A/N: This is my first fic! It's a collaboration between myself and another. It's Erik x OC.

Enjoy and review!

As always, I don't own POTO.


Chapter Three


Kate finished brushing the chair and turned, her eyes widening as they landed on the parchment. She looked around, then hastily picked up the note, opening it and reading. Her lips curled up into a smile. The Phantom couldn't be that bad, if he'd left her such a nice note.

Kate flushed as she read the last lines. "I enjoy your singing too," she said softly, not even sure if the Phantom was still there. "And I'll–I'll make sure to keep your box perfect," she added, before tucking the note into her pocket.

He liked her singing… she wasn't even that good! Still blushing slightly, she went for the broom, beginning to sing the aria from the newest show.

"Think of me, think of me fondly…"

HE allowed his lips to curl into a smile as he joined her.

"...When we've said goodbye

Remember me once in a while

Please promise me you'll try..."

Kate smiled wider as she continued.

"When you find that once again you long

To take your heart back and be free…"

Erik smiled again as he continued before slipping out of the box.

"If you ever find a moment

Spare a thought for me..."

He allowed his voice to linger in the box, silently wondering if he could convince the manager to fire Carlotta and place this maid in her place. Of course he knew he had a better chance with Christine, but one can dream.

Several weeks later, Kate peered out of box five, clutching the Phantom's latest gift–another rose. They were still rehearsing Hannibal, and there was something going on onstage. Were the rumours true? Was the manager retiring?

"I'd like to introduce to you Monsieur Firmin, and his partner Monsieur Andre. They will be taking over management of the theatre immediately."

Erik watched in displeasure. Those men didn't even look like they favored the arts, let alone knew how to run his theater. Surely this must be some jest? Down below the actors and dancers began to gossip among themselves and the noise rose to a crescendo. He watched closely.

"Monsieur!" The retired manager said suddenly, "This is Lady La Carlotta our Prima Donna and soprano."

"Eet is lovely to meet with you!" she said, her voice sugary sweet.

"Such beauty!" Andre said happily.

She inclined her head, soaking up the praise. Her old manager soon cut in. "Madam? Would you grace us with a song? Perhaps that one number from Hannibal?"

She nodded eagerly and prepared herself before beginning to butcher Think of Me. In Erik's opinion. He swiftly left the box and headed up to the rafters. He needed her to stop. And this...was madness! Disrupting a rehearsal?!

Kate bit her lip. She hoped the new management would keep her on. After all, she didn't do much–just cleaned box five and the dancers' dorm. She looked down at the rose and brought it to her nose, inhaling the heady scent as Carlotta began to sing.

Suddenly, there was a scream as a backdrop fell. Kate's eyes moved to the stage as Carlotta began to throw a fit while Meg said something about it being the Phantom.

He chuckled deeply and ran along the rafters, his cloak swishing around his body. As he ran, he allowed a note to drop to the ballet mistress. Soon he reached the edge and managed to slip into his secret passageway, that would lead to the ceiling in one direction and the main halls in the other direction.

He took it down stairs, and slipped back to his lair. He smirked as he wondered if the managers would meet his demands.

Carlotta was… Carlotta was leaving. Well. Kate couldn't say she was sorry to see the woman go. She was awful.

"I have a message from the opera ghost," Madam Giry said.

"You're all obsessed!" Firmin exclaimed.

"He welcomes you to his opera house, commands that you continue to leave box five empty for his use, and reminds you that his salary is due."

The men began to laugh.

"Monsieur Lefevre paid him twenty thousand francs a month. Perhaps you can afford more, with the Vicomte de Chagny as your patron?"

"Madam I had hoped to make that announcement myself!"

Kate tuned out as they began to argue about who would replace Carlotta, and then a soft, clear voice filled the air. Christine.

"I'm surprised that the phantom lets you stay in his box so long," said an amused voice from the doorway.

Erik had made it back to his box and sneered at the stagehand. He did not like the boy and definitely did not like the way he was looking at Miss Turner. She is meant to be pure and lively.

Kate gasped, turning and sticking the rose into her pocket. "I-I am too," she stammered. No-one needed to know about the flowers or the box of notes from the Phantom under her bed.

The stagehand was nice. He'd helped her carry buckets of water to mop the floors with once.

"Aren't you supposed to be downstairs, Alain?" she asked with a smile.

"And leave such a pretty thing like you alone to the phantom's mercy? I think not," he jested.

Erik gritted his teeth. As if he was harm her! He narrowed his eyes and hit the wall, sending one of the thick cords, used to hold back the curtains, towards the stagehand. He gasped, and stepped out of the way before the cord could knock him over...or worse, send him over the edge of the balcony.

It was more likely the phantom didn't want Alain in his box. But she'd never say so. Everyone would be suspicious.

Kate bit her lip as the cord moved. "Sorry!" she apologized quickly, going to grab the cord and put it back where it belonged. "I must not have secured it properly."

"Or the phantom doesn't want us in his box. Come on." Alain grabbed her arm, and she glanced back towards where she knew the phantom was before letting him pull her away.

It was more likely the phantom didn't want Alain in his box. But she'd never say so. Everyone would be suspicious.

Erik didn't like this boy one bit. He would distract Kate from more important things. Like her singing and music. He could see her being such a beautiful star. He wouldn't let this boy stand in the way of her future greatness. Yes...Christine may have gotten the lead this time but one day...Kate would have it.

After all, Christine hasn't been too thankful. Taking his lessons for granted. He had overheard her from time to time talking about him with Meg, and how she believed he had nothing better to do with his time. It annoyed him to no end.

No...Kate would be a better choice. She wouldn't be ungrateful and she would willingly pay him back when the time came.

Rehearsals had resumed, with Christine now in the role of Elissa, and the seamstresses were making haste to take in Carlotta's gown for Christine. Kate looked around at all the fuss and wrinkled her nose. She'd much rather be back in box five.

"Alain! Get over here and help with this rigging!"

The boy sighed. "Duty calls. See you later." He leaned in and kissed her cheek before running off.

Kate stared after him, stunned. What did it mean?


A/N: Most of this is already written so when I have time to actually post, I will!