A/N: Hello, my lovely readers! Sorry about the delay in updating – I was in New York for a week, and then I got back and have been working and taking care of my dog who had to have back surgery, so there's been a lot going on. As usual, thank you so much to everyone who reviewed, and enjoy the chapter!

Christine's POV

My eyes were growing heavy as I lay comfortably in Erik's arms, and I looked up at him when I felt him stir. "Christine," he said gently. "I should go."

I turned to look out the window and noticed that the light was starting to fade. "Ok," I said softly, trying to remind myself why he couldn't stay here. "I'll go to the theatre with you – I can tell Meg that I wanted to catch the end of rehearsals. But are you sure you'll be alright on your own? You were nearly dead just last night, and maybe you could stay here for just one more night –"

"Christine," Erik quieted me, sighing. "Please don't tempt me. You know that if I didn't have to leave you, I wouldn't. But it's just too risky."

"I know," I sighed sadly. "I've just missed you so much, and even though I know that it's for the best, I don't want to leave you."

Erik shifted so he could kiss my lips. "This will be over soon, I promise. I love you."

I nodded. "I love you, too," I said, pressing my lips to his again.

Just before we left, I went to my wardrobe and got his mask from where I had kept it. "Nadir gave me this, too," I said softly, handing it to Erik. He was silent as he put the mask on, and I was surprised to find how strange it was to see him wearing it – I had gotten so used to his face, and the mask seemed so stoic and lifeless.

"Thank you," Erik said quietly. "I won't wear it all the time – I know you don't like it."

I nodded, and we left without another word. I walked to the theatre as I always did, keeping my pace slow and my expression tired and solemn. Knowing that Raoul's goons could be watching me was unnerving, but I was comforted by the feeling of Erik's eyes on me. The late afternoon sun made the buildings cast long, deep shadows, and it hadn't been difficult for Erik to disappear into them. He was still near me, though, and his presence made me feel much better.

I entered the theatre normally, knowing that Erik would slip in unnoticed some other way. There was little activity in the halls, and soon I could feel Erik's presence with me again. I looked around, carefully searching the corners and shadows, but I could see nothing.

"Christine… Christine…"

A chill went up my spine as his voice caressed me, and a slight smile played at my lips. I had nearly forgotten what his voice could do to me.

"Christine!" My reverie was broken and I turned to see Meg hurrying over to me. "I'm so glad you decided to come – I was worried about you just staying all by yourself in the apartment all day."

I smiled. "I've been fine, Meg, but I thought it would be nice to get out for a little while."

"That's good," Meg said. "I've gotta run – I'm on soon. You can go sit and watch if you want to, or you could probably watch from backstage, too." She turned to leave but quickly stopped and turned back to me. "Oh, and the managers wanted to see you the next time you came in. I don't know why. But if you're feeling up to it you could go find out." With that, Meg was gone.

What could Andre and Firmin want to see me about? Figuring that Mrs. Giry had asked them to think about letting me rejoin the chorus, I decided to go talk to them. I wanted to ask Erik what he thought but decided against it – even if it looked like there was no one with me, I couldn't be caught talking to someone I was supposed to think was dead. I could feel him with me, though, as I walked through the halls and knocked on the door to the managers' office.

"Ah, Miss Daae!" Andre greeted as he let me into the office. "You look well. We're happy to see you, aren't we, Firmin?"

Firmin nodded from the desk where he sat. "It is good to see you, Miss Daae," he agreed. "Mrs. Giry mentioned that you are in poor health; not to poor, I hope?"

"Getting better," I said, thankful that Mrs. Giry had not elaborated on my situation any further.

"That's certainly good to hear," Andre said, pulling up a chair and motioning for me to sit. It was clear that they wanted something, but I was starting to wonder if they would ever get to the point when Firmin cleared his throat.

"Miss Daae," he began. "We realize that this past year has been trying for you."

"And we understand if you don't want to do anything that could invite more stress into your life," Andre said.

"But we were wondering if you would be interested in doing a solo performance late this fall."

"You can have full control over the pieces that you sing, and you can do only a couple performances if you'd like, maybe even just one night. You can have your old dressing room back, too – no one's used it since you've been away."

I was silent for a moment as Andre and Firmin watched me intently. "It has been a very difficult year," I said honestly. "But I've also been wanting to sing again. Can I think about it for a little while?"

"Of course, Miss Daae," Andre said quickly. "Just let us know what you decide."

I thanked them and stood to leave. I needed to talk to Erik about this.

Erik's POV

I was already waiting when Christine got to her dressing room. She quickly closed the door and gasped slightly when she turned to see me already there. "I didn't expect you to get here so fast," she laughed softly.

"You forget, my dear, that I am the Opera Ghost," I chuckled.

"Well," she said. "What do you think? You don't think this could be Raoul trying to trap us, do you?"

I shook my head. "I think that the managers just see an opportunity to make money – I don't think de Changy would bribe them into doing this without being fairly sure that you know I'm alive. So it's your choice. Of course I would love for you to perform again – I would love to teach you again – but you have been through a lot and it's understandable if you don't feel ready."

"It would give me an excuse to come here and be with you," Christine pointed out. "Besides, I have missed singing. You would really teach me again?"

"Of course I would," I told her, smiling a little at the prospect of having lessons again.

"And…" Christine hesitated. "It might be a good way to expose Raoul." My surprise at this comment must have been evident, because she continued cautiously. "On stage, I mean, with hundreds of people watching. He wouldn't be able to do anything without there being hundreds of witnesses."

"You're right about that," I said carefully. "But Christine, you would still be putting yourself at risk. You don't need to get involved in this more than you already are. The conflict is between the boy and me, and I don't want you to put yourself in danger. Even with hundreds of witnesses, something could still go wrong. He could find you after the show and hurt you. I don't want to take that chance, Christine – I could never ask you to put yourself in that position."

"You're not asking me," Christine said. "I'm volunteering. This is between Raoul and me, too, now. I want to end this as much as you do, and this might be the best chance we have. If you confront him alone, he could have his men surrounding you and easily gain the upper hand. He could kill you. And how would you convince him to leave us alone? He's not going to negotiate. This may not be a perfect plan, but we can work on it. Please, Erik," she said softly. "I need to do something to help."

I pulled Christine into my arms, holding her protectively to me. "You are helping," I said gently. "You helped keep me alive and safe last night. And you helped keep me alive for the last two months – I thought of nothing but you and that gave me the strength to get back to you. But I can see that you've already made up your mind. We'll discuss the plan further, but if you want to sing, then I think you should."

"Thank you, Erik," Christine said, then added quietly, "I want to sing for you again."

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