Antoinette was furious. She screamed into one of the makeup towels. "Why does he always manage to make every moment about her?" She mimicked his voice, "Christine and I…" She shook her head. "She wishes to dine with me? Well, how very kind but I am not about to let the little viper decide when Erik dines with me." She threw the towel across the room.

"Why can't he see the disastrous and destructive path he is on?" She then saw her reflection in the mirror and she almost didn't recognize herself. She walked up to the glass and placed her hand out, as if she could touch the woman before her. "What has come over me? Why should I care if he wishes to make a fool of himself? He turned his back on my friendship. He won't listen to reason and I cannot stand by and watch what is happening. He should know his place. He should have been content with the life I helped him achieve. Why her? Why now? Why when her rejection will send him tail spinning right back to the shell of a boy I found so many years ago at the fair?"

She could feel the tears start to burn her eyes. She wanted to let them fall but she would not give in to them. She was stronger than that. She cursed her resolve and wondered how everything became so confusing. He was her friend first. She saved the man's life, gave him everything she could. True, she couldn't see past his face then but who could? Yet that didn't mean she didn't care. She just wanted him to be safe and that meant staying down below. He wouldn't be bothered or tainted or betrayed or cast aside. She was always willing to offer her friendship and Erik never gave any impression he ever wanted more from her or any woman, until a seven-year-old, scared, little, ward entered the Opera House.

It was all innocent at first and if she were honest, she had been grateful for both Erik and Christine finding one another. It allowed her a means to escape the distractions of their needs. She could focus on her studies and her routine tasks. She didn't have to play nursemaid to a child, when Erik was there to care for her and Antoinette didn't have to listen to Erik moan or deal with his mood swings when he had a doting little girl who hung on his every word. She knew both relationships were wrong but she wanted her freedom more than she wanted to save them from the inevitable; each other.

"Did you see how she was dressed? My God, what was she thinking? And him? He has no experience with these kinds of things? What if he goes mad or behaves like some encaged beast? He's never known a woman and this may all be too much for him." She cursed her selfishness and weakness. "Why didn't I discuss such matters with him? Why did I allow their relationship to span this far? Those two will be their own undoing and it will be all my fault!"

She was startled when she heard a ruckus in the hallway. She jumped to her feet and proceeded to see where all the noise was coming from.

Meanwhile outside Antoinette's dressing room, Erik led Randolph to the wall, as he proceeded to pound his head against it.

"How dare you address a lady is such a fashion. I believe you owe the mademoiselle an apology."

Randolph couldn't speak, as Erik's grip was cutting off his air supply and after the third time his head was rammed into the wall, he was starting to feel dizzy. He opened his mouth but all that he could manage to utter was heavy panting.

Erik turned the Comte around to face Christine. He let go of his grip on his throat and positioned both of his hands around Randolph's back. "She did not hear you!"

"Urg…labored breathing "For…" the last part was a mere whisper.

"What did you say?" He squeezed the Comet's arms tighter and Randolph felt as if arms were going to be ripped from his body.

"Forgive me." He couldn't keep his head up.

Erik released him and threw him to the floor. "Maybe now you'll remember how to address a lady."

Antoinette opened the door and stopped abruptly when she saw Randolph on the floor. "What in the world is going on….. Randolph? What happened here?"

Erik was about to spit out his response as he was disgusted that Annie would even know such a man to address him so casually. However Christine stepped in front of Erik and answered before he could.

"They were fighting over you, Mademoiselle Giry."

"Over me?" Her eyes widened. "What do you mean?"

"Well, I'm not all together sure. When I came up this man."… She motioned to Randolph. "Was coming after Erik after he heard him invite you to supper. Erik was only defending himself."

Erik looked over at Christine and began to deny her explanation, when she slightly shook her head towards him, wiling him to trust her with her eyes.

"Is this true, Erik?"

He placed his hands over his head in an attempt to smooth back his hair. "I was defending myself against an individual who is not fit to be in the presence of ladies."

Deeply moved by his display, she smiled and whispered a thank you. However she then stood erect and placed her hand on her hips. "However I am sure I do not need to remind you both that such actions are not very chivalrous inside the Opera House. I trust you both will remember to conduct yourselves as gentlemen."

Christine took him by the arm and started to walk him away from the Comte before he had a chance to acknowledge all that was going on around him. "Come Erik, we should be getting back. Your performance was flawless, Mademoiselle Giry."

Antoinette only nodded in reply and watched the two leave together. She began to feel guilty over her previous thoughts and was about to call out to them when Randolph took her by the wrist.

"Who the devil is that bastard? Does he not know who I am?"

She looked over at him, non plus and said, "I think it would do you well to know exactly who he is. He may have more power than you do over the inner workings of this Opera House. More importantly, I am not property. I can dine with anyone I see fit."

He then remembered why he was coming over to her dressing room in the first place and noticed the alluring neckline her robe revealed. "Then have supper with me, as it appears your Romeo has left."

"Romeo, my dear, Comte?"

"Well, he seems to be content with having scraps for supper when he could have a fine steak. I won't make the same mistake. After all, it is the least you can do for me. I was attacked for your honor."

"I do not owe you anything for defending my honor as you so implied. Therefore I have no favor to return and wish to not owe you one so blindly. I'm hope you enjoyed the performance, Comte."

He licked his lips. "Indeed. You were…Impossible to ignore or resist." He went to move her closer to him but she pulled back.

"Then tonight's performance was dedicated to you. I am pleased I did not disappoint you. Let me remind you again that I am in no need of any favors tonight. Good evening, then." She wiggled out of his hold and turned back to her room.

"Annie, wait!"

She did not wait and once Randolph heard her door lock, he cursed out loud.

"Damn Bitch! Who the hell does she think she is?" He sneered. "Fine, have it your way now but mark my words soon, very soon you will be begging me in every way possible to finally capitalize on each and every favor!"

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Christine led Erik to their infamous meeting room, where she knew they could sneak away unnoticed to his secret underworld. Her hand was on the secret latch when the mirror opened to them. As she was about to step inside, Erik pulled her back.

"Christine, why did you say what you did back there? Why did you lie to Antoinette and tell her that the fight was because of her?"

She looked at him sheepishly. "I suppose I wanted to defuse the situation as quickly as I could. I just knew that if a man was willing to defend my honor in such a way, I would be proud and flattered in his disregard over propriety all for the sake of my good name."

He shook his head. "But I attacked that peacock for you. He offended you by his manner and …." He then realized what she was telling him and was thankful he had on his flesh mask, for he could feel his face turn red.

Her reply was to beam over at him. "Exactly. You could have been hurt tonight, angel. I was so worried and yet I have never felt so safe having you close by." She kissed his masked cheek. "Shall we go below?"

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Returning to the lair felt like a cherished dream to Christine. Everything was as she remembered it. The piano, the candles, the fireplace and of course the lake, for a moment she was transported back to the very first night she had followed Erik. The night she first saw his true self. Her eyes looked up at him as he was tying up the boat and she wondered if he ever would trust her enough to reveal himself.

Then again, how could he trust me when I have known for almost a year and have said nothing to him? I have encouraged his lie, have I not? She saw him come towards her and he smiled and gently took her hand in his. It was an innocent gesture but it was enough to take her breath away.

"Let's find you some suitable slippers. I don't like the idea of you traveling to the pantry in those shoes."

She nodded; afraid she wouldn't be able to find her voice, as she was still unable to grasp a full breath. She and Erik agreed in the boat to divide and conquer the dormitories. She would raid the pantry and he would find something suitable for her to relax in. Neither voiced their wishes but they knew sooner or later they would end up by the piano and a corset would simply not be tolerated.

Once they entered his domain, Erik kneeled down and took Christine's heels off. "Do your feet hurt?" He examined them closely, looking for any markings that were out of the ordinary.

She giggled at his concern. "No, angel. Besides I need to learn, don't I? All women wear these at some point."

He looked at her and then at the shoes. "Hmm… Perhaps a smaller heel next time? You can ask Suzanna to accompany you shopping as opposed to simply letting you borrow from her wardrobe."

He then motioned for her to stay, as he would be right back. Her thoughts drifted back to the mask. Maybe thinking about it is just as bad as not saying anything about it? It should be his choice. I just want him to know I know and it's alright.

She was distracted from her thoughts when she felt him tugging at her feet. "Erik?"

"Ballet slippers. These will make your feet feel as if they are walking on pillows, compared to what they were forced to submit to this evening." He smiled once they were on her feet. "Better?"

She moved a little in place to get her feet accustomed to the feeling again. For it had been almost a full year since she had taken any lessons. "Better." She laughed as she agreed with him. "Are you ever tired of being right all the time?"

"No." He winked and then presented her a robe. "This should allow comfort until we head back. I am most determined to hear your thoughts and your voice to my song and we can't do that unless you are dressed without any boundaries." He realized what he said and immediately felt embarrassed. "I mean…."

She could only grin. "I know, Erik. No corsets. I'll change and then I'll make my way to the pantry. Is there anything you are craving?" She knew his response but it was so tempting and fun to tease him.

"I have fruit and cheese for us. Perhaps a dessert?" He then pretended to look away, uninterested.

"Anything in particular, Erik?"

"I leave that to you, my dear."

"Wonderful. I have the wicked taste for blueberry pie. Doesn't that sound splendid?"

"Blueberry…. " His voice betrayed him. "Uh.. Whatever you wish, Christine."

Christine was not certain due to his mask but she swore he was pouting. "Or I could find some biscotti, what do you think, Erik?"

"Biscotti, eh?" He pretended to be more interested in the pages he was turning by the piano. He looked up and watched her intently. "The choice is entirely up to you. I'll go and change then."

"Erik?"

"Yes?" He turned around and smiled.

"Leave your flesh mask off." She blew him a kiss as she made her way through the maze, as only he had taught her.

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Erik changed and was staring into the fire with a glass of cognac in his hand. He was wearing a white poet shirt and as Christine insisted; his flesh mask was no more. Instead he replaced it with his black mask, recalling how she told him once that if he must cover his face, this one allowed the most flesh exposed and some much needed space for his real flesh to breathe.

Despite everything he was smiling. Smiling to be back in his safe domain. Smiling to know that any moment he would be blessed with a visit from his most precious friend, who despite all reasons to the contrary, wanted to be there with him. His Christine, who would one day shine for the entire world to see was content just spending an evening by his side, saving him from his solitude. He thought about her appearance tonight and while he wanted to do nothing but protect her from vulchers like the Comte, he also couldn't help but see how and why any man would be spellbound by such innocence and beauty.

For Christine really was beautiful. Not just her physical appearance, but her mind, her heart and most certainly her soul. He told himself he would hardly be a man if he didn't notice her tonight. Yet, that's precisely why Antoinette's implications haunted him so much. He wasn't a man, he was a monster. For the very child that looked to him for guidance and protection would also one day bring him to his knees if he was not careful. Yet it was no fault of hers. He couldn't hate the child for growing up and yet he knew that sooner or later he would have to let her go. Either she would wise up and see the truth or He would have to make sure she was far away in the event he wasn't able to tame his beastly desires.

Annie could always see what I could turn into. She tried to warn me and yet I couldn't stay away. Why? Why am I so selfish? Christine deserves a future with light and longevity. I'm foul as sin and old enough to be her…..Well, not quite her father. Yet soon there will be no denying her charm and if I doubt my resolve now…. No! She needs me to be her teacher and her friend. I will prove to Annie that I am not the monster she believes me to be. I will never allow Christine to fear me. She is safe with me and no matter what happens, I will always put her needs above my own.

"Erik?" Her voice was full of concern. She lightly touched his shoulder and he pulled back in shame. "Are you cold?"

"I….. No, I….."

"Whatever it is, you can tell me."

He shook his head. "I was just lost in thought that is all. I…."

"Angel." She placed both her hand on his shoulders and Erik wondered when she was able to grab on to him with such ease. "I was calling your name for several minutes. Your eyes they….."

He looked at her and she was certain now. He didn't try to move but he couldn't keep his eyes on her for fears she would be able to read all his immoral thoughts.

"They have the sadness of the world. This is because of her isn't it?"

"Angel, please. This has to do with me and my stupidity. I just needed a reminder of my place that's all."

"Your place?" She was now more certain than ever that Antoinette was behind these thoughts of inferiority. "Erik, they have yet to find a place worthy enough for you. That woman, is heartless and cruel and I do not know why she revels in hurting you but if she was really your friend she would encourage you and want you to achieve all that you possibly could, not banish you a life of isolation and pain."

"Christine, Annie is right. I grew up deprived and I don't know how certain things should or shouldn't be. She is right to remind me of my reality. Otherwise I may forget and that…. That could be harmful. I could hurt…" He moved away and went to fill his glass with more cognac.

"Hurt me? Is that what she told you?"

He stopped pouring. "Christine, you are the most precious thing I have ever known. Your friendship and time are gifts I do not deserve. I know how this may appear, what others may presume or assume but I vow to you I never wish to hurt you nor do I ever want to bring you shame or cause you fear."

"Stop it!" She ran to him and wrapped her arms around his waist. "I know you. I know the kind, gentle and loving man you have always been to me. I also know what Antoinette was implying and she is wrong. You would never hurt me and I have no cause to ever fear you."

"Christine…."

"No, Erik." She raised her head up and looked into his eyes. "I want to be here with you and I'm glad that it's just us. We're on a date, remember?" She wanted him desperately to smile. She then reminded him of their agreement in the carriage. "We are learning together and I like how this is our time and our rules."

"Time, Christine?"

She absent mindedly began to play with the his collar until she realized it was gaping open at her. She blushed and casually brought her hand to her side. "I don't know what the future holds but I know I want you in mine and maybe that means more dates. Maybe it means…" She couldn't read his expression due to his mask and she wanted to just rip it from his face once and for all. "I don't want you thinking that our being together is wrong. You're my family, my home. I would spend all my nights like this if I could."

"You really don't fear me? Afraid I might….."

She shook her head adamantly. "Erik I tried to kiss you tonight and you didn't even cause a stir. How in the world would I be afraid of you?"

"You what?!"

She was now the perfect shade of crimson. "Suzanna's advice. I don't know why I even tried it. My point is you didn't try to take advantage. You were oblivious to it. Are these the actions of a man I cannot trust?"

"Now but in a few years…."

"Who's to say I will not want you to take a few advantages in a few years?" She surprised them both with her candor yet she felt oddly empowered at being able to make a statement on her future. After all, it was her future was it not? What would Suzanna say now?

"You are so innocent and I'm afraid our relationship has clouded your thinking. I want you to have all the opportunities out there and tying yourself in some sort of allegiance to me is causing you to let other things go."

"Erik Dexter, I may be innocent in many people's eyes but I know my own mind. Our relationship in the future will only be determined by me and you and not obligation or opportunity or what anyone else thinks! Do you understand?"

He wanted to wipe away the tears he knew were about to fall down his face."When did you get so brave?" And wonderful?

She didn't say anything. She just stared into his eyes for a long time and then very slowly she began to raise her hand and brought it to edge of his mask. Erik stopped breathing but he didn't flinch. He couldn't move, he was too overwhelmed with all that Christine has told him. She asked with words unspoken if she could finally remove the barrier between them.

"I….Am not as brave as you are, Christine. I….."

She nodded. "When you're ready then. It appears as if we both have many wonderful things to look forward to in our future, no?"

He ran his fingers through his hair and let out a deep breath. "That depends."

"Depends?"

"Did you or did you not secure any chocolate biscotti in your raid, my dear?"

She giggled. "Maybe."

She then ran to the picnic setting and sat down making it clear that Erik would have to eat his dinner before he would even have a hope of obtaining dessert. He shook his head and sat cross legged on the floor. Obediently taking the cheese plate and placing a few pieces on her plate and then taking a few for himself. It did not go unnoticed by Christine that the food was cut perfectly for him to enjoy in her presence.

"Seconds, Erik?" She knew she was being cruel but it wasn't very often she could keep him guessing for a change.

"No, I think I should save room for your wonderful treat, Christine." He then looked over to the basket that was behind her. "Say, did you see that?"

"What?" She looked out in the direction of the lake, as Erik took the basket and placed it in front of him. "Erik I don't see any….. Erik!"

"What?" He looked around as if he was completely innocent.

She covered her mouth to hide the giggles that were begging to escape. "Honestly, you have no willpower. I have nothing to fear regarding your resolve, it's those cookies that haven't got a prayer."

He looked innocently and opened the basket. "I knew you'd bring biscotti." He then felt another smaller container. "What's this?" He opened the lid and stuck his finger in to have a taste. "You temptress, whipped cream!"

She was unable to control her laughter and it was in that moment that she wished for 1000 more nights like the one they were sharing tonight. She would be patient, for Erik was worth the wait.

A/N: Dangerous ground or a promise of where they are headed? And what about all the other plot lines? As I have always said, patience is a virtue and we'll spot light a few in the next chapter.