I don't own the story or the character (I will not cry, I will not cry...)

Christine

I am in the chapel right now writing by the light of some candles.

I needed some piece, and to be left alone. Meg and Madame Giry are the only ones who know that I come here so I should be safe for a while yet.

Tonight was the masquerade and I have never enjoyed myself more. Tonight was so different from last year, when I felt out of place and clumsy but this year, this year I had Erik with me.

Last week after one of my lesson he gave me a package his eyes were alight as I took it from him and turned it in my hands, wondering just what it was.

The shape gave no clue as it was a box. Anything could be in a box.

Giving up I lifted the lid and gaped in wonder at a beautifully delicate ornate mask that lay within the box.

What did this mean?

I touched the mask reverently. It was the type that only covers the top half of your face leaving your nose and mouth free. It was perched atop a strong bit of wire curled at the bottom. It glittered and sparkled in the candlelight, a beautiful pale pink.

I raised my head from the mask and looked at Erik who was standing smiling, no doubt finding my reaction very amusing.

"Will you attend the masquerade with me Christine?"

Of course I would.

So it was settled.

I was so excited, bouncing around all week. Even Carlotta noticed my behaviour labelling me a toad the way I was hopping about – but I did not care. I was going to the masquerade and Erik was coming with me.

Both Meg and I raided the closets looking for dresses to wear Meg had no idea what she wanted to wear while I wanted something to go along with the mask that Erik had given me which was hidden safely under my bed.

After hours of searching I finally found the dress.

It was just a shade or two darker than the pale pink of my mask and had a slight bodice to it, small enough to fit my waist without needing any alterations made.

I stood in front of Madame Giry's mirror tonight twirling in my prize.

The fabric flowed about me as I walked and spun, long white gloves covered my arms up to my elbows and I held the mask up to my face. I hoped that Erik would be proud of being seen with me as I knew that I would be with him.

I smiled at my reflection before lowering my mask and fingering my ring still hanging from a chain around my neck.

My gown was lower than my normal dresses and I realized that everyone would be able to see it, but I could not bring myself to take it of. So I left the room hoping that everyone would be to merry to notice.

I made my way quickly threw the empty corridors my foot steps echoing as I moved as swiftly as I could, heading towards the 'ballroom'. I had no idea where or when I was meeting Erik. He had only given me a kiss on the cheek and told me he would see me soon when he brought me back from my lesson.

My mind spun as I tried to think of possibilities.

How was he going to get in anyway?

I stopped thinking when an arm shot out from a darkened door and wrapped around my waist, spinning me into the darkness.

I panicked not knowing who had hold of me, until the figure brought me up close to his body and kissed my forehead.

Erik.

"Good evening my little angel." he whispered, placing a kiss on each of my cheeks and raising his head.

"I was puzzling over how you were going to get in." I mumbled standing on my toes and kissing his lips gently.

"I should have known you would have no problem."

He laughed at this and held me tighter before releasing me and stepping into the bright corridor.

He looked so handsome in his costume. All I could do was stare at him speechless.

His usual black outfit of dress jacket and trousers had been replaced with a scarlet costume his strong build clear for all to see.

It was not until I looked at his mask that I realised who he was.

Red Death.

The mask covered all of his face only leaving his lips and chin uncovered – explaining how I had been able to kiss him in the darkness.

"You look very handsome." I mumbled, feeling like an idiot at my simple statement – despite it being the truth.

He smiled and gestured for me to come out of the alcove.

I stepped into the light and Erik inhaled sharply. I slowly spun in front of him.

"You are beautiful." he told me softly taking one of my hands and kissing it softly.

I glowed at his praise as he drew my arm through his and we continued towards the noise.

The hall and staircase were glowing with the number of candles that were lit, where everything seemed so sinister and uncomfortable last year now everything was magical and beautiful as I walked in on Erik's arm.

The orchestra was playing a lively dance as couples spun almost violently around the floor, whirling so fast just watching them made me feel dizzy.

I spotted Meg from a distance and gave her a smile as she stared with wide eyed amazement in my direction, no doubt taking in our linked arms. I gave her a small wave before Erik pulled me towards Madame Giry.

I was slightly nervous, despite knowing of Madame Giry's involvement with Erik and her no doubt being aware of our relationship I had never actually approached her about it. And so at that moment I feeling probably not that much different to those who are being led to their own execution.

"Erik are you sure about this?" I whispered frantically to him as I grasped at his arm, trying to get him to change his mind and turn around.

"Don't panic my love, it will be fine." he whispered back, patting by hand reassuringly.

I kept my eyes firmly fixed on the floor as we approached Madame Giry only raising my head once we came to a stop right in front of my adoptive mother.

I looked at her face, nothing but shock.

"Christine what in earth, who on earth..." she stumbled over her words throwing glances in turn at me and Erik.

This was not good.

Erik finally decided to do something and cleared his throat, a smile playing on his lips as he pulled me closer into his side.

I thought the Ballet Mistress was going to faint from lack of air as she sucked her breath in sharply and rapidly released it without actually taking in another, instead she just stood her face becoming redder.

I had had enough but being at a loss for words I thought I would let Erik explain to the good woman just what was going on, so I elbowed him hard in the ribs.

He drew in a sharp breath and looked down at me his gaze telling me that he felt betrayed, I just smiled innocently back at him.

After all two could play at his game.

Hey, so here's chapter 21 (wow chapter 21!). I have had it almost done for forever but I didn't want to ruin it by rushing it.

It is a bit shorter than I intended but I think it is better like this than the way I had it before.

I am planning on having Erik's thoughts next possibly picking up from where Christine left of or just before.

I am trying to get across a playful side to their relationship, that is why I have added little bits like Christine elbowing him and Erik spinning her into the corridor. Please let me know if I am succeeding with that.

Hope you enjoy and please, please, please let me know what you think.