Hey people! I am back with another update, now I detest filler chapters, but I think we all need to know a few things, that will be told in this chapter, most importantly what is happening within our beloved Opera House.

In this story Meg is 17 and Raoul is 20, just so you know.

It is told within Meg's point of view, now Meg is my favourite character, so I had loads of fun writing it, and I hope you enjoy it too!

Review responses are at the end of the chapter.

CHAPTER ELEVEN

THE DANCER'S INTERLUDE

The blonde smiled wistfully at the polite applause she received. In her heart she knew that her voice did not even compare to Christine's, but now that her friend had disappeared there was no one to take over her roles, with Carlotta in disgrace and the other singers afraid of taking the parts due to the infamous opera ghost, Meg was the only one who would sing.

She did not feel at peace with herself when singing, she battled to keep her nerves at bay and her voice steady, though she had improved after each performance. Dancing was her expertise, and both she and the audience knew it. However they appreciated her and applauded her for her efforts and courage.

Bowing slightly, she walked off the stage, hoping she did not look overly eager in her departure. The dress she wore was overstated and reminded her briefly of some of Carlotta's more eccentric outfits, with its multicoloured silks and patterned stitching.

Meg smiled at those who congratulated her backstage, sending jealous glances towards the practicing dancers. Her mother briefly locked eyes with her, an unreadable expression in their wise depths. Shaking her head, she brushed the thoughts aside, heading towards the dressing room she had been given, intending to change out of the awful costume she was wearing.

The calming blues of the dressing room welcomed her after she had successfully avoided the would-be suitors. Though it was not uncommon for a woman to get married at her age, Meg wanted to have a career of her own for as long as she could, try and save as much money as possible for she knew her dowry had to come from somewhere, when the time come for it to be needed.

Sighing, she slipped onto the small stool in front of the pine dresser, pulling the pins from her straight, flaxen hair, shaking the long strands out as soon as they were free. She quickly changed into her usual white dancing costume, deciding to leave the corset off for that night. She slipped her Pointe shoes on her feet, preparing to dance her anxieties away and keep up with her dancing at the same time.

She sincerely hoped that the managers would find a replacement for Christine soon, she was tried of the singing, and the practicing she had endured to raise her voice quality. Singing was Christine's domain, not hers.

The investigation behind Christine's disappearance had ended a few days earlier, the common theory was that she had run away with the Vicomte, which had been proved untrue when he had arrived at the Opera house and taking a role in the effort to find the missing soprano. Meg had a feeling her friend had left with her angel, and she knew her mother believed the same, for he had not collected his salary from his box a few days ago, and the ghost was widely known for his promptness.

Dragging herself from her reverie, Meg left the dressing room and walked back towards the now empty main stage, smirking as none of the suitors even glanced at her, not recognising the beautiful new singer in meagre chorus girl attire.

On the stage she felt free at last, performing her warm up stretches and routines, Meg felt she was back where she belonged. Dancing to a tune that existed only in her head, she turned her anguish, pressures and fears into movement, finding the steps comforted her and took away her pain in a way tears never could.

"Your dancing is truly a wonder, Mademoiselle Giry." A voice called from in front of her, causing her to stop abruptly and peer into the empty seats in front of her.

Raoul de Chagny sat comfortably in one of the chairs, a bottle of liquor in one hand, its contents half gone. The blonde felt pity for the man who had suffered so much for a love that was never his.

"Thank you Monsieur le Vicomte." Meg said, curtseying in respect. Her mother had drilled courtesy and politeness into her since she was a small child, and even in his drunken state, Meg felt the need to be formal.

"Now Meg, let us dispose of the formalities." He answered, a sluggish grin forming on his lips as he stumbled up onto the stage. He had a slightly haggard appearance, his blonde hair hang in wild waves, uncombed and his suit was donned hastily, as she could tell by the wrinkles and misplaced bow tie.

"I think you have had enough drink for tonight Monsieur." She added, taking the bottle from his grasp as he reached her on the stage.

He did not reply, only swayed slightly as he followed Meg backstage, she reached the small dining hall where the crew ate their small meals, hoping to find some water to sober the Vicomte slightly.

The hall was located next to one of the practice rooms, with long wooden tables and plain floors, the dining room was meant for the people who lived in the opera house, like herself, whilst the wealthier members ate elsewhere. A large basin of water stood at one end of the room, meant for drinking purposes, with cups on hooks beside it.

Meg guided the man to a seat as she fetched him some water, which he gulped down greedily, she also disposed of the alcohol in a sink meant for washing purposes.

"I am sorry you had to witness this Meg, I have been melancholy recently, and I apologise that you had to observe one of the more unpleasant side effects."

Meg smiled gently as she sat opposite the Vicomte, taking in the heavy bags under his eyes and the dull eyes that marred his otherwise handsome appearance.

"She is happy Raoul." Meg stated after a while, hoping her use of his first name was appropriate. "She lived for music, not the life of a noblewoman, she would have been suppressed and unhappy. Childhood sweethearts do not allow for life long passion." She intoned, grasping one of his hands for support. She could see the tears forming at the corner of his eyes, her heart almost breaking as she watched a grown man reduced to tears by her words.

The flaxen haired dancer let her mind wonder as she comforted Raoul, allowing him to dispose of his anguish in relative peace. She had never questioned her best friend's decision to follow her heart, but she had never realised the effect it seemed to have upon the man in front of her. Meg also doubted that the Vicomte was really in love with Christine, the fact he had only noticed her when on the centre stage added to this theory.

His tears subsided eventually, leaving a very sober man to apologise for his actions. Meg dismissed his apologies with a wave of her hand, giving the Vicomte a comforting smile.

"Come, I will escort you back to my room." She suggested, wincing as his eyebrows shot up in alarm. "My mother will be there, and she maybe able to help you with your … issues." Meg worded her sentence carefully. Her mother had a talent to help people realise their true feelings, and she suspected Raoul's appearance had much more to do with wounded pride than unrequited love.

The man in question nodded slowly, offering his arm out with a teasing grin that allowed Meg to laugh a little, such formality after what he had just done was laughable, but it helped to break the tension between them.

She gladly took the offered arm, both of them amicably talking and joking as they headed back to her room. He seemed a lot lighter now he had released his bottled emotions, and Meg couldn't help but notice the sparkle had returned to his blue eyes, a welcome change from the drunk man of a few hours prior.

The both halted as they reached her room, as her mother was standing at the door, arms crossed and a scowl on her ageless features.

"And where have you been Meg?" Madame Giry asked, looking over at the Vicomte, obviously taking in his messy appearance and drawing conclusions, wrong conclusions.

"Mother, the Vicomte would like to speak to you, I assure you all will be explained in a moment." Meg informed her mother stiffly, watching as the older woman played with her long plait, a sign of displeasure she had learned to recognise.

"In that case I will see you inside in a few moments, sir." She replied icily, turning into the room and shutting door the firmly behind her.

They both winced at the sound.

Meg turned to face the older man, smiling slightly to ease his apprehension.

"She may seem tough but she is the most wonderful woman I know." She informed the nobleman strategically, brushing away a strand of hair from her face. In her haste to practice she had neglected to tie her long hair up and therefore had to deal with the consequences of having the blonde locks in the way.

"Thank you for your comfort tonight Meg, I will be certain I will show my gratitude to you at a future time." Raoul said, ever the gentlemen.

He looked upon her for a few moments, hesitation clear in his features, before he gained a resolved look, and leaned down to touch her cheek with his lips.

Her cheeks flushed at the contact, and she smiled despite herself.

"Go on Monsieur, I will see you at the performance tomorrow night." Meg said eventually, dipping into a courtesy as Raoul entered her room to talk with her mother.

She was surprised to find she missed his company.

…………………

Ah, I knew this is short, but it is an interlude, as stated, Erik/Christine romance starts in the next chapter as we return to the main plot.

I actually like Raoul, really I do. He was just too much of the Prince Charming for his own good. Poor child, he was rather immature but a good character I find, not a fop by any means. I hate it when he is portrayed in some fics as a jealous, crazed murderer as for anyone who has read Leroux's book knows that Raoul is constantly described as gentle and delicate, something that was kinda ignored in the movie.

NEW VOTE:

Do you hate Raoul?

Yes, No, or Undecided.

I'm interested I what everyone else thinks.

Review reponses:

naomipoe- (author blinks) Woah, science and theories, lol, that was unexpected, to be honest I think that's a load of bull, I think if you are brought up with sensitive parents who encourage writing and emotion than a person will be able to do it, regardless of gender, sexual preference or whatever.

Kagome1514- Will do, I will have to re-read it though, I have a bad memory, lol. I'm glad you liked the last chapter, and this one hopefully. Thanks for the review.

Twinkle22- Lol, I never thought of my story that way, thank you so much :) Hope you wasn't disappointed with this chapter.

Computerfreak101- Thank you, I never realised my romance was that good (blushes). It would be boring if we all wrote romance though, I need humour as much as the next guy (or girl as it seems the case, lol). Oh and just wait for the lesson, it is my favourite scene…

santinzevi89- I usually do that too, I feel kinda bad but hey, I'm glad you are better than me! Thanks a lot :)

Emmanuelle Lisselle Grey- Nah they aren't boring, I appreciate them very much, thank you :)

Lady Skywalker- Sorry I didn't update soon, lol, I just started college so its like all up in the air, that said its better than Uni, well, I would imagine it was easier. Anyways, who should the swordfight be between… Erik and Christine, lol.

CraZi-pHanTom-oBSESSIOn- Lol, I'm very confused, let's just leave it alone, lol, thanks for the review!

Anyways, please review, I want to know what you thought of this, good, bad?

M.P