A/N: Alrighty, here is the next chapter I know every one of you has be dying to read! I hope you all enjoy reading it, it sure was fun writing it!=) But I must warn all of you who are under the age of 21, please, do not mimic what Josephine and Olivia do in this chapter. But I do advise you all to laugh your bums off at them because of the way the act! Also, one of my dear readers made a suggestion about Olive finding someone of interest at the Mask. I thank you for the sugestion and thoughts! It inspired me to write a little something for Olive.=)

Please R&R! Tell me your thoughts or leave some suggestions if you wish!

Chapter Thirty Six

Part 2

"Olivia, why don't you dance with the young man over there? He's been admiring you the entire time we've been dancing."

"Who?" Olivia ceased dancing and searched the dancing crowd.

"Do you see that young man over there by the refreshment table? The one that is wearing the feathered masked? Him."

"Oh, why, that is Jamice. He's one of the best male ballet dancers in the corps; he can't be looking at me." Olivia smiled then shook her head dismissively.

"Oh, I don't know about that. He's looking at you now that we speak."

Olivia raised an eye brow and quickly glanced over her shoulders just in time to see Jamice redden and look away. Olivia's mouth dropped open with a little pop and giggled to herself.

"He was looking! What should I do?" Olivia suddenly looked up at me desperately.

"Go have a chat with him," I suggested as I watched Josephine at the corner of my eye.

"Just walk up to him and start a conversation? Just like that?"

"Of course, it isn't that hard."

"It is when you're speaking to the opposite sex!" Olivia's tone of voice rose into a panic squeak. "I can't…" She breathed.

A part of me couldn't agree more. Who was I to talk?

"You can, just breathe. You're a beautiful young woman; he should be honored that you chose him to speak to." I tried to make my voice as reassuring as possible. The more I spoke to Olivia, the more she twisted the wand's mask she had in her hand.

"Go on." I then pushed her shoulders toward Jamice. Olivia's slipper shoes grinded in protest, and then once she was close enough, she began to walk on her own.

I watched until Olivia was by his side, and then, with determination in my stance, I turned and searched for the right woman I would need. As my gaze fell upon the women, I saw Jacqueline, Véronique's cousin, whispering with the other dancers. I stepped closer, curious to hear what she had to say about her cousin's outburst of "glory."

"I told her not to over indulge on the wine, but of course being Veronique, she wouldn't listen to me. I tried to keep her close so I could keep an eye on her, but then she started kissing on men… I didn't want anything to do with it. You know, Marie, Véronique got so upset that Edward asked Josephine to the ball she was planning on spilling red wine all over Josephine!"

The trio of women gasped, horrified.

My eyes widened when I heard this. I felt my gut wrench tight with anger. The woman was jealously evil.

"To be honest, I'm glad she's in bed now. She can't indulge herself any more…"

I sighed to myself; I was glad as well. She was no longer at the ball. Josephine worked hard to put her costume together. Also, the shawl-wrap was expensive, and I would have personally made Veronique's life miserable if she would have ruined it!

I glanced out the corner of my eye and saw the Baron showing Josephine something in his hand. It was attached to a chain - perhaps his pocket watch? Usually men of higher class put diamonds on their watches, such nonsense! The Baron was too close for my comfort, and laughter got my attention just to the right of them. There I saw three women giggling amongst themselves. The middle one I recognized as the daughter of a patron from Italy. The woman was in her late twenties, black hair, beautiful, and well-endowed. She was showing off her cleav– best asset shamelessly.

I raised an eyebrow. "You will do perfectly."

I took my time approaching her; the woman was obviously right behind Josephine, only a little to the left. As I came closer, Josephine turned a little toward me – thinking I was approaching her - but in fact I went right past Josephine. I felt the sparks of tension between us as I walked by, along with her stare.

As I approached, the women all hushed. I then bowed deeply and offered my hand.

"Would you care do dance?" I asked doing my best to smile. It felt odd on my lips - stiff almost. The woman blushed and fanned herself with her fan.

"Non parlo il francese."

I don't speak French, she murmured. I raised an eyebrow and smirked, I repeated what I asked in Italian. "Farebbe lei si preoccupa balla?"

"Sì." She smiled as she placed her hand into mine.

As we walked toward the dance floor, I felt Josephine's burning eyes against my back. The woman I was dancing with was Isabella. She was taller than Josephine and her eyes were of a dark chocolate. She flirted shamelessly with me as we danced, and I made sure Josephine saw it all. I was unsure If Josephine understood Italian, but that didn't stop me. And to be completely honest, I thought flirting with a woman would be difficult, but Isabella made it very easy. I completed her costume and she told me it was easy to take it off. She ended her sentence with a wink. I swallowed hard and was shocked into silence.

By the time the music ended and another began, I noticed that Josephine was no longer standing with the Baron. A sinking feeling settled in my stomach. The Baron is a man that didn't take no for an answer. I swallowed my fears as I caught sight of her; Josephine was gulping a glass of pink champagne. Once the glass was empty she moved onto another. I cursed under my breath. What was she thinking?

"Excuse me for a moment," I said to Isabella and stepped to the side. When she didn't let go of my hand, Isabella raised an eyebrow. I bit my tongue and repeated myself in Italian.

"Scusarsi per un momento."

I did my best to hurry to Josephine, but every time I found a way through the dancing crowd, I would get bumped into. I cursed loudly and went all the way around the dancing fools. Every one had stopped to watch the younger dancers perform a little show on the grand foyer; I wanted to push the out of my way! When I spotted Josephine, Olivia was by her side, along with Garrit. He had taken Josephine into his arms and swung her around in a circle. Josephine laughed and kissed his cheek once she was on her feet.

I wanted to kill him.

Garrit then did the same to Olivia, picking her up and swung her in a circle. I heard her waling giggles from across the foyer. The three exchange words, and Josephine and Olivia seemed to be very excited with whatever Garrit was telling them. All of a sudden, Garrit beckoned a hand to the girls, and they followed close behind him. I cursed under my breathe and followed them, making sure there was a large gap between the girls and I. Garrit led them toward the back wings, where I heard loud music being played along with laughter.

Once I was out of the corridor and into the open, I saw that everyone who worked here at the opera house was having their own party in the wings. From the first floor to the third, I could see people laughing, dancing, and drinking. I raised an eye brow; this party was more lively then the Masked ball. Off to the right, some of the horse grooms men and stage hands formed their own orchestra. The violin, flute, and drums were being played with such passion that I couldn't help but tap my foot to the beat. One of the men used large spoons that made a clip-clopping sound by hitting it against his hand that went well with the music. Another man used the ridges of a washing board and ran a large spoon up and down it to blend with the rhythm. I've seen many instruments that the world has made for music, but I've never thought of using spoons and wash boards!

I shook my head and searched for Josephine. As I walked past the large crowd of people dancing, I found Josephine and Olivia talking and laughing. Garrit then arrived with two large glasses, both filled to the rim with amber liquid.

"What the hell are you giving them?" I growled to myself as I practically ran towards them.

Before Josephine could take a sip from the glass, I snatched it out of her hand, along with Olivia's.

"Erik! What are you doing?" Josephine hissed.

"That was mine!" Olivia cried.

I then emptied the glass into the wooden bin along with the glasses.

I've known some men to mix certain powder into drinks to make women feel like they're in a drunken state. Usually the men used it to their advantage. I then grabbed at Garrit's lapels bringing his face close to mine.

"What in the hell were in those glasses, boy?" I growled baring my teeth. To my dismay, the man didn't flinch nor was he frightened of me.

"Watered down scotch, Monsor," said Garrit in a nonchalant manner. I raised an eye brow when he tried to say Monsieur.

"Erik, let Garrit go!"

Reluctantly I released him and took one of the glasses and inhale inside of it. I could smell the light sent of scotch. I tipped the glass over and let the last drop fall onto my little finger and tasted it. It was in fact watered down scotch.

I put down the glass with a loud thump and scowled at the infamous Garrit.

"Yo' feel better now?" Garrit smiled and jestered with his hands. "Yo' don' think I would get me best lasses drunk now would yo' Monsor?" Garrit them barked a laugh. "I'll be back. I'll bring the two of yo' a fresh drink an' you Monsor." Garrit clapped me on the shoulder. I was close to punching the man in the face for doing it. "I'll get yo' a man's drink!"

Once Garrit left, I turned to face Josephine. Her mask was still in place on her face and the eyes behind it were set into slits. As she was throwing daggers at me with her eyes, her hands here clenched into fists at her side.

"What. Are. You. Doing. Here?" Each word was said in a hiss.

"Why did you leave the Ball?"

"That is none of your concern, I don't have to answer to you-"

Before Josephine could finish her sentence, I took hold of her arm and pulled her to a corner. I pressed her back against the wall, blocking her with my hands flat against the wall at her sides.

"You have no idea what these men will do to a woman that has had too much to drink, Josephine. I can smell the liquor on your breath. Also, you can barely walk straight-"

"I cannot walk straight because my new boots are pinching my feet! Move aside so I can take them off."

I looked her straight in the eye to see if she was lying. Josephine glared right back without blinking. Once I was assured she was telling the truth, I moved. Josephine leaned over and removed the boots. Once her feet were free, she hissed slightly.

"Just what did you think Garrit was going to do with those drinks, Erik? Take advantage of us?" I looked down at her, and she rolled her eyes. "Why did you leave the Ball? Weren't you having fun dancing with the one lady with her breasts displayed for everyone to see?" As Josephine spoke, she did not meet my eyes. Instead she watched everyone around her.

I raised an eyebrow to the note in Josephine's voice - she was Jealous. I tried not to smile. "Why, yes, I was enjoying my time with Isabella very much; it is a shame that I had to leave her."

I watched Josephine's face as I told her this. I wanted to rip off the mask she wore just so I could see her expression. Her lips became still, and she began to glare at everyone.

"You can still have your dance with Isabella. The night is not over."

I made my voice sound as casual as possible as I spoke. "I think I shall wait for the drink Garrit promised me."

Josephine said nothing, but I knew she was getting annoyed; I could feel it. For some reason, I could feel the joy within me.

"Tell me, when Isabella spoke to you, were you staring into her eyes or at her breasts?" Josephine snapped suddenly.

I wasn't bating at Josephine in spite. I merely smiled down at her and said, "Both, really."

Josephine's mouth fell open with a gasp.

"Honestly, Josephine, you're one to talk; your costume is just as reveling as hers." I let my eye follow the curve of Josephine pale throat and sweep across her breast. Josephine then gasped and covered herself with a swat of her hand to my arm she strutted away. I didn't hold back my laughter as I followed close behind her.

"I can't believe you just did that!"

"What's that?"

When Josephine whipped around to face me, her body bumped against mine as I skidded to a stop.

"You looked at my br-"

I reached out and took hold of her waist to steady herself; Josephine looked up at me with her heated glowing eyes, and I felt my heart flip.

I leaned down slowly so only Josephine could hear my words. She looked down at my lips and bit hers.

"I am a man, Josephine, just like any other. I cannot help but notice the fruits of a beautiful woman." I purred as I place my hand on the small of Josephine's back and pulled her closer to me. As I did this, her breast pushed against my chest, and I could feel the corset she wore. "Believe me when I tell you that your beauty had taken the breath away from every man at the ball tonight, including myself…"

There was silence between Josephine and I as the words I said settled in. I saw Josephine swallow hard and look away from my gaze.

"I am terribly sorry for what I said you. I was angry, and I behaved very foolishly. I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive an old fool for not thinking clearly…"

A chill ran over Josephine's body and she shook with it. She then held her arms –as if holding herself together - and stepped away from me.

"You're not old…" Josephine muttered.

I closed the gap between us and took hold of the ends of the wrap where it was tied around Josephine's waist. Josephine watched as I untied the wrap and draped it around her shoulders. She caressed the material and smiled softly to herself. When she looked up, the hint of her smile was gone.

"You gave me the shawl to use as at wrap, didn't you?"

I nodded. "Oui."

"Why?"

I shrugged my shoulders. "You needed to complete your costume." And I gave it to you in hope that you would forgive me. I left the last sentence to myself…

Josephine shook her head. "I don't understand you…"

"I barely understand myself at times," I admitted softly.

"But, you didn't want me to go as Aminta. You were so upset when I told you I wanted to go as her." Josephine voice became weak with desperation as she spoke. She then dropped her hands from the shawl.

"I was upset, Josephine. When I designed that character, I designed it specifically for one person. I never intended for someone else to want to become Aminta, but now that I see you in full costume, I can't help but approve. You've captured Aminta's essence better than…" I held my tongue.

"Ah! There yo' are, I though' yo' left us!" Garrit waved as he came closer. "Wha' are yo' two doin' in the dark, com' an' join the fun!"

Garrit's handed Josephine the same size glass. She sipped it and made a face.

"Guh! It tastes terrible!" Josephine scowled up at Garrit. "I don't taste any water in this!"

Garrit laughed. "I know, bu' yo'll get use to it. I gave the girls the las' of the scotch," he said handing me a glass of clear liquor with ice chips in side. I sniffed it, but it had no sent.

"What is it?"

"Russian Vodka, cheers!"

Impressive. Russian Vodka is very good. I sipped my drink and felt the sweet warmth it gave my body as time passed; I leaned against the wooden beam and relaxed.

Two hours later.

"Yo'- yo' see tha' little fox o-over therrre?" Garrit slurred as he draped his arm around my shoulder and pointed. The man was obviously drunk - along with the majority of the crowd. I was on my fourth glass of Russian Vodka, and Garrit was on his sixth. The dolt just gulps them down one after the other. I, on the other hand, merely sipped mine. I was starting to feel the effects of the liquor though the room before me was slightly spinning and my limbs felt light and numb…

Garrit was referring to Josephine's friend, Madeline; the girl's were all holding hands and dancing in a circle off to the corner. Their giggles and stumbling feet were signs of over indulgence, too.

"I do."

"Sheee's beautfle isn't she?'

"You mean beautiful?" I corrected

Garrit gave me a confused look and said, "Yes, tha' too! S-she's goin' to be mine some day."

"I see," I muttered as I pushed his arm off me. "And does she know of the feelings you have for her?"

"Pffft! Know!" Garrit laughed as he sat on the floor at my feet. "I couldn't tell 'er how I felt. Wha' if she doesn't like me in tha' way?"

"Are you just going to watch her from a distance, loving her all the while?"

"Tha' is me plan!"

"Scottish dolt…" I muttered taking another sip of my drink.

Josephine and Olivia came stumbling along out of the dancing crowd, out of breath and red in the face.

"Garrit, can I 'ave another of thoooose?" Josephine slurred pointing at my drink.

"You gave her Vodka?" I snapped. Garrit gulp the remainder of his drink and muttered a 'yes.' I threw my head back in irritation. I didn't want Josephine to lose herself with the Drink. Obviously, I hadn't been paying much attention.

"The'e isn't any more, love. Bu' wait h-here-" Garrit mumbled as he tried to stand up straight. "I'll go fin' more."

I grabbed hold of Josephine's arm as she started to topple over. "Whoa!" She laughed, "Um, 'Rik are you going to finish your drink? 'Cause I'll be happy to take it off yo'r hands," Josephine slurred eyeing my glass of Vodka.

I rolled my eyes, the woman was wasted. When I didn't answer, Josephine took my drink from my hand and took a gulp. Vodka spilled over the rim of the glass and down her chin. I watched as the droplets slid down her pale throat and down between her… I swallowed hard, taking the glass back from her and consuming the rest.

"H-hey, that waz mine." Josephine pouted as she looked at the now empty glass.

"It was not, you took it from me. Besides, I think you've had enough of the Drink for tonight."

Josephine giggled and shook her head. The gesture made her loose her balance and I gripped her arm again. "A-are you my father?" she asked raising and eye brow.

"No." I frowned. Where is she going with this?

"Are you my husband?"

I glared at her and hissed, "No."

"T-then you (hiccup) have n-no right to tell me if I've too much."

I bit my lip and let go of Josephine's arm. She fell immediately to the floor with a loud, oomph! I looked down at my feet, and Josephine was in a fit of giggles.

I rolled my eyes and hissed, "Women."

"Josephine! W-what are you doin' on the floor?" Olivia asked as she stumbled closer.

Josephine looked up. "I don't know, here, help me (hiccup) up."

"Alllright!"

Olivia bent down and grasped Josephine's hands and gave a great pull. Josephine's rear slid across the wooden floor, and Olivia fell at her side in a tangle of legs and arms. Both woman laughed loudly and stood there on the floor.

"I can't m-move, Olive. The room won't stop spinning!"

"I know, wheeeeeee!" Olivia held up her hand and hooted. "Give it a try, Josephine dear, it is fun!"

Both woman held up their hands and howled in joy. I was dumbstruck, never in my life have I seen such a sight! A part of me wanted to pull them both off the floor and give them the scolding of their lives for acting in such a way, but another part of me – the more mellow part - said to let them have their fun.

Do you not remember when you and Anne snuck that bottle of Gin from the kitchen…? chuckled the voices

I couldn't hold back my laughter. Anne and I were both very young and curious. We finished the bottle between the two of us and both passed out on the floor of the attic. It was no longer fun when we woke in our own vomit and heads pounding. Anne vowed to never touch the stuff again after that day. I shook my head at the memory. She and I sang and danced till we both toppled over. It was fun as it lasted.

When I saw that the crowd was slowly descending from the wings, I knew it was time to leave. I searched for the bloody fool, Garrit, and saw him sprawled on the floor near a barrel. I'm guessing he never found more liquor. I then pulled out my pocket watch and it was 3 'o' clock in the morning. I sighed to myself and reached for Josephine and Olivia whom had dozed off. Both mumbled and whined.

"Come now, ladies, it is time for bed."

Olivia stumbled to her feet in a quick manner and gripped my sleeve. "Erik, I-I have to pee!"

"Excuse me?" I let go of Olivia, repulsed, and she fell to the floor.

"Oomph!"

"Oh, bloody hell!" I groaned. "Josephine, Josephine, get a hold of yourself, wake up." I shook Josephine and she looked at me in a daze. "Are you fully awake?"

Josephine gave me a nod and smiled lazily.

"Good, I need you to assist Olivia to the water closet. She has to p-relieve herself."

Josephine looked around and tried to stand on her own - failing of course. I pulled them both up and steadied them.

"Alright, come along Olive; I have to go too."

"Will you both make it in there safely without my assistance?" I asked, holding out my hands waiting for one of them to fall over.

"No (hiccup) I've got her, Erik, we'll be fine," Josephine slurred as she held onto Olivia's arm. They both staggered off to the water closet in one piece.

"Careful!"

Someone called in a panic. I looked over my shoulder and saw Madeline Leflore helping Garrit off the floor.

"That is it, careful now; you don't want to fall over again. I'll take you to a spare room so you can rest, alright?"

"Aye, yo' know yo'r very kind," Garrit slurred. "An' yo'r very beautfle, I'm-I'm in love with-with… my shoe!" The man toppled over and fell hard to the ground. Madeline gave a gasp and rushed to help him up.

I shook my head and leaned against the wall. I had to get a grip of myself if I were to take care of both women. Nearby, there was a table with a pitcher of water and glasses, and I poured myself a glass of water. I drank at least four glasses of it, hoping to clear my head a bit. Finally, Josephine and Olivia came staggering towards me.

"I feel much better," Olivia announced placing her small hand on my arm.

"Good, come both of you. I'm taking you where you can rest."

"But I'm tired, I want to sleep here," Olivia whined.

I looked down and she was settling herself on the wooden floor.

"Olivia, get up!" I reached for her, but the woman just lulled there. My patience was waning, and I let her go.

"Y-you better carry h-her, Erik," Josephine hiccupped holding onto the beam to steady herself.

She was right. I would have to carry her. I bent down and gathered Olivia and told Josephine to grasp my arm as we walked. You can imagine how difficult carrying someone in your arms and having another pulling you as you walked! I was relieved when I saw the double doors to the prima donnas room. I instructed Josephine to open the door quickly before someone saw us; she hurried and quickly stepped inside. As she was rushing, she tripped on the ends of her skirt and went stumbling into the room. I nudged the door closed with my elbow and took in the sight before me. Josephine was sprawled face down on the Parisian carpet of the Prima Donnas room.

"Pfffft! Ow!" She laughed, "That hurt!"

"I would imagine it did. Here help me with Olivia."

Once I placed Olivia onto the divan, Josephine removed her shoes and loosed her hair. I watched her with bemusement. When I asked why she was taking out the hair pins in Olivia's hair, she said, "'Cause her scalp will h-hurt in the morning…"

"I don't think she'll be worrying about her scalp. She's going to wake with a deathly headache. Here, bring me that trash basket and a towel."

"For what?" Josephine asked as she stumbled to retrieve it.

"Just in case she feels sick and empties her stomach."

"Is that why you're laying her on her side like that?"

"Yes, did she have anything to eat before the ball?"

"Oh, y-yes, she had plenty of the pasties that were laid out."

"That is good. At least she didn't drink on an empty stomach."

"But, I haven't eaten anything tonight. As a matter of fact, I'm hungry!"

I scowled down at Josephine, who was spread out on the floor. "You haven't eaten anything at all tonight?" I hissed bringing her to face me. The pale light from the sky was spilling in between the drapes so I could see Josephine perfectly. Her cheeks were red from the effects of liquor, dark circles formed underneath her eyes, and her eyes alone were slightly sickened in. That was never a good sign. That was a sign of dehydration.

"Josephine, have you had any water tonight? Josephine?" I shook her shoulders when her head lolled over in sleep. She woke with a start, and I repeated myself.

"No, I just had wine. The Baron said, if I were thirsty the wine would quench my thirst…"

"Of course he did, how much wine did he give you?"

"I don't… remember…" Josephine yawned.

"Come, stand up."

"Where are we going now?" she whined.

"I'm taking you home."

"Home?" she slurred.

"I mean, to my lair," I corrected.

I helped Josephine up and put her arm around my neck as I placed my arm around her waist.

"No, I think you had it right the first time. It is a second home to me. I've missed it so much since I've been here…"

I pushed the mirror open and gave one last glance at Olivia. Noting she was alright, finally we went through the mirror, closing it behind us.

Josephine suddenly giggled to herself. I couldn't help but smile to myself, as well. I hadn't heard her laughter in such a long time.

"What is so amusing, my dear?"

"Olivia."

"What of her?"

"She-she said something to me a while ago and I think its awful hilarious now!" Josephine was laughing fully now; she had to gasp for air.

"Would you like to share it with me? I could use a laugh myself."

"Alright, alright come closer. If I tell you-you can't tell Erik!"

I stopped in my tracks and looked down dryly. "I am Erik, Josephine."

"SHHHH! Don't say his name! He'll hear us!" She laughed.

I threw up my free hand in an exasperated gesture. "Alright, I think you can speak freely now. He isn't here," I assured flatly. This is going to be interesting…

"Alright, alright, Olivia said (giggles) she said that the reason why Erik was so upset with me (even more giggles) was because-because… HE'S IN LOVE WITH ME! PAHAHAHA!"

I felt my heart drop to my stomach. How in the hell did that girl know? I looked down at Josephine at my side, and she was still laughing hysterically. She even snorted!

"And what did you say to that?" I growled irritably.

Josephine suddenly sobered her laughter. I wish had a candle so I could read her expression.

"I told her she was mistaken. Erik doesn't love me; he doesn't even care for me in that way."

I rolled my eyes and growled, if only you knew!

"And how do you feel for him? Do you love him?" I couldn't help but ask. I needed to know how she felt for me…

"Well, I… I think I'm… I-I'm going to be sick!" Josephine lurched over and grasped her stomach and covered her mouth.

"Merde!" I pulled Josephine by her arm and rushed her toward the edge of the lake. Thankfully we were that close. I held Josephine's hair while she emptied her stomach. Let this be a lesson to her to NEVER drink without eating.

At times we all must learn the hard way… whispered the voices.

"That is very true…"

"What did you say…?" Josephine groaned from over the lake's edge.

"Nothing, my dear, nothing at all."

A/N: So what did you think? I think one of my favorite parts was when Garrit admits that he's in love with his shoe! XD So darn funny! I've also been where Josephine is, not very fun once you've over indulged. Any who, please be so kind as to leave a review=) I love reading what you all write!