Strange Behaviour

We shall find peace. We shall hear angels. We shall see the sky sparkling with diamonds - Anton Chekov

"Well, that was odd," the countess commented, once both Erik and Christine were gone.

"How so?" Philippe asked.

"Oh, he just wasn't acting like himself," she shrugged.

"Oh, and what is he normally like?" Raoul asked bitterly.

"Well, he is a bit anti-social," she said, "but he just seemed more so tonight. Poor dear, he seemed so shy."

"He isn't shy, mother, he just doesn't like people. He seems to have taken a particular disliking to you, old friend," he jested at Raoul, "is your hand alright?"

"I'd say so, and it is fine, thank you," Raoul replied.

"Well, if he has taken a disliking to you, I would suggest being a bit wary," the count advised, "he isn't exactly known for his even temper."

"No he isn't," Raoul said under his breath.

"Richard, you make it sound as if he will stab the poor boy in the back," the countess said shrilly, "he really isn't that bad, Raoul."

"Yes, and I'm sure he'll be back to his old self in the morning," Alex said, "he did just return from France, so he was probably just tired."

"Wonderful," Raoul muttered. Erik returning to his 'old self' was about the last thing that he wanted.

The next morning Christine sat down for breakfast to find that everyone else was there, with the exception of Erik. The countess greeted her with a warm smile and a plate, "Would you like coffee or tea?"

"Oh, tea please," Christine murmured.

"Of course, I find coffee to be far too bitter," the countess said, handing Christine a teacup, "so you take anything in it?"

"Plain is fine," she said, then looked around the table and asked as casually as she could, "is Erik not joining us?"

"It is his choice whether or not he wants to eat," the count replied, "the man often misses meals, though I would prefer if he didn't"

"Oh," Christine murmured, taking a sip of her tea. As she set the cup down Erik entered the room, silently taking his seat and pouring himself a cup of coffee.

"Good morning, did you sleep well?" Philippe asked.

Erik looked up and stared at him evenly, "No, not particularly."

"That's a shame," Christine murmured.

"Oh…uh, I-I suppose so…" Erik stammered.

"Tongue-tied, this morning?" Alex teased.

"I'll tongue-"

"No threats at the breakfast table, dear," the countess interrupted.

Erik wrinkled his nose slightly and settled for a bone-chilling glare. One the Alex just laughed off. Over the time that Erik had been there, he had learned to shrug off his threatening looks.

After a short pause Raoul spoke up, "Alex, I was thinking that we could go for a ride later."

"That is a splendid idea," Alex agreed, "you, Philippe, Erik and I?"

"Err, yes," Raoul muttered, "of course."

"I'd rather not," Erik said sharply.

"Why not?" Philippe asked.

"I am not-"

"Don't try that again," Alex interrupted, "you feel fine. Every time you wish to get out of something you claim to be ill, and yet you seem to be one of the healthiest people I have met. You are not sick."

"I was going to say that I am not going out in the cold," Erik snapped, "and I can easily make myself sick, young man."

"Well, you have fun with that," Alex retorted.

"Please!" the countess exclaimed, "you two are making Miss Daae uncomfortable."

"My apologies," Alex said quickly.

"Yes," Erik muttered, "mine as well."

"Its fine," Christine murmured, "but thank you."

Once the meal was over Erik disappeared into his room. Alex merely rolled his eyes at the strange behaviour. He knew that Erik wasn't one for social interaction, but the man had never before turned down the opportunity for a ride. Erik loved it in the stables, certainly more so than he loved being in the house. Still, Alex was not about to let it ruin his day, so he went down to the stable with Philippe, and Raoul's promise to come down and join them later.

"Well, your new friend seems to be quite…temperamental," Philippe commented, "tell me, what was all that about at breakfast?"

"It is easiest not to ask questions," was Alex's response, "he can be a bit…well, temperamental at times."

"Yes, and he certainly seems to dislike my brother," Philippe commented.

"Yes, I noticed that too. He does seem a tad hostile towards him, but Raoul seems to dislike him just as much."

"Indeed, and you know Raoul, he isn't one for conflict. But just the way he looks at Erik…it's odd."

"Indeed, and Erik, though I can't say he's one for conversation, has never been tongue-tied before. At least not while here. Even if it's just some snide remark, he always seems to have it perfectly planned out. I have never seen him stumble over his words…and I honestly though he was going to be sick last night."

"Yes…well, enough of that," Philippe said, "you are getting married! I never thought I'd see the day."

"No?" Alex laughed, "And what about Raoul? He seems so happy with Miss Daae."

"Well he had better be," Philippe muttered.

"Pardon?"

"Oh, it's nothing really. Miss Daae is a very nice girl, do not get me wrong. But she had him running in circles for months, you would not believe it! And of course, father was furious when he heard of his intentions to marry her, not to mention the rest of the family. Honestly, I was a bit put off myself, having him running after a chorus girl and all…and then the scandal!"

"Scandal?" Alex asked.

"You haven't heard?"

"I've been stuck over here in England, if you will recall."

"Ah yes," Philippe sighed, "then you would not have heard much, if anything, about the strange affairs of the Phantom of the Opera."


Christine sat in the parlour with the countess, who had a small needlework settled on her lap. The older woman would continuously look up from her work and flash Christine little smile, which she attempted to return. She always found it so awkward to sit in a room with someone she barely knew, especially those of the upper class.

"Are you enjoying yourself thus far?" the countess asked, "your room is comfortable, and all?"

"Oh yes," Christine nodded, "everything fine, thank you for letting me come."

"Well, that's a bit better," the countess smiled, "you were so quiet at supper and breakfast, I was afraid that you weren't enjoying yourself."

"It wasn't that," Christine murmured, "it was just…"

"Was it Erik, dear?"

Christine gave an embarrassed nod, "Well…yes."

"Oh, I know that he can be a bit startling at first, he is a rather intimidating figure. But he is a very kind man," she assured her, "it wasn't the mask, was it?"

"Oh, heavens no!" Christine exclaimed.

The countess gave a shrill laugh at her response, "Well, that's a good thing. He is rather self-conscious about it, after all. He's been acting a bit off as well, actually. I'm a bit worried about him. Hopefully he'll be a bit better tonight."

"Maybe," Christine agreed, though she highly doubted it to be true. She knew why he was acting so strangely, and it was the same reason that she felt so isolated suddenly. But it was still good to see him again…just to know that he was alive and well.


A/N: Two days in a row, and maybe nothing until Monday, I have a horse show on Sunday, so I'm getting ready on Saturday and I'm going to see Hostel 2 on Friday. So, busy weekend, but you never know what I'll get done.