Will she say yes? Will she say no? Enough with the questions, let's find out!

Erik looked into Christine's chocolate eyes and prepared himself for the worst, while finding himself mentally hoping for a miracle.

Christine's eyes locked with his and upon contact, she smiled and nodded.

Erik thought he would faint on the spot. However, he managed to compose himself and take her hand, as he escorted her out of the carriage.

Before they entered the building, Christine gasped and stopped walking. Erik looked at her puzzled.

"Do you not want me to escort you inside?"

"No, Erik, it's not that. This place…. Can we really go inside? I am not dressed for something so elegant."

"Nonsense. You look stunning, as always. It is only a supper club. Come, the night won't last forever." As much as I wish it would.

The "supper club", as Erik called it was actually a grandiose ballroom and it was just as elaborate inside as it was outside. The room was beautifully decorated, and servants were on hand ready to pass out Champaign. There was an orchestra playing and a large dance floor that began to fill up. Everyone was dressed in either full costumes or their best attire with concealing masks so no one could name their faces.

The host escorted Erik and Christine to their table and Erik discreetly handed the man a few francs for his service. He pulled out the chair for Christine and then sat down, inspecting the room. He saw her staring at him.

"What is it?"

"Forgive me, but for someone who doesn't attend social gatherings, you seem very well acquainted with the customs. Not to mention this place. Erik, how did you find it?"

"I wasn't born poor, Christine. My mother was or maybe is quite well off. I had to leave that all behind but when I was under her roof, she insisted that I learn proper manners, especially when dinning. I find that despite her influence, I rather like it."

Christine was going to ask about his mother, but he started to talk again.

"As for this place, well one does not do his job as an Opera Ghost, if he does not overhear all the gossip about the latest places to be seen at. Those managers talk a great deal and your…. The Vicomte mentioned this place the other night to his party."

"I see." She looked down at her lap.

"Christine, I can assure you that this evening is well within my means and I wanted to take you here, not to be seen but to show you that there is nothing we couldn't have, if you so desired it."

"But Erik, I don't need places like this to be happy."

"No, but dates are to impress and have fun, no? It's not about needs. Besides, you know I like beautiful things." He smirked. "Look at that orchestra. Those instruments are years old and yet they still sound marvelous."

She followed his gaze and had to agree. "It's nothing like I have ever seen."

"You would have seen it that night with Him, if I hadn't of interfered."

"You didn't interfere, per say."

"That's most kind."

"Erik, I wanted to go with you. I'm not going to lie about that. Everything about that night was like a dream until…."

"You saw my face."

"I was going to say until my childish behavior ruined what was a most wonderous evening."

"Again, you are being most kind."

"My father used to say that my curiosity would lead me into trouble."

Erik smirked. "How right he was." He then grinned when he saw her blush. "However, I for one feel you should never lose the qualities that make you, you. Although, we should work on your timing." He grinned again and this time it caused Christine to laugh at loud. Before he knew it, he was joining her. Both couldn't deny that the sounds of their laughter together, was almost as good as the sound of their voices becoming one.

If Erik didn't know any better, he would swear he felt at ease being with Christine out in the open. He then called the waiter over. "Champaign, Mlle. Daae?"

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Raoul entered the establishment and grinned. He was immediately greeted by the manager.

"Monsieur Vicomte! What a surprise. Shall I get you your usual table?"

"Yes, Claude. That would be splendid, but how did you know it was me." He laughed.

"Your family's crest is difficult to miss, Monsieur."

"Quite. Say, Claude I am looking for a young lady. She is here with someone…." His eyes went searching.

"It may be difficult to spot her sir, as it is our masked all."

"Perhaps we can change that?" He opened his wallet and pulled out twenty francs.