A/N: Another chapter! Finally, I actually forgot about this dear little fic over the school year. But it's summer and I've re-discovered it! More updates to come soon!
Raoul de Chagny was "a fine example of a handsome young man." Standing five foot eleven with dark golden locks and swirling ocean blue eyes, he was indeed an attractive youth. Raoul's appearance had charmed girls across the entirety of Europe. That combined with his title and wealthy position as the Vicomte de Chagny had made him one of the most sought after bachelors in most aristocratic circles. Over the years the young Adonis had experienced his share of giggling female admirers, yet only one had kept him coming back…
Raoul watched as the slim figure of Christine Daaé descended the wooden staircase. Dark cinnamon curls melted around delicate cheekbones, framing frosty blue eyes and shell pink lips. The chocolate river of hair flowed down around her hips, serving as a backdrop to her petite feminine frame. Waves of blue and white fabrics cascaded neatly from her waist and pooled around her ankles. The smile that Raoul reserved only for special occasions never failed to reveal itself at Christine's appearance. That coffee-ringlet haired girl had certainly grown up into a lovely young woman.
No, not lovely…beautiful.
Raoul had loved Christine since he was eight. Two years her senior, he had met the young girl on the beaches of her childhood home. The de Chagnys had been vacationing for the summer, when Raoul had stumbled across his future playmate and friend. During that time, the two had been inseparable. Christine had possessed a free spirit Raoul admired, and Raoul had provided a source of companionship Christine desperately needed. There had been an instant seed of mutual liking that, over the years, had grown into a strong tree of friendship. Raoul had considered Christine to be his best and closest friend. He admired her; he trusted her; he loved her.
But up until now, his love for had been out of friendship. It was warm and affectionate, not passionate and obsessive. It was unashamed of long embraces and long talks into the night. It was a feeling and connection that was unaware of gender or social conceptions. It never faltered; there was never worry about unspoken feelings. Steady. Comfortable. It was like the love for a family member, but not quite. She was like his sister, but also his peer. He had never noticed her femininity as he did other girls. She was Christine, just Christine. For the last twelve years, he had been blind to romance. She was his truest companion. Someone he could laugh with. Someone he could talk to. Someone who would listen and understand. And that had been enough.
But now as the lovely young woman approached him, Raoul could no longer deny the tingle that had been slowly spidering through his body. Lately, he had been in a constant battle to suppress these new feelings. Now instead of content and comfortable, Christine's presence made him anxious and left him wanting after she was gone. But wanting what? Raoul didn't know yet. This confusion and indecisiveness frustrated him. Part of him wanted something more with Christine, something that every man desired. He wanted to love Christine as more than a friend, and he wanted her to love him back. But that was taking a risk. What if she didn't feel the same way? Would he endanger their friendship for these selfish feelings? No. He valued her companionship more than anything. He feared losing the comfortableness and trust that surrounded. No, Raoul would keep his feelings in control, and continue to maintain their steady friendship; he would continue to stay on the safe side.
Of course, if she ever made any sign or attempt…
Raoul shook his head, disgusted with himself. He would not be in constant wait for Christine. He wouldn't put that pressure on her or himself. Instead, he would banish any thoughts of romance from his mind. One could control one's feelings, couldn't one?
A delicate laughter broke him from his reverie. Raoul looked up from his place on the sofa. Christine had suddenly materialized beside him. He jumped up from the seat to face her. How long had she been standing there?
"My, but you're off in the clouds today," Christine spoke in a lightly humorous tone.
He smiled apologetically. "Just noticing those lovely new curtains Madeline has arranged. Elizabethan?"
"Venetian. Of course I picked them out."
"You always did have exquisite taste."
The two stood silent for a moment, slight smiles creeping to their faces, their eyes. Christine laid a hand on Raoul's shoulder, leaning in to place a friendly kiss on his cheek. She smiled warmly.
"Oh, it's so good to see you again, Raoul," Christine said in an almost exasperated sigh, nearly knocking him over with strong hug.
Raoul held Christine closely, her platonic kiss still burning on his cheek. Fire erupted from his stomach. The feelings he had successfully buried not but a moment ago had resurfaced again with a vengeance. What was wrong with him? What were all these emotions? He closed his eyes, laying his head atop of Christine's.
"I've missed you too…" he murmured into her curls, a little softer than he had intended.
Raoul felt himself exhale in disappointment when Christine broke away from their embrace to look up at him. She took his hand gently and led him across the room.
"Come now, my dearest friend. We've much to discuss. You've been in France for so long; I want to know everything. You must tell me all about your business adventures with Philip," she said excitedly. She was leading him out toward the garden—the secret place they spent most of their time together in.
And like always, all Raoul could do was follow, and hope his feelings wouldn't get in the way of their lovely afternoon.
Reviews appreciated! Por favor? I need motivation to start writing again...
