A/N Hi all, Just a little warning that there is some more adult content in this and coming chapter so some of my younger followers may want to skip them. I hope none of you are put off and I look forward to hearing what you all think ;-) Cheers Dt

Disclaimer: I do not own the rights to these characters or any settings/places. This is merely a fanmade writing experiment and is in no way profit making.

The Phantom and Moppet

Chapter Thirty Six

Christine emerged from the shop and smiled sheepishly at an irritated Nadir who was waiting for her outside. 'I am sorry. I did not mean to be so long but you know how Erik loves his music and I was spoiled for choice.' Christine grinned, as they began to weave between the late evening shoppers.

'I take it you have managed to find something you are pleased with?' Nadir asked with an amused yet exasperated sigh. Meg was out with friends tonight (which Nadir was sure meant she was out with that scruffy stage hand, Garlan) and he and Minette planned to take advantage of having the night to themselves. Their plans were delayed though as Christine had wanted to shop on her way home from work and Nadir was impatient to get back to his fiancée. Not giving Christine the chance to change her mind again Nadir led her back towards the Opera House.

'Oh yes, Nadir. It is a waltz. I cannot wait to hear Erik play it.' Christine enthused humming the tune. The pair made their way through the dwindling shoppers and soon were the only two people about as they neared the Opera House.

'I am glad you are pleased with your purchase. I am sure that Erik will love it.' Nadir said distracted, glancing at his pocket watch. His thoughts with his bride to be, who he knew was eagerly awaiting his return.

'Nadir, you don't have to walk me all the way. I am almost home now anyway.' Christine said amused as she saw Nadir glance yet again at his watch.

'No. No. I shall walk you home.' Nadir insisted, knowing what Erik would say if he allowed Christine to walk home alone but picked up the pace. Though he stopped a few steps later when he realised Christine was not following him. 'Come along, Christine.' Nadir barked, frustrated.

'No. This is just silly. There is no need for you to be tardy escorting me back. It is only two streets for me to walk and I am almost seventeen now.' Christine said proudly. She could see Nadir was desperate to be off as she knew that he had an evening planned with Madam Giry. Christine didn't want to be the reason he was late. Nor could she resist the chance of her first bit of independence. Nadir was always with her, protecting her, when she ventured out from the Opera House and Christine suddenly longed for the freedom to be out alone.

Nadir laughed. 'You are not seventeen for another two weeks, my dear. And regardless if you are nearly seventeen or seventy, Erik asked me to see you home and I have no wish to incur his wrath if I don't.' Nadir frowned, sorely tempted by the offer.

'Please, Nadir. It's just around the corner. I'll be fine.' Christine reassured. She could see he was wavering. 'You know how Madam Giry hates to be kept waiting.'

Nadir grimaced as he knew only too well his love's views on punctuality. He would be in trouble if he was late and he had no wish to argue with Minette. He hoped they had a far more exciting evening planned. 'Well it is only just around the corner.' Nadir faltered.

'It is indeed.' Christine agreed. Quickly taking advantage of Nadir's hesitation, she continued towards home, walking backwards. 'Say hello to Madam Giry for me.' Christine grinned, as she saw Nadir, who had started to follow her, halt.

'Be careful!' Nadir ordered but could not help grinning in reply. Himself already slowly starting to move back the way they had come, watching as Christine paused at the corner.

Christine shrugged her shoulders smiling cheekily, 'What's the worst that could happen? I'll be fine.' She smiled as she rolled her eyes and flipped the hood of her cloak up over her head. 'Goodbye Nadir.' Christine waved and quickly nipped around the corner.

Christine moved with her head down, not feeling the cold wind that had picked up, her mind full of the score she had bought for Erik. She distractedly hummed the waltz, her mind on her angel. Erik. Just thinking his name made her want to grin and her heart skip her a beat. She couldn't wait to get home and give him his present. Christine knew Erik would instantly bring the score to life and Christine was eager to hear him play, see him smile as he lost himself in the music. Erik had been distracted and a little withdrawn since the day Meg had removed his mask and although Christine would like to blame Meg's thoughtlessness for his distance, she sensed it was something more than that.

Christine was still annoyed that they had been interrupted the day Nadir and Madam Giry had gotten engaged. Christine knew somehow things had changed between her and Erik and they had been close to... Something that morning although she knew not what. Christine felt her breath hitch as she remembered how she felt as she had softly caressed Erik's face. He was so handsome and Christine shivered as she recalled the sensations touching Erik had inspired and she realised she wanted...

'Well, well, well. What do we have here, gentleman?' Christine jumped then froze clutching her cloak around her. Quickly taking in her surroundings. She realised it was cold, night had quickly fallen, she was almost home, (Christine could see the Rue Scribe entrance no more then ten feet from where she stood), but that her way was barricaded by four, tall, well dressed and obviously drunk men. Christine could just make out their features in the evening dusk.

The four men were spread out in a line and all of them had their eyes on Christine. Glued to the way the wind blew her cloak tight to her body, highlighting her figure. 'It appears the entertainment you promised has arrived, Phillip.' Grinned the tallest and thinnest of the group.

'Well maybe the night is not a total waste after all. I was worried after we got thrown out of the last place' The one with a long black moustache said.

'Edward, Peter, how could you doubt me? I told you. These actresses are always up for a bit of fun and are happy to please. Aren't you, my dear?' The first man who'd spoke asked Christine who was unable to move or reply.

'Yes indeed. Well done, dear brother. It appears the night is about to get very interesting.' Said the fourth, a long haired blonde taking a step toward her and Christine choked back a gasp as recognised the boy she once knew in the man before her… Raoul.

'Well come on, my dear. Take down that hood and let's see your face. See if you have a smile that matches… your other attributes.' The dark haired one they called Philip, (who Christine also remembered now), said. His eyes insultingly looking her up and down. 'Don't be shy.' Phillip encouraged as if speaking to a child and at receiving no reply from Christine said, 'Well maybe this one is dumb? It will make it easier if she is. No chance the gendarmes will overhear our game.' He grinned evilly.

'What about the gendarmes, Phillip? I would hate to get caught with my… pants down as it were.' The tall and thin one smirked maliciously.

'Don't worry, Edward my friend. We will take it in turns to… watch out for anyone who would interrupt our fun.' Phillip replied smilingly menacingly at Christine.

'She is mine.' Raoul declared. His debauched gaze never moving from the woman before him, as he tried to make out her shadowed features. Raoul did not know why but he felt drawn to this one and he just had to…

The man with the black moustache interrupted Raoul's thoughts. 'Why do you get first shot?' He frowned in annoyance.

'Because, Peter,' Raoul dragged his gaze from the vixen and moved to loom dangerously over him, 'I claimed her first.' Raoul said viciously.

Peter swallowed audibly at the violent look in Raoul's eye. 'Calm down ole boy. There's a good chap. You can have first crack if you wish. Time enough for us all to have a go.' Peter backed down and twirled his black moustache nervously.

Christine stood silent and immobile, as at first her mind had travelled back nine years to where she was stood in almost the same spot, just with different men about to her attack her and Christine had again frozen in fear. But then as she recognised Raoul, Christine dragged in a deep breath and began to focus. Now she used their distraction to slip her hand inside her bag to find the gun she always carried. She dragged in more air - she had to concentrate. She was not a little girl any more. She was an adult and one who knew how to defend herself she thought as she grasped the gun.

Christine battled to control her instinct to call for Erik. Christine knew he would sense she was in danger and come to find her if she did. She knew Erik would kill these men for so much as threatening her. Christine longed for the comfort of his presence and protection but she was terrified to put her angel in danger. There were four of them and although she was fairly sure Erik would outsmart them all she did not like the odds. Besides Christine was sure that neither she or Erik would survive the uproar if these men were found dead.

'Be a good boy then, Peter and run, stand at corner and keep watch.' Raoul glared and Peter scurried to stand guard. 'Whilst I get better acquainted with the young lady.' Raoul said with a sickening smile as he turned back to face Christine. 'Now, my dear. I believe my brother asked you to take down your hood.' Raoul oozed perniciously.

Christine tightly clasped her cloak around her, as she silently faced down with the vile, overbearing fop. Even though they could not see her face she defiantly lifted her chin as she ascertained her hold on her pistol and slipped off the safety catch.

'Well? Are you stupid as well as dumb?' Raoul asked annoyed.

In answer Christine took a deep breath and pulled out her gun and pointed it with a steady hand at Raoul who tipped his head back and laughed loudly. 'Oh, my dear I see I am really going to really enjoy this. I do so love a girl with spirit.' Raoul smiled poisonously. 'It makes them all the more fun to break.' He sneered and slowly moved towards Christine.

Christine silently chanted everything Erik had ever taught her about firing a gun, (take off the safety, hold it in a solid grip, take a firm stance and make sure you have time to reload), she prayed she did not shoot herself. When she saw Raoul move closer, Christine aimed, pulled the trigger and fired.

A/N Oh No - Fop Alert! Danger Will Robinson Danger! ;-)

Skyila has ingeniously come up with a game she has asked I share with you all - Fop Bashing. Quite simply the annoying fop is tied up and when he bugs us (as in all the time) you get to slap him with a fish ;-) Skyila has stocked up on fish and all you have to do drop her line with why Raoul bugs you and she will happily dish them out. I had a bash just because I had to include the irritating fop in my story and I have to say I found it very satisfying ;-) Skyila has also suggested that the fop could be released (for short periods) to be replaced with other characters - Carlotta for instance? If you wish a different character to fish slap please provide reasons why and we will all have bash as it were ;-) I hope you all enjoy playing ;-)

…And back to the story ;-) Thank you all as ever for your reviews ;-) You Are Love - You Are Wonderful - Thank you : ) Well I did warn you all things are about to get heated ;-) I hope you all enjoyed ;- ) Cheers Dt