A/N- super sorry for the delay - I'm back at work and it is really busy right now.

My final updates will take a bit longer because of work.

--xxx--

Christine collapsed to the floor, her amber and red dress fanning out around her. Meg lurched forwards, only to be pulled back by a man in mucky green overalls whose hands gripped too tightly. The music swelled as the tenor ran on the stage and embraced his fallen love, reciting verses of regret and misery, his lament growing more distressed and discombobulated with each line. Then there was only darkness and silence, before a thunderous burst arose from the orchestra pit and there was sudden illumination. Christine arose as an ethereal figure in a white gown and sang an aria of forgiveness and eternal love, with a spotlight shining down upon her as though it was calling her to heaven.

When the silence once again decended across the stage Christine was surrounded by various members of the company showing appreciation for her talent. The crowd parted when Raoul and the managers joined them on stage, allowing Christine to envelop her husband in a running embrace, with him spinning them around excitedly. Of all the rehersals Raoul had watched this final one had truly shown his wife's talent; she had encompassed the role perfectly, her voice had been sublime and most importantly she was happy. Her enthusiasm and joy was unmissable and contagious: with members of the ensemble chatting loudly and passionately about tomorrow's debut m gala and Christine's power as the lead. Having seen his wife so enthralled by her craft, Raoul knew he could never deny it again.

Meg hung back and watched the crowd gather around Christine and then dissipate both upstage and into the wings once the managers and Raoul had appeared on the apron. She stood at the edge if the stage, ignored resigned to a place in the shadows behind Christine's shining light.

In the three weeks since Christine had joined the company she had rapidly returned to her former glory, and in Meg's opinion had far surpassed any performance she had seen before. Since her time in Paris it was clear Christine's voice had matured, and judging by her technical accuracy accompanied by her ever growing passion, Erik had obviously been tutoring her. Her friend had soon become a fond favourite of the cast and crew with many commenting on her hard work and kindness, especially showing admiration for her willingness to defy convention and perform.

Meg hated that she had spent many nights sitting in her flat and wondering what her colleagues would say if they knew the real reason Christine was performing, or that she had propositioned Erik in his own home. She had no intention of providing them with such details, but part of her resented the popularity Christine had among the company; Meg was increasingly treated like a parriah, and her friendship with Christine wasn't sufficient to ease the gossip.

Meg knew exactly what other members of the company were saying about her- their mutterings about the correlation between her relationships with both Erik and Gilles and her current position weren't well hidden. She wanted to be recognised for her skills and abilities, as she had often been sidelined over shone by others, and hoped that once she was in Russia her talent and abilities would be recognised.

--xxx--

The moment Christine's aria had ended Erik had left the auditorium and made his way to Meg's dressing room. He had assumed watching Christine perform would have ignited his passion for his protégé, but as he watched and listened to her soar he felt an overwhelming sense of pride rather than desire. He was close enough to see the glint in her eyes as she sang and feel the sheer happiness that radiated from her as she performand; she was where she belonged and Erik felt a sense of accomplishment for having brought her there.

Meg Giry on the otherhand didn't seem to shine. Erik had written her role to demonstrate her diverse dancing and acting abilities, and although her technical execution was perfect she seemed to lack the passion that would normally have brought her character to life. He had given her directions, which she accepted diligently and without question, but she had retreated into the shadows becoming increasingly withdrawn after each rehersal.

"What are you doing here?" Meg asked when she saw the tall figure standing on the far side of her dressing room. She had been avoiding Erik, not because she felt uncomfortable, but because she needed to prioritise self-preservation. She had spent as many nights thinking of Erik as she had done Christine, and she had come to the realisation that she had loved the composer for longer than she realised. She thought back to the times her mother had chided her for the "childish infatuation" but also commended her for her kindness by putting Erik's safety above her relationship with Oliver. Of course, Meg had lied to protect Erik - she didn't want him to hang - but she could've explained the situation to Oliver and he probably would've accepted the web of deciet they had woven to protect him. Maybe she had started to develop feelings for Erik then?

She waited for him to turn to face her and provide her with a reason for his impromtu visit. Instead Erik remained still. His hands behind his back with his fingers interlaced.

"Accompany me to the gala tomorrow night" he stated, his words regretfully sounding like a command rather than request. He almost apologised for the faux pas because he didn't want to seem Phantom-esque in her company, but he didn'thave the opportunity.

"I can't. I am already accompanying someone", Meg replied apologetically, slowly approaching him. She was wary of him when his back was turned; she could tell he was anxious as he was standing to his fall height and his muscles seemed tense, but without seeing his eyes she found it difficult to read his emotions.

Erik chuckled slightly, "That idiot André I persume"

"You assume correctly". She replied placing a hand lightly on his forearm and tugging slightly. She knew she should have defended Gilles, but it had been weeks since she had been alone with Erik and she would rather not waste their time together speaking about him.

"Please look at me", she said with another tug of the arm.

Letting out a frustrated sigh Erik turned to face her. "You've been avioding me". Meg was still dressed in her costume, which was wholly inappropriate attire to be wearing alone in a man's company. The entire ensemble was black satin adorned with silver buttons, a high neckline but exposed shoulder, and most scandelously stopped at the top of her thighs, almost exposing her legs entirely.

Meg bit her lip in anxiety and made her way to the dressing table. It was inevitable that they would have this conversation, but she was hoping ot would have occurred after the gala rather than before. Erik quickly followed and then stood behind the dancer, with a silence engulfing them as their eyes met in the mirror.

"Why?", he asked placing his hands upon her shoulders, but removing them sharply when she broke their eye contact and looked away awkwardly. "Because I love you?", he stated flatly, "if that's the case then please forget I said anything".

"No", she responded firmly once again allowing their eyes to meet, "It is because I can't be a consolation prize. I deserve more then that".

Meg didn't know if Erik truly loved her, or whether his apparent feelings were a result of convenience and emotional exhaustion. She knew she loved him, and was certain he cared for her, but she also knew that he loved Christine with an uncontrollable passion. Meg needed to make Erik understand that the distance she had created between them was not to cause him pain, but rather prevent them both from getting hurt.

"You cannot love someone as fully as you love Christine and then suddenly stop. I know I am second to Christine in many ways, but I refuse to be second in someone's heart"

Erik stepped away from her and began to pace the room as a way to try and appease the growing adrenaline in his system. He flexed his fingers and smoothed his hair, yet he could feel the energy starting to flow through his body. He understood her concern, but it wasn't the case - she wouldn't be - couldn't be - second in his heart

Seeing the sudden change in her friend Meg continued, hoping to appease him. "Erik, you need to understand. I need to protect myself"

"From a monster like me", he spat turning on his heels to face her. His entire body language radiated rage, both directed at her and himself. He was foolish to believe that Meg's compassion and empathy had been real, that her kisses and caresses had been given willingly. She was no different than anyone else: she pretending to have been accepting of him, but she wasn't. He started pacing again and began muttering to himself, both cursing his stupidity for believing Meg was different, and then cursing himself for thinking poorly of her.

"A monster?", Meg said with a laugh, causing Erik to stop pacing and turn to face her sharply. Why was she laughing at him? "No, not from a monster", she continued quickly after seeing his expression, "I'm protecting myself from getting hurt. I've told you before, my heart can't take it"

Erik stood staring at her, his eyes begging for elaboration. She had told him that her heart "can't take it" several times, and it implied her feelings for him went beyond friendship, but he needed to be sure. When no elaboration came Erik went to her.

"Do you love me?", he asked, using his forefinger to tilt her head so she was looking at him. His eyes searched hers looking for any indication of her answer.

"Erik - please" she said in a whisper before turning her head away. She couldn't be under his scrutinising gaze, not now.

"Please what?"

She turned her head towards him again, her face filled with anguish. Her eyes were pleading with him not to press the issue, and although he didn't want to cause eher pain he needed to know the answer. He reached out to take her hand and guided her to standing.

"Do you love me?", he asked again.

When she didn't respond he stepped forward, running the back if his hand across her cheek before tipping her chin so their eyes met again. He decided in that moment to kiss her.

When their lips met Meg immediately threw her arms enthusiastically around Erik's neck to pull him closer: she wanted to be with him, but in equal measure she wanted to- needed to - protect herself. As soon as it began it ended, she placed her hands upon his chest and pushed him back, cursing her own foolishness for letting down her guard. She hoped he wouldn't notice that her voice cracked when she turned away from him and fought to hold back tears, "I can't. I'm sorry"

"I've told you before, there is no need to apologise", although he was dissapointed. He felt a sense of satisfaction regarding the exchange- Meg hadn't declared her love for him, but neither had she denied it.

"You many not be accompanying me tomorrow, but I brought you this gift for opening night" he added handing her a small black box, which she took tentatively with a small smile. Erik watched her as she opened the box and couldnt hide his smile when he saw her eyes light up when they saw the emerald necklace and earrings.

"I can't accept these Erik, it is too much"

"Nonsense", he said dismissively before checking the time on his pocket watch, "I'd

better be going now, or people will gossip",

Meg ran her finger over the largest emerald that adorned her newest procession and looked up at the composer with a coy smile and a slight shrug, "they already do".

--xxx--

Christine had spent most of the gala night trying to find an opportunity to speak with Erik, but between the compliments and turns around the dance floor she barely had a moment to have a sip of champagne let alone a moment to slip away and have a private conversation with her tutor.

Reluctantly she had danced once with Firmin, twice with Gilles and countless times with Raoul. Her husband spun her around, causing her gown to gather at her feet and the pair of them to almost stumble.

Raoul laughed as they steadied themselves, saved by Christine's skills from years in the ballet chorus. "That is a very long dress"

"Don't you like it?", she asked nervously. She had chosen the deep blue dress, embellished with intricate silver beading creating a floral pattern intertwined with vines.

"Of course I do", he smiled, "you look beautiful. I am thenluckiest man alive", causing Christine to jokingly slap his arm before he led her to find refreshments.

"May I intercede?", Erik asked in a deep bow offering Christine his hand.

Raoul stepped forward to object by standing protectivly in front of his wife as though to shield her from Erik's advances. But Christine stepped round her husband and willingly took Erik's hand.

"I need to apologise to you", Christine said quietly as soon as they were out of earshot, "how I acted in your home was unforgivable".

Erik span her around as soon as the music started, and they engaged in the quintessential waltz of The Blue Danube, "I think you'd find that I am the one who needs to apologise to you"

"No - I should be thanking you. You gave me the opportunity to perform again"

"Hardly", Erik said with a scoff,

"Don't underestimate yourself Erik"

If Meg had made such a comment he would have retorted with a sarcastic quip reminding her that he never underestimated his abilities, but he had never been so candid with Christine. Instead he smiled down at her, "Thank you".

They danced in silence for the remainder of the composition, only returning to conversation once the coba started. As they moved around the room Christine could feel her husband's burning gaze fixated upon them, and when Erik pulled her closer she was certain Raoul would challenge him to a duel.

The couple danced slowly, occasionally registering the looks from guests and company members, with Christine Close enough to Erik's chest to feel his steady heartbeat. She tried to hide her dissapointment that their proximity failed to excite him by smiling broadly as she looked up at him.

"Do not worry Madame, I shall return you to your husband once 'An der schönen, blauen Donau' has finished"

"Oh - no - you don't need to. I am enjoying myself", she stuttered in panic. She had spent the majority of her time dancing with Raoul, and she wanted more time with Erik.

Althiugh the company had enthuasically welcomed her Erik had been somewhat detached. He continued to give her lessons, except they were now in the auditorium and the Persian sat at the of the house, and the directions he gave while she was onstage were impersonal and - at times - abrupt. She had expected to see adoration in his eyes when he looked at her, but instead she saw something else that she could not place.

"Very well", Erik said bowing to his partner before taking her hand to lead the 'Les Patineurs Valse'. He caught sight of the wide-eyed Vicomte de Chagny being calmed by André and gave bith men a curt nod. This only seemed to anger the Vicomte more, causing Erik to whisk Christine to the far side of the hall.

"I feel the need to apologise to you", Erik said as the second movement began, "and please don't object. I have treated you appallingly these last few years, and although I never intended you harm I know I have hurt you"

Christine didn't want to have this conversation, instead she wanted to dance with her tutor and pretend he had never been the elusive Phantom who committed unspeakable crimes. "Lets not talk of the past, only of the future. The past is forguveen and easily forgotten" she said with a smile. Previously such a smile would have melted Erik's heart and he would've bent to her will, her kindness and compassion was the epitome of her character and one of the reason he had fallen desperately in love with her.

"Thank you", he said with another spin, "now tell me what you plan for your future?"

"I wish to continue to perform, although I suspect it will be a necessity now Phillippe and his mother will severe Raoul's toes to the family estate". Erik smiled, Christinewas still niavë, unaware that discussing such things with someone outside of the family was uncouth. "But performing your work has reginiated my passion".

"You were divine. And you seem happier"

"Oh I am!", she exclaimed excitedly in a higher pitched voice than usual, "I feel enthralled and passionate and alive. I feel alive for the first time since Paris"

The music ended and as Erik took his bow Raoul snatched his wife's hand and hurridly guided her away to question her about their conversation.

Several of the ensemble members approached Erik in hopes he would ask them to dance, but he was distracted by the first bassoon handing Meg a letter and then her hurrying away.

--xxx--

Meg read the letter that Simon Tannason had handed her for the third time as she walked to the prop room. She was confused; she recognised the handwiritng , but his presence made no sense. It made even less sense that he wanted to meet her in the prop room.

Her mother had told her never to go somewhere dark alone with a man, and that if she was.going somewhere with a gentleman always make someone else aware of your plans. She knew she should've told someone, probably Gilles, but her mind had been overcome with a heavy haze and her body went onto autopilot as she decended the stairs to the requested meeting place.

"Oliver?" she called as she entered the room and turned up her kerosene lamp. She knew form experience that these rooms recieved no natural light and that Firmin had decided it was a waste of money to fit them with electric lighting, and she didnt want to get lost in the dark.

"Meg!" came the voice of her former fiancé. She span round searching for him, and almost fell.iver whe he stepped from the shadows. The light from her lamp cast a shadow across half of his face, in stark contrast to the yellow glow, making him appear ominous.

"Oliver, you scared me!", she exclaimed. "Why are you here?"

"To forgive you for your adulterous behaviour". Meg almost corrected him. She hadn't committed adultery as they weren't married, but it probably wasn't the best time to be pedantic.

"You've travelled half way across the world to tell me that? Oliver that makes no sense"

"I want you to come back with me", Oliver said in a quiet voice stepping towards her and reaching for her hands. Meg stepped back sharply, her back coming into contact with the warm torso of another, much taller man.

In panic Meg span round, almost dropping her lamp, to be met with the face of a man she had almost forgotton: Detective Poole. Horrified that Oliver had lured her into the prop room to ambush her with an American detective Meg took several steps backwards. Her eyes scanned the room desperately for a quick way to the exit, but her lamp failed to provide enough light.

"Madomsille, no harm will come of you as long as you do as you're told", came the voice of Phillippe de Chagny. "Detective Poole, please restrain the girl before she drops the lamo and sets this whole place ablaze". Poole grabbed her wrists and secured her hands behind her back with handcuffs, then he forced her to sit on a chair facing the doorway.

--xxx--

Simon Tennason waited as directed and then reluctantly approached Erik Destler. He could see that the composer was in deep conversation with the Vicomte, but it had been a man who looked like the Vicomte who had given him the instructions, therefore meaning the Vicomte probably knew about whatever was happening. He had handed him the note, forgetting what else he was meant to stay, and quickly retreated; now he could go home and make sure his wife and children were safe. He did feel some guilt, regardless of what other members of the company said about Meg Giry, he liked her. And Erik Destler was a genius, a strange man who judging by what was unfolding probably had a murky past, but he hadn't done anything to indicate to Simon that he was a bad person - grumpy: yes, strange: yes, but bad: no.

"Destler", Raoul said firmly. He was going to speak with him man-to-man, and now he had spare time as Christine was being occupied by Gilles. "I want to talk to you about your intentions for my wife"

"My intention was for her to perform again, now she is", he responded opening his letter and reading the contents quickly. "I must go now", he replied with a furrowed brow before hurridly heading towards the exit.

Raoul was intregued by this behaviour and started to follow him. The unlikely pair walked down into the storage area. Raoul didn't speak to Erik, but he knew he was aware of his presence; he wasn't trying to be secretive - in fact he hoped the muscian would notice his presnece so that he could continue to question him about Christine.

Eventually Erik stopped with a frustrated sigh, and without turning round he bid Raoul to be careful. The last thing he needed was to be accused of harming Christine's husband, he had toyed with her emotions and caused her more turmoil than someone should ever experience- certainly someone as kind and compassionate as her, he needn't be the cause if any more conflicts.

When Erik approached the prop room he signalled for Raoul to remain still and silent before crossing the threshold. But as soon as he did he felt a sharp pain across the back of his head and everything went black.