The Opera Ghost CH7

The Opera is finally quiet after the night the performers and owners have had. A murder underneath their roof is not unfamiliar, but is still frightening to everyone. Everyone knows of The Phantom's dark and murderous past, present, and future. But to be there at the point of death…it makes all very wary.

Kenzington tosses and turns into the pillow underneath her. Vex has opened up his room to both her and Tamsin, after their brush with the deceased Monsieur Leslie. Vex has always been a mother of sorts with his dancers, so having him close at night help eases her discomfort.

Huffing into the dimly lit room, Kenzington throws the blanket off of her body and manages to get out of bed. Her head is throbbing, but she refused to take any pain medication, opting to drink away the pain.

Finding the man's fully detailed bar, she grabs a bottle of vodka and pours herself a shot. Feeling that first burn of liquid makes her hum with pleasure. Vodka will always be her first choice of medicine, either it be with a sore throat, bad knee, or in this case, bashed skull.

As Kenzi pours another shot, she hears a silent weeping from the other side of the room. Turning to look at Tamsin, tossing in her sleep, she takes the bottle and goes to her.

The raven haired performer was lucky, in a sense, of tonight's events. She was knocked out before witnessing whatever that pig tried to do to them. But poor Tamsin. She was fully conscious. She had to struggle with that man, as he pawed at her close. She had to deal with his heavy body when her pinned her to the bed. She was forced to endure that swine's hot breath panting against her face and neck.

Yeah, a crushed skull is definitely the better end of the assault.

Not so graciously, Kenzi shuffles of the bed with a pronounced bounce, startling the blonde from her dream…or rather nightmare. "T? Hey Tamsin, you're ok. You're safe." She tries, patting the other woman's sweaty hair.

Tamsin looks around the room, her eyes wild until they settle on the familiar face stroking her hair. "S-Sorry Kenz. I didn't mean to wake you."

Kenzi waves her off, "No worries, I was up." She shakes the bottle in her hand and takes another swing. "Just enjoying the rest of my night." Holding the bottle to her in offering, Tamsin takes a swig.

The let the silence continue, both not wanting to talk about what happened. But both needing to talk about. And Kenzi has more than enough questions. "Did The Phantom really save us?"

"Yes." Tamsin says without hesitation. She will never forget that moment seeing that flash of white mask appearing from nowhere, but will never be ungrateful for it either.

The struggle between The Phantom and Monsieur Leslie was obvious. His meaty arms were nonstop trying to rid The Opera Ghost from her hold. Amazingly, the tall Phantom held that thick rope tight around his neck, until the man collapse. "The Phantom came out of nowhere. And just… killed him."

"Why would that monster, that murderer, do that? It doesn't even know us, or care about us? All it does is take money from the Opera House and kill!" kenzi asks exasperated, but her eyes begin to water. The realization that she is not the nicest person is evident in her actions and words. She doesn't play nice with others and only looks out for herself. So why would anyone save her.

Tamsin holds on to Kenzi's shaking hands and tries to provide any comfort, even though it is rare for her. "Kenzi, come on, you aren't that bad." She says but the crazy look the star gives her makes her rephrase it. "Ok, sometimes you are, but maybe we were just lucky?"

"Maybe it has nothing to do with either of you?" Vex grumbles out, yawning loud and long before sitting up in his bed. After searching the gloomy room, he spots his two kittens sharing a bottle. "Aye, bring that over here and I'll let you guys in on a little secret."

Both Tamsin and Kenzi find their way into Vex's bed and he throws the covers on top of them all. Any other day, he would be thrilled to be sandwiched in bed between two beautiful women, but not his own people unfortunately. They will forever be his children in his eyes. "Listen loves, I am going to tell you some things, because well frankly, this whole Phantom business is getting tiresome." He sighs and rests his eyes before starting.

"This Phantom is not what the stories have been told time after time. You guys need to really think about all of the people the Phantom has targeted and decide if they were all innocent. Especially after she saved both of your guys' ass." He chuckles when they both hit his bare chest, but continues. "I just think you both should try to give Her the benefit of the doubt. Just think about it, loves. And try to get some sleep. You two know better than most… The Phantom is watching over you."

XXX

Down underneath the Opera house, The Phantom lies awake in her bed. Her body is still sore from the beating she took, but there is still a bright side of this disastrous night.

Isabeau is safely in her arms, her body pressed in the most delicious way Lauren ever thought possible. Bo is sleeping soundly half against/half on her half naked body.

They kissed tonight. She can still taste the brunette's lips and tongue. And it is dangerously intoxicating.

It takes every ounce of self-control not to kiss Bo until the end of time. To stay together and grow old, sharing their new lives with each other.

Shuffling to get a better look at the woman in Lauren' arms, she sees the easy smile formed on her lips. Pressing her thumb to that swollen bottom lip, Bo's breath escapes and it manages to make its way to her. This is like a dream.

Because in reality, Bo is not hers completely. She has the honorable Monsieur Thornwood to sweep her off her feet. To be able to take her around the world and by her the desired things in life. He can give Bo everything. Everything that Lauren can't.

"You're thinking to loud, Lauren." Bo says in a gravelly voice. One that makes Lauren smile. When those bright brown eyes flutter open, The Phantom captures her lips with her own.

"Well good morning to you too, Lauren." Bo's giggle is a new sound that Lauren is unfamiliar with, but will make it a life mission to make it happen again and again. Looking at the clock, though, she winces at the time. "Well, technically it is morning, but it is only four am."

Instead of commenting, Bo just snuggles deeper into the blonde, holding her tight until she hears a gasp. "I am so sorry!" her hand covers the forgotten bruised ribs, as if her touch will make it go away. "Sometimes I forget you re just as human as the rest of us."

Lauren laughs and sits up, noticing the ice has melted and wants to ease the pain. "Yeah, sadly, The Opera Ghost is just what people call me. I still need food. I still need to clean my lair. And I still feel pain. Just like a regular living and breathing human."

Bo watches Lauren move gingerly out of the bed, limping slightly as she goes around the corner to the kitchen. She is familiar with the woman's pride issues and lets her take care of her needs. Well, at least for now. Looking at her own uncomfortable state, still in her fluffy dress from the show, she peels off the excessive ruffles until Bo is only left in her slip.

The material is nearly see-through, but Bo is hoping that it will catch Lauren's attention. "I don't know Lauren; you do seem kind of pale to be a normal human."

"Ha Ha. Who knew you were also a court jester, my dearest Isabeau." Lauren soon comes to a halt when she notices Bo's attire. Or lack there of. She swallows a few times until she pries her eyes away. She hats herself for objectifying Bo like the many that watch her shows. Bo means more than that to her. She feels more for her than any of those other men could.

"I was hoping for another bath if you could show me the way again? I can still feel that last performance and I was hoping you could join me?" Bo is trying not to be, but her shyness has returned, even with Lauren looking at her with darkened eyes. The shyness is a humorous thought, since Lauren is standing there unashamed, in her pants and bra. But Bo isn't that secure, she never was.

Lauren nods, looking anywhere but Bo's body. It is flawless and so very womanly. Her curves are probably Lauren's kryptonite, but her soul is what has her falling for her. 'You have already fell you stupid girl. Why deny it?' She thinks but shakes those thoughts and walks to take Bo's hand in her own. "A bath sounds divine. I actually just purchased some therapeutic bubbles, that is supposed to make your skin as smooth as silk."

Bo walks with her, but is determined to uncover this woman's secrets. "How, or actually where do you buy all of your things? Your food or candles? That beautiful vanity?" Bo points at the various items in Lauren's spacious lair.

Lauren bites her lip when she enters the bathroom. Bending down on both knees so she can breath better, Lauren turns the faucets, letting the water flows quickly. Reaching the rickety table, she grabs the glass mason jar fool of silver goop. Spilling the thick texture in the porcelain bathtub, the bubbles begin to form quickly.

Feeling Bo's soft hands on her shoulders, Lauren lets her body relax. "The tunnels passed my lair, there is an opening. It is unguarded and it goes down for miles, but I go there often with my noble steed." She laughs thinking about her sugar cube addicted horse. "anyways, down a ways there is a small farmers market. No one cares if they see a face or not." She answers before Bo can.

Lauren can feel Bo's curiosity, especially during their shared kisses. Bo's soft fingers would trace the white mask frequently. More than once, The Phantom thought she was going to peel it away. That fear forever being burned in her thoughts.

"Hmm, well I must say, the food was quite impressive. Do you get your clothes and furniture there too?"

Another deep breath and Lauren manages to stand up. Bo is trying and Lauren knows it is just a natural thing for her. Curiosity is what continues to make the world go round. This is just hard for Lauren, especially since she never talks about it. "The furniture was here when I came back." She begins and unclasps her bra, letting it fall to the floor before working the button of her pants. "I overheard Vex telling you my story."

Bo tries not to stare at Lauren as she confidently gets undress for their bath. "Yeah…just briefly." She admits. She gasps as Lauren drops her pants leaving her completely bare. "Aren't you joining me?" Lauren asks.

Bo can only nod and begins to undress, blush turning her as red as a tomato. And Lauren continues as she slips into the hot water, the sting is perfect on her sore muscles. "Well, I only had three items to my name for as long as I can remember. That place where they say I was born; it was the only place that I belonged with a face like mine." The memories of each torturous show they made her put on as a child comes forth, along with the underlining anger. "I had the clothes on my back, the music box that is in my room…but the most important thing I have, is a piece of paper."

"A paper?" Bo repeats and climbs into the tub, trying like Hell to act casual even though she is completely naked and Lauren is eyeing her with a small smile. "Sorry, I'm not used to being so vulnerable." Bo admits with a nervous smile of her own

"Don't worry Angel. You are the most beautiful woman I have ever laid eyes on." Sitting up further, Lauren pulls Bo until she twists and us laying in between Lauren's legs, her back pressed into her chest. With Lauren's strong arms wrapping around her midsection, she whispers, "And it is ok to be vulnerable, at least around me. I won't ever judge you, or run away from you, Bo. Not really at least."

Bo issues a quiet "Thank you." And holds Lauren's hands against her body. "Can you tell me what is on the paper?"

"It is the deed." Lauren tells her. And with a move that surprises herself, she peels the white mask off of her own face.

AN: Sorry this took so long but I hope this chapter makes up for it? Maybe? Anyways, more soon to come. Anyways I am excited for the next chapter. Thank you for those that comment or follow or favorite, it really is amazing! You guys rock, so thank you for indulging in my story(s). Thanks for reading and I hope you enjoyed it!

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