nodded, no drink or food in sight as he took a step closer to her. Christine's breath halted in her lungs, the blush becoming hot and immense as she turned her head to look upwards.

"I would like to have you in one of my operas again. Of course, that is after Mainstage, I suppose."

Christine finally breathed, honored that he had not tired of her voice and wanted her back… but what did he mean about Mainstage? No one knew who the soprano was to be yet, they'd just finished auditions two days ago.

"Mainstage is still up in the air, though I would like nothing more than to be in one of your operas again. I've listened to your music for years, and it is by far my favorite."

"Glad to see I have such a talented fan," he said with a wink, placing his thumbs in his pockets, "And I happen to be on the panel for Mainstage. All their choices go through a panel of composers, usually never much of a complaint from us, and you were the first choice. I shouldn't be sharing this with you, but I have never been one for the rules."

Christine giggled, charmed by him. She had no idea what to say. Mainstage had been a far off thought, and even though she had wanted the part with Raoul more than anything in the world, it was baffling to hear that she was their first choice. She'd beaten out tons of stars far more seasoned than her, and right after that The Phantom wanted her on one of his operas yet again? Oh, what a night this was turning out to be!

"I'll keep my lips sealed. I wasn't ever a rule-breaker, but it'll be a refreshing change of pace."

He smiled again, and Christine realized terribly late that she seemed to like this man.

Everyone wondered what he looked like under the mask, and she was no different. Of course, this was the exact reason he was wearing a mask, so he could keep his anonymity. Though, she felt like people would remember being talked to by this voice, it was… magical.

"I'm glad to hear. One last curiosity, if you don't mind me bending your ear for a few more moments?"

Christine shook her head eagerly, not caring how hungry or thirsty she was, her attention was completely taken by this man.

"Would you mind a dance?"

The epitome of confidence and certainty was he, but not now. As he offered her his hand, he seemed to be mildly reluctant. She knew why, he'd never dance with anyone before at one of these things… so why now… why her?

Christine wouldn't bear to say no, however.

"Of course," she breathed, slipping her hand into his, watching all of his confidence return within an instant.

They entered the dance floor smoothly, and while some seemed very concerned that the new girl on the block was dancing with one of the most renowned composers present, it did not phase most. Everyone continued on with their chatting, but despite the eyes on them, Christine couldn't take hers off her partner.

He broke their silent dance with a question which seemed very important to him, "You are the daughter of the Swedish violinist, yes? His only?"

"That would be me," she replied, wondering briefly if that was his only reason for liking her. Maybe he was a bigger fan of her father's.

"Merely curious, you don't have the blonde hair like he does."

"My mother was a brunette."

"Ah, I'm sorry if I have unintentionally brought you to a sad topic," he said quickly, obviously remorseful. Christine felt like he should not be the one saying sorry, it just seemed wrong.

"Don't worry," she assured him, "That was a while ago. I wish I could have brought my father tonight, but unfortunately he is working on tour right now."

"So you came with another?"

"By myself," she responded, curious as to why he would be interested in her at all. It was very odd. Then again, he could simply not care for silence and was creating filler. They could simply not dance if that was what he preferred. And again, she countered, he had asked her.

"That doesn't explain the eyes I have peered into the back of my head."

Christine huffed. She'd certainly gotten more than she bargained for out of this night.

Looking about, the only pair of eyes left on them was Raoul. He was dancing with another of his old co-stars, and she seemed to be chatting his ear off… he wasn't listening to her, that was for sure.

"He's my friend, probably just curious how I got you out here is all. He knows I quite fancy your work," she admitted, feeling rather foolish.

They stepped about, dancing freely as the song moved on. Christine was surprised how well he could dance. Her dancing skills were passable in a large ensemble, but luckily she was the soprano and needed not much dancing.

"He's performed in a few of my works over the past couple years. I admire his tenor, but I think he would be much better suited baritone. His role in Mainstage is actually more baritone anyways, why it's labeled tenor is beyond me. Still. He earned it."

Christine had never heard such a judgement for Raoul. Even she thought his tenor was perfect.

"Do you like working with him?" The Phantom asked, genuine curiosity in his tone.

"More than anyone else so far," she said, smiling up at him. Even in her heels he was quite the ways up.

"I'll see to it he is placed in a role suitable for him when you perform in my next work. He must audition, however, or there is nothing I can do short of demanding he work for me which does not look good."

Christine was aghast that he was bending over backwards for her. They'd just met and he'd only heard her sing once, did this man really know what he was doing?

"You have been too kind to me tonight, Sir, I don't know how to return the favors you're granting-"

"Don't worry," he interrupted, looking as though she were being foolish, though it was hard to tell behind the mask where she only had mouth and eyes to tell anything from, "I will take care of my lead soprano, Miss Daae."

Mouth dry and heart pounding, Christine was extremely thankful when the song ended and he escorted her off the dancefloor. She desperately needed a drink and wished it was August, not June, where she could enjoy something alcoholic.

"I must excuse myself to get a drink, I hope you enjoy the rest of your night," she told him, feeling quite indecent to have ended everything of her own accord. But he'd been so nice! Overly nice, and it was terrifying to have someone so devoted to her that he was offering her privileged information and a part in his next production… what a night!

"And you as well, Miss Daae."

He left without a hitch, but one man gone and the next came right after.

Raoul was very curious as to what happened, looking concerned at her bereft appearance.

"Are you alright, Christine? Did he say something awful to you? Did he not like your performance?"

Christine shook her head, gulping down her water and draining the glass before responding.

"No, Raoul. He offered me the lead in his next production!"