Hello everyone, long time no see. Sorry for the long wait, but my first year of college was a bit more rigorous than I expected. My priorities were college first, and then my writing. Updates will resume on Fridays and I hope you guys will still give me feedback on what you think. Happy Summer!

Chapter 21

Erik's POV

I stood frozen, still trying to catch my breath. I couldn't do anything else... I physically couldn't. I knew that if I moved an inch from where I stood right now I would chase after Christine and finish what we had started. Speaking of, what the hell was that? Why did we continue the scene knowing exactly where it would lead? And why did we both react the way we did? I know why I did, I am a man after all. But Christine? Christine... she couldn't possibly?

I shook my head, feeling my self-control slowly seep back into my bones. With my minimal supply I made it to the piano bench, slowly sinking down onto the stiff seat. There was no possible way Christine could, or would, ever have feelings for a man like me. I pressed my fingers down lightly on random keys while I snickered sarcastically to myself. Besides my dashing good looks, my line of work would certainly be the deal breaker as far as a relationship went. Just look at the mess I dragged Christine into by simply knowing her. No, even if by some miracle she did reciprocate my feelings, it could never happen.

I froze for the second time tonight. Reciprocate? The epiphany hit me upside the head like a brick, causing a pitiful moan to escape my mouth. My moan morphed into a growl before my fingers balled into a tight fist and crashed down onto the white keys. I have feelings for Christine Daae! Oh, Damn her! That little viper shows up out of nowhere, and she-... she does this to me! She frustrates me, intrigues me, makes me miserable at times, makes me euphoric in others, and utterly confuses me!

I chuckled. Was this love? It sounds about right, but no, love is for children who don't have to worry about prices on their heads. This, this is something else. This is... this is all her fault! If she hadn't kissed me, or if she hadn't needed me to help her, or-... if she hadn't revealed her beautiful soul none of this would have happened.

Pulling away from the battered keys I ran a hand through my hair, letting out all of my frustration in a long exhale. No fault could be placed on anyone in this situation, and certainly not Christine. How ridiculous! No, all she did was be herself, and like a moth to the flame I attached myself to the small flicker of life that was everything I wasn't. Beautiful, kind, compassionate, caring, and above all else, good. I was disgusted with myself all of a sudden. After everything I put Christine through- completely destroying her freedom and endangering her life, I still wanted her! How selfish am I?

Christine has that boy, who loves her unconditionally and would truthfully do anything for her. I'm sure if I hadn't taunted him the way I did for my own amusement then he would have shown up for their lunch today. When will I learn? That boy would never hurt her like I would.

But Christine doesn't love him, that little voice in the back of my head whispered. I snorted to myself. While that may be true, there was nothing that proved that she loved me instead. She kissed you, it replied, pleased with itself. Still I denied, the kiss was scripted and meant nothing. Even she had-... I trailed off. The little voice snickered in triumph, She asked if she was supposed to do that. While she might have known it was scripted, she knew she didn't have to do it. She kissed you of her own free will.

Standing from the piano bench, I denied it over and over in my head, refusing to throw myself into something that would only crush me. Christine and I denied the kiss the second it was over, so that's what I would continue to do. Unless Christine confesses that it meant something, it will continue to be nothing. And as much as that thought tortures me, I would refrain from pushing the issue any further.

...

Dinner was surprisingly normal; although I felt tension between Christine and I at first. She however, didn't recognize it, conversing with me as usual. After a few minutes I followed her lead, slipping back into casual conversation like everything was as it had been. I also recognized that Anya was over-talkative this evening. She stole Christine's attention from Antoinette or myself on more than one occasion, so much so that when Christine finally returned to the conversation it had ended and was replced by a new topic. It put a smile on my masked face and reminded me that the two should sit together more often.

Then dinner was over, and Christine had grabbed my wrist as I stood, leaning in to whisper, "Can we talk privately?"

My heart stopped. Has she been thinking about the kiss? Is that what this was about? I nodded mutely, not trusting myself to speak as Christine turned to Anya, promising to read her a bedtime story after she had changed and brushed her teeth. I smiled once again, witnessing Christine's pure heart at work. She would make a wonderful mother someday. With that thought my frown returned, I needed to keep my thoughts away from these areas if I wanted to stay sane.

Christine decided we would have this discussion in the music room, which caused suspicion to creep in. This was either going to be very good or very bad, so I braced myself for the latter. Looking me straight in the eye, but unconsciously wringing her hands Christine began, "Erik, I wanted to discuss something with you that might be... difficult, for lack of a better word."

Now, I was definitely on alert. This could only end badly, but masking my mistrust I agreed, "Alright. What is it?"

"I was wondering, if you..." Christine began before trailing off. "I mean, do you think it could be possible for you..."

"Christine!" I snarled, on edge from her stalling, "For goodness sake woman, spit it out already!"

Taking a deep breath she asked, "Do you think you could help me see Mama V- I mean, Mrs. Valerious? She's my neighbor, but in all honesty she's more like my grandmother. She was there the night those men tried to take me and she must be so worried about me. I just need to let her know I'm okay face-to-face."

I was relieved as well as unerved that this was what Christine wanted to discuss privately. I couldn't understand how she was handling this so well, when each second with her I felt like I would spontaneously combust. Forcing myself to focus I replied as rationally as I could, "You realize this request could-"

"I'll wear a disguise. I can dress as Mrs. Valerious' daughter, Karen. I've met her before and with a little make-up could look just like her." Christine quickly rebuttled.

I quirked an eyebrow, "You've thought this through, haven't you?"

"Yes." Christine stated in all seriousness, "All I need besides make-up is a red wig and green contacts. Please Erik, can you help me see her?"

I knew it; I was a goner. Christine looked desperate, and hearing my name called in that beseeching manner completely disarmed me. Who could say no to those brown eyes of hers when they looked at you so pleadingly? This only further proved why Christine and I could not have a relationship other than that of student and teacher. I would give her the moon and the stars- and whatever else she wanted, if she asked it of me.

After pondering the request further however, I realized the true dangers of what Christine was asking. Buquet was a smart man, smart enough to have Mrs. Valerious watched even if she was in the hospital. Being the only person Christine has to call family would make her the perfect lure. That's when another fear hit me all together, Christine still didn't know what had happened to the elderly woman. Sighing, I began, "I'm not saying no, but please sit down for what I have to say next."

Christine worried her bottom lip as she wordlessly lowered herself into a chair. I absolutely despised myself for allowing such a crucial detail to slip my mind until now. I almost begged as I requested, "Please, do not worry yourself into a frenzy after I tell you this. Mrs. Valerious was admitted into the hospital the night you were attacked, she had gone into cardiac arrest after all of the commotion."

Christine's face morphed into an expression of utter terror, her complextion paling considerably. She opened her mouth, but when nothing emerged a hand covered her mouth for a moment in horror. Removing it after a pause Christine questioned, "Is she alright now? Has she left the hospital yet or... is s-she still there by herself?"

"I have no idea if she is still in the hospital or not, but I can call Amir and find out." I promised, "We can go visit her tomorrow, wherever she may be, after school. I know how important she is to you and I know you must be terrified for her."

Her hand returned to her mouth, concealing a trembling lip I assumed, noticing the tears that were threatening to overflow. I wanted nothing more than to comfort Christine, but knew she had to process this information on her own, lest I throw her into a complete break down. Finally, she seemed to get a grip on her emotions, croaking, "She's not-... she's not dead, right? She is alive?"

Forcing my feet to remain rooted to the spot I nodded, "Yes. While I took care of you, Amir elected to keep an eye and ear out for her. He would have called me if anything were to happen."

Smiling at me sadly, Christine reverently whispered, "Thank you Erik, for everything that you have done for me."

At that point, my resolve broke. I strided the few feet seperating us and kneeled at her feet. Once I reached her, my hand instinctually sought out Christine's. Knowing I would later come to regret this, I confessed, "Christine, I swear that I will do anything and everything within my power to make sure that you are safe. I also promise that I will not let any harm come to those you care about."

Christine slid from her seat and wrapped her arms around me. I didn't move or say another word, wrapping my arms around her and being content as an anchor for her to hold onto while she needed one. Christine was strong, though recent events attempted to disprove that. This was simply the one thing she couldn't be strong in. Just like that boy had been there for her, I would be here for her now.

Refusing to release me, Christine's voice was slightly muffled as she spoke into my shoulder, "Erik, I can't thank you enough for everything that you've done. I don't know what I would do without you. You're so good."

I felt my face twist in agony and my heart constrict. I was not good, and the fact that Christine, my angel, was sitting here telling me so felt like a dagger piercing my heart. I wanted to be the man she believed was so good, but knew that Hell would probably freeze over before that happened. I was a demon after all.

Christine pulled away slowly, her hand unconsciously seeking mine out again. A warmth spread throughout my body at the action, knowing that my touch comforted her. Pulling Christine slowly to her feet, both of my hands wrapped around hers. Cradling her palms in mine I wanted to give her one more piece of reassurance, pulling away immediately after I reminded her, "Anya is probably ready for bed and waiting for her storyteller. You know how kids are."

Christine's hands slipped from my grasp, slowly falling to her sides, but oddly enough she remained rooted in place. Her eyes locked with mine and time seemed to stop. It was as if a conversation was taking place between us but neither of us knew what it was about. I felt myself lean forward slightly, seeing rather than hearing Christine's breath hitch. Then, as if coming out of trance, Christine suddenly broke eye contact, taking a minimal step back and clearing her throat, "Well then, goodnight Erik."

I saw it, however fleeting. The moment before Christine decided leave, I noticed what she thought I wouldn't. She had begun to lean forward as well, only then realizing what was about to happen. That small action caused hope to float to the surface of my heart. Christine had leaned in to kiss me, and just because she hesitated this time does not mean she will next time. Maybe, just maybe, my Christine had feelings for me as well.

I grinned, taking a seat at the piano as I imagined the look on that boy's face right about now. My grin widened when I thought about how Christine would react when she finally did come clean to the boy about that phone call. Suddenly, the phrase 'nothing happened' seems a little untruthful... and I couldn't be happier about it.

I had just found a melody that flowed with the lyrics swirling around in my head when my phone began to vibrate on top of the piano. Pinching my eyes shut I attempted to reign in my anger, knowing all too well who was calling. Answering the damnable thing I grunted, "Amir. Another interrogation?"

"Yes and no." Amir paused, "I caught another one of Buquet's men, but since dead men tell no tales and cyanide pills seem to be his fix, it appears you have no-one to interrogate but this thumb-drive we found. We found it on his person, there's only one file on the drive, and it's labeled, 'To Erik.' How soon can you get down here?"

"I'm on my way." I replied before hanging up. I had been off the piano bench and replacing my white mask with the black one before Amir even mentioned the cyanide pills. Buquet was becoming bolder, desperate, killing off one of his men just to deliver a message. If Christine wasn't the one in danger I would be flattered that Buquet was going through all this trouble to contact me, but times have changed since the last time we played this game. This time... I wouldn't lose.

Antoinette met me at the door, awaiting her instructions. For once I wasn't sure how to proceed, pausing at the door before ordering, "If I'm not back by morning no-one leaves this house, under any circumstances."

"Erik?" Antoinette inquired, "You're not going to do something foolish are you?"

The questioned didn't surprise me, and for once I answered it truthfully, "I'll do what I have to, depending on what message that file is storing."

Antoinette looked upset, but why wouldn't she? She had practically become my mother over the years and even though I knew she could take care of herself, I worried for her too. Sighing she nodded, "I understand, but please, at least try to be-"

"Erik?" Christine's voice called at the top of the stairs, halting Antoinette mid-lecture. Descending the flight of steps in the blink of an eye, Christine stood next to Antoinette looking just as worried. She observed the ominous black mask with a wary gaze before asking, "What's going on? Are you leaving?"

Antoinette's eyes shifted to me, waiting to go along with whatever lie I fed Christine, and the shock that registered in them when I did the exact opposite would go down in history as one of the funniest moments of knowing Antoinette Giry. Her eyes widened so much I thought they would pop out of their sockets as I replied, "Buquet contacted me via dead body, so I'm going down to the station to meet Amir and do my job."

"Oh," Christine deadpanned. "Please, be careful, Erik."

Antoinette's shocked expression slowly melted into a new one, one I knew to be recognition. Realizing what dots she must be connecting I turned, throwing on my coat and walking out the door vowing, "I will. You know I always am."

Antoinette wrapped an arm around Christine, steering her back inside before shutting the door behind me.

...

When I reached the station I felt dozens of eyes on me, shadowing me as I proceeded to the back office Amir occupied. Everyone knew that I was not to be bothered. I was not one of them, and I could and would do what I wanted… even if that meant hurting one of them in 'self-defense'. I always did enjoy schooling the young boys who deserved it, but then one had taken my superiority too lightly and had reached for my mask. Poor fool, I couldn't stop my reflexes any more than he could stop breathing air. His wrist did heal, but everyone knew after that to steer clear of me.

I was about to enter my security code when Amir opened the door from the opposite side. I gave him a nod in thanks before strolling past him to watch the monitor. On the large screen I saw the small window display the file labeled 'To Erik,' which had yet to be opened. Running different scenarios through my mind I rattle off questions as they came to me.

"Has this thumb-drive come in contact with any other computer besides the one it is currently hooked into?"

"No," Amir answered.

"Has this computer been wiped of everything? Is it as new as the day it came out of the factory?"

"Yes," Amir confirmed again.

"Did you re-install the error chip which allows the laptop to be untraceable?" I smirked.

Amir smiled proudly, "I remembered."

I nodded, "Good. No one has opened the file yet, correct?"

Amir nodded, "Right."

"Then I want two separate cameras in here," I ordered. "One camera will be trained on the screen, and the other connected to a separate computer, instantly uploading what it records to the FBI's database. Should anything happen, that extra link may just save our hides."

Amir left to retrieve a hand-held camera, giving me full access to use his computer as the uplink. After setting up the desktop to do what I requested Amir returned with a camera, looking nervous now that it was time to actually open the file. I was about to open the thing, when I hesitated, grabbing the tape-recorder I left in Amir's desk for such emergencies. Amir looked skeptical but I digressed, "You can never be too careful."

Clicking the button I placed it as close to the speaker as I dared, steeling myself for what was about to happen next. Opening the file I noticed it was a video, which actually didn't surprise me. No doubt something evil and grotesque would be shown as soon as I hit play.

The video took only seconds to load before Buquet's face popped up on the screen. Well, I wasn't wrong. Bracing my hands against the table, I held in my anger as his image began to speak.

"Hello, old friend, long time no see. Then again, no one sees you anymore, do they? I'm still trying to figure out why that is exactly, but oh well, you have your secrets and I have mine. Hmm, but maybe not. You see, you violated my trust sometime ago with that tracker of yours. Was I mad? Yes, but did I ever mention how much I love getting my hands on your little trinkets? They're so ingenious."

I rolled my eyes, "Does this have a point or is he just talking to hear himself talk?"

As if knowing I would be impatient Buquet leered, "Ah, and that is exactly what I am here to talk to you about. You see, recently I tried to get my hands on one of your different types of trinkets. I believe you know what, or who, I am referring to?"

I felt my nails bite into my palms as my hands curled into fists on the desk. I gritted my teeth as I hissed, "Christine."

Buquet chuckled, "Yes, Christine Daae. I don't know how she knows you or why you waste your time with her, though I have a few ideas, I don't really care. What I do care about is getting my hands on her. You see, we go way back... but what am I saying? That isn't important. Seeing as she has miraculously vanished without a trace, not even showing up at her oh-so-perfect job, I can only assume you are hiding her. No matter though, in the end I will find her."

"Over my dead body," I growled.

Buquet seemed to become irritated, sighing, "I'm sure you have said something along the lines of 'that will never happen,' so I'll simplify things for you. You come to me instead of making me come to you to die, give me the blueprints and prototypes to those other trinkets of yours, and I won't worry about her anymore. As valuable and as useful as the girl is, I'm sure your gadgets are just as good if not better. What do you say, dear old friend?"

I couldn't speak, glaring at the computer and fighting the urge to smash something… namely the screen. Amir noticed, inching towards me to place a hand on my hunched shoulder. I jerked it away, turning away from the screen to glare at him. He should know now is not the time to touch me.

Buquet sounded surprised as he announced, "Well, look at the time! By now I should have been able to track the location of your base of operation, and have the names of each and every agent you have at your disposal. As you can see, I am not a desperate man tearing the world apart trying to find her, because in the end I always get what I want."

I smiled, the satisfaction that I had thwarted his plans surged through me, bringing out my malicious side as I reveled in it. Chuckling, I replied, "Not this time, dear old friend."

"So," Buquet continued. "It seems I'm holding all the cards Erik, and guess what? Time to bet. Pay up, or fold. It's your call. You always bragged your wit was matched by no-one, let's see what you'll do. See you around."

The message ended. Amir turned off the camera and disconnected the live feed, while I processed everything Buquet had to say. It was a lie, all of it. No matter what, Buquet will always want to have leverage over me. If not, he'd teach me a lesson and kill Christine just for the fun of it. No, I would not fold, I outsmarted him before and I could do it again.

"What are you going to do, Erik?" Amir offered, "You know I'm with you to the end."

"I'm going to stop him," I answered. "For good. I'll analyze the video we recorded and see if I can figure out where he's hiding. For now, all I can do is continue to protect Christine."

Amir nodded, "Go home, I'll send you a copy of the video we took and convert the audio tape to a digital copy. Is there anything else you need?"

"Yes, actually." I asked, "Can you find out what hospital that old woman, Mrs. Valerious, is at or if she has been sent home? Christine would like to make a visit to see her and if she is still in the hospital I need you to inspect the staff, patients, and patients' relatives for connections of any kind to Buquet before we go."

"Done," Amir agreed. "I'll call you with the details tomorrow morning."

"Thank you," I replied as I made my way towards the door. Turning to the monitor with Buquet's disgusting, sneering face still frozen on the screen I swore, "I will find you… and this time I will kill you."