Disclaimer : I don't own any of the characters, they belong to Gaston
Leroux. Alain Choletti and Gerard Carriere belong to Misters Yeston and
Kopit. I am no making money out of this, it is purely for entertainment.
Warning Severe Raoul Bashing
Christine's point of view
I left Monsieur Carriere behind me and returned to the ball room. The dance was about to start, and there was still no sign of Erik. He should have made his presence known to me by now, I thought. My thoughts were brutally interrupted by an urgent tug at my arm. I looked up, half-expecting to see Erik, and was unpleasantly surprised. It was Raoul who was pulling t my arm so rudely. I should have known that Erik would never treat me in such a fashion. I frowned behind my mask as Raoul started to pull me on the dance floor. I resisted as best as I could, but he would not listen to my protests : " Raoul, I told you I reserved this dance for someone else! Let me go!" He simply laughed and pulled harder, bruising my flesh with his vicious grip. Something red flashed before my eyes and before I could fully register Raoul sprawled on the floor I was pulled away gently, and I heard an angry voice utter : " Excuse me, I believe this lady has kept this dance for me." I stared in bewilderment at the figure that was stirring me away ; bright crimson attire, a death's head and a plumed hat. "Erik?" I said uneasily, slightly shocked by the morbid sight before my eyes. The man simply winked in response, and I smiled, feeling the uneasiness being melted by the happiness that submerged me. He was finally here, everything would be fine now. He quickened his step to keep in rhythm, and I gladly followed suit. A silly idea suddenly wormed its way into my head. "This is very awkward." I murmured. "What is?" Erik asked, an edge of worry to his voice. "Dartagnan has just lost a battle and doesn't come seeking revenge." I replied, wondering if Raoul would really leave it at that.
I had a feeling he would not. Erik laughed heartily, amusement dancing in his eyes. I smiled shyly and rested my head on his shoulder while we waltzed. It was such a pleasant feeling to know that he would protect me from all that would wish me harm, but it was not so pleasant to know what he did to those who did me harm. I remembered all the nasty episodes he had put Carlotta through and had to fight down an urge to giggle. He had done no real harm, for Carlotta was strutting around with her husband, proudly showing off her expensive jewelry. All too soon, the waltz came to an end and us to a stop. I reluctantly disentangled myself from Erik's arms and looked around. There were a few minutes between each dance, giving the dancers the time to get on or off the dance floor. I cringed when I saw an obviously furious musketeer make his way towards us. Oh please Raoul, I pleaded silently, do not make a scene now. I had hoped in vain, of course, for the instant he reached me he gave a violent shove at Erik, who barely moved an inch. I could only watch in shame as Raoul kept pushing Erik, and as Erik grew angrier than I had ever seen him. They were starting to shout at each other, and Raoul was trying to rip the mask off Erik's face. I could never thank Monsieur Carriere enough for his intervention a second before it was too late. He had placed himself between the two men, and was keeping them at arms length, trying to calm them down.
"Enough, gentlemen, enough!" he was shouting. Erik fell silent and regained his composure, but some of the guests had to pull Raoul away and bring him outside to calm him down. There was an awkward pause as the guests all stared at the hysterical young man being dragged away. I was grateful for the mask, for I felt my cheeks burning with embarrassment at what had just happened. So much for being a well-bred gentleman, Raoul, I thought somberly. The music came back on cue, and I was glad of the respite it gave me. I followed Erik's gliding moves across the floor, sighing in relief. " It would seem Dartagnan came seeking revenge, after all." Erik said bitterly. The whole affair had put him in a brooding mood, and I hardly blamed him. We remained in silence for the rest of the dance, when it was over, I offered to go somewhere where we could have some peace. He nodded and draped his cloak over my shoulders and we disappeared from the crowd, unnoticed.
Erik's point of view
Heaven, that was where I was right now, heaven. Christine had put her head on my shoulder, and I relished the contact, however chaste it was. The evening could hardly be any better, so it could only get worse, the detestable part of my brain remarked. I pushed those unhappy thoughts away, determined to savor each second of the few hours I would spend with Christine that night. The minutes flew by with increased speed, as they tended to do in such instants. Christine pulled away from me, her hands pushing against my chest. Her gaze wandered about, her eyes not completely focused. I looked at her tenderly, feeling like kissing her lovely cheek, but that was not possible, for my mouth was hidden as was he cheek. Her eyes narrowed behind the mask, and I followed her gaze to see that despicable young man advancing towards us. I knew it could only get worse, the nasty voice chanted over and over before it was silenced by a violent push on my arm. I glared at the boy, feeling my pulse race. How dare he touch me! He pushed me again, and kept doing so until I felt like strangling him on the spot, consequences be damned. He was shouting and trying to remove my mask now, and I realized I was shouting right back. It would have ended up in a blood bath if Gerard had not intervened. Dear Gerard, always there to clean up the messed I had caused, I thought sadly.
He separated and held us away from the other, calling for quiet. " Enough, gentlemen, enough!" he was shouting. I took a hold of myself and calmed down, watching with contempt as the vicomte tried in vain to escape Gerard's grasp and pounce back on me. I stepped back so Gerard could use both his hands to hold the boy down. Some men came to Gerard's rescue by grabbing the boy by his arms and struggling to bring him outside. I managed to hold back my urge to laugh when more men came and took the boy's legs, picking him of the floor and carrying him away. That serves you right, little man, I sneered. I went back to Christine who was looking at the retreating form of the vicomte with something like resentment in her eyes. The orchestra began the second dance, and I eagerly took Christine's hands to twirl her about. " It would seem Dartagnan came seeking revenge, after all." I remarked, trying to hold back the venom that had formed in my throat. Christine's only reply was a sigh, and we kept dancing until the music stopped. She offered to go someplace more private, and I agreed wholeheartedly. There seemed to be no air in the room all of sudden. I threw my cloak about her shoulders and led her away. We would have peace in her dressing room, that part of the opera house was deserted at this hour. Only once I had locked the door behind us did I allow myself to sigh tiredly. How little it took to turn a dream into a nightmare. Christine had sat on the little bed in the corner and removed her mask. " The unmasking is not supposed to take place before midnight, my dear." I attempted to tease her, but I failed miserably. She half-sat, half-lied on the bed and rested her head on the pillow, closing her eyes with a sigh. " I feel so tired." She complained.
The vicomte's little display earlier had obviously bothered her. I sat down beside her, placing a hand on the small of her back and moving it in concentric circles. A soft sigh testified of her approval as I increased the pressure slightly. A little break before the show was not a repulsive prospect, I mused. Christine turned around unexpectedly and I withdrew my hand hastily to avoid it being caught under her back, but she took it and placed it on her stomach, smiling at me shyly. I obeyed her silent request and rubbed her flat stomach, the palm of my hand tingling against the fabric of her dress. It was pure torture to refrain from going up or down, but I found the sensation was not unwelcome. Her eyes were half closed in contentment, her hand still guiding mine so it would not go astray. Oh so slowly, her hand snaked up my arm, pausing at my elbow to give a gentle squeeze, then reaching up to my shoulder and pulling me down. It was a good thing that mask covered my whole face, because otherwise I might have given in on the impulse to kiss her beautiful throat. Both her hands were massaging my neck now, her fingers running through my hair and pulling me closer. She lifted her head and whispered in my ear : " I think we should leave it at that for now, Erik." Her breathing was ragged and her voice strained. I struggled to stand up, my body refusing to move away from hers. It required all my self-restraint to finally distance myself from her, and I was out of breath myself when I succeeded. "You are quite right, Christine, we should leave it at that." I gasped before storming out of the room. It was time to get back to business, I realized as I glanced at the clock, but the memory of her soft skin against mine would not be dismissed so easily.
Gerard Carriere's point of view
I would have appreciated greatly to have more time by myself to ponder Christine's last words to me. She had seen his face, and she refused to run away. Perhaps Erik was closer to the truth when he said she would learn to love him in time. I was entirely lost in thoughts of Erik, Christine and Raoul when I heard a commotion coming from the ball room. I rushed to the place in alarm, convinced that only Erik could cause such a ruckus. I was proved half right when I arrived in the room. A young man dressed as Dartagnan, which I recognised as Raoul de Chagny, was yelling at a man dressed in red, which I guessed was Erik, seeing Christine standing next to him. The vicomte was virtually at Erik's throat, for he was now trying to snatch away the skull-like mask. I cut my way through the crowd and placed myself between them, grabbing them by their shirt fronts and holding them well away from each other. "Enough, gentlemen, enough!" I exclaimed angrily when I saw that Raoul was not even listening to me.
Erik said nothing and pulled away, leaving me to quiet the vicomte's tantrum. Some people came to my aid when Raoul refused to calm down, and we had to carry him outside to stop the commotion. Raoul was a charming young man, but when he was denied what he wanted, he became absolutely impossible to live with. I accompanied him outside and took him to the stables, where I sat him on the ground and emptied a bucket of water on his head. This only infuriated him further, and he started to hurl insults at me. " You just made me look like a fool in front of all Paris!" he shouted indignantly. " You made a fool of yourself well without my help, young man! And if I should hear that you are tormenting that poor girl again, well you can be sure everyone will find out about how the vicomte de Chagny flees his responsibilities! " I screamed, not fully grasping what I had said until it was too late. Raoul was staring at me with wide eyes, disbelief painted on his face. " You wouldn't dare, Gerard. You wouldn't do that to a friend?" he asked weakly. " We shall see." Was all I said before leaving him dripping with shock and water.
Christine's point of view
Erik brought me to my dressing room and locked the door. It was a relief to be alone with him, far away from the crowd and the people sneaking glances in our direction, wondering what the commotion had been all about. I took off my mask and sat on my bed, feeling suddenly exhausted. " The unmasking is not supposed to take place before midnight, my dear." Erik teased, but I did not feel like playing mind games. " I feel so tired." I sighed as I lied down on the bed. I felt Erik sitting down besides me and putting a hand to my back. He gave me a gentle back rub, his hand moving in circles. I sighed happily, his touch was a comfort I welcomed with open arms. I turned to lie on my back, not, taking Erik's hand and holding it to my belly. He resumed his soft caresses and I gave a satisfied sigh. I could get used to this, I thought. My hand left his to crawl up his arm, feeling the firm muscles under the shirt. I reached his shoulder and pulled, forcing him closer. The feel of his hot breath on my throat, the silky softness of his hair, the warm skin of his neck were intoxicating sensations. I could not think clearly, all my mind was absorbed by the new feelings I was experiencing. I raised my head to Erik's ear and whispered : " I think we should leave it at that for now, Erik." I was still lucid enough to know that if I didn't put a stop to it, it would go farther than I was ready to. "You are quite right, Christine, we should leave it at that." Erik agreed, but I could see he was disappointed. He got up slowly, as though with difficulty, and left the room in a hurry.
I sat at my dresser and looked at my reflection, my cheeks were bright red and my eyes looked unusually bright. I replaced my mask with clumsy fingers before going back to the masquerade. A glass of champagne would probably do me good, I thought. The rotunda was crowded, as I had anticipated. Ten o'clock, the excessive amount of alcohol had not yet taken it's toll on the guests as it would have at eleven, so it was still safe for me to wander alone in the crowd. I looked around distractedly, searching for a sign of Erik, but there were no flowing red cloaks to be seen. I shrugged and sipped at my cup quietly. He was bound to do something that would attract everyone's attention, he was too much of a showman to miss such an opportunity. I went back to my original occupation, watching the crowd. Most costumes were ordinary or unoriginal, there was nothing sensational to be seen anywhere. For some reason, I got the feeling that there was something amiss in the room. Something that should be there was not. I frowned as I tried to pinpoint what it was. My eyes fell on a woman sporting a hat with peacock feathers, and I knew what was absent. Carlotta was nowhere to be seen, nor was monsieur Choletti. I was not exactly worried, but their absence could hardly be natural, they were supposed to be welcoming the guests and generally pester everyone.
I was still puzzling over the manager and his wife's inexplicable absence when roars of laughter were heard from the entrance to the auditorium. I mingled among the curious to see what was happening, and was torn between shock and amusement when I saw what had caused such hilarity. Alain Choletti and Carlotta were on the stage, bound to a pillar belonging to the prison scene in Faust, and one wearing the other's costume. Carlotta's dress hung loosely from monsieur Choletti's small frame, while monsieur Choletti's admiral uniform was being ripped by Carlotta's fat body. I clasped my hand over my mouth, trying to muffle my giggling. Monsieur Choletti's face was covered in absurd make-up, while Carlotta was sporting a fake moustache and had pink streaks in her hair, but the "pièce de résistance" was Raoul bound with five or six girls I recognised as the ones he had come with, his face covered by lipstick marks. I made my way back stage discreetly, where I sunk to the floor and dissolved in helpless laughter. "Enjoying the show, are you my dear?" I looked up to see Erik towering above me. He was back in his regular clothes and mask, and I could see the mischievous smile on his lips. "Erik, what a perfectly terrible thing to do!" I chuckled. He reached down and took me in his arms, the amused smile fading away to reveal another I had never seen before. " I had not planned to leave early, but you and I must talk." He said hoarsely before taking me back to his underground domain.
Author's notes : This chapter is a bit shorter than the last ones, but I suffer of a bit of writer's block. I have not corrected the part yet, but it will be done tomorrow, so please don't throw knives at me because of the mistakes. Thank you.
Thanks to all those who have reviewed.
Warning Severe Raoul Bashing
Christine's point of view
I left Monsieur Carriere behind me and returned to the ball room. The dance was about to start, and there was still no sign of Erik. He should have made his presence known to me by now, I thought. My thoughts were brutally interrupted by an urgent tug at my arm. I looked up, half-expecting to see Erik, and was unpleasantly surprised. It was Raoul who was pulling t my arm so rudely. I should have known that Erik would never treat me in such a fashion. I frowned behind my mask as Raoul started to pull me on the dance floor. I resisted as best as I could, but he would not listen to my protests : " Raoul, I told you I reserved this dance for someone else! Let me go!" He simply laughed and pulled harder, bruising my flesh with his vicious grip. Something red flashed before my eyes and before I could fully register Raoul sprawled on the floor I was pulled away gently, and I heard an angry voice utter : " Excuse me, I believe this lady has kept this dance for me." I stared in bewilderment at the figure that was stirring me away ; bright crimson attire, a death's head and a plumed hat. "Erik?" I said uneasily, slightly shocked by the morbid sight before my eyes. The man simply winked in response, and I smiled, feeling the uneasiness being melted by the happiness that submerged me. He was finally here, everything would be fine now. He quickened his step to keep in rhythm, and I gladly followed suit. A silly idea suddenly wormed its way into my head. "This is very awkward." I murmured. "What is?" Erik asked, an edge of worry to his voice. "Dartagnan has just lost a battle and doesn't come seeking revenge." I replied, wondering if Raoul would really leave it at that.
I had a feeling he would not. Erik laughed heartily, amusement dancing in his eyes. I smiled shyly and rested my head on his shoulder while we waltzed. It was such a pleasant feeling to know that he would protect me from all that would wish me harm, but it was not so pleasant to know what he did to those who did me harm. I remembered all the nasty episodes he had put Carlotta through and had to fight down an urge to giggle. He had done no real harm, for Carlotta was strutting around with her husband, proudly showing off her expensive jewelry. All too soon, the waltz came to an end and us to a stop. I reluctantly disentangled myself from Erik's arms and looked around. There were a few minutes between each dance, giving the dancers the time to get on or off the dance floor. I cringed when I saw an obviously furious musketeer make his way towards us. Oh please Raoul, I pleaded silently, do not make a scene now. I had hoped in vain, of course, for the instant he reached me he gave a violent shove at Erik, who barely moved an inch. I could only watch in shame as Raoul kept pushing Erik, and as Erik grew angrier than I had ever seen him. They were starting to shout at each other, and Raoul was trying to rip the mask off Erik's face. I could never thank Monsieur Carriere enough for his intervention a second before it was too late. He had placed himself between the two men, and was keeping them at arms length, trying to calm them down.
"Enough, gentlemen, enough!" he was shouting. Erik fell silent and regained his composure, but some of the guests had to pull Raoul away and bring him outside to calm him down. There was an awkward pause as the guests all stared at the hysterical young man being dragged away. I was grateful for the mask, for I felt my cheeks burning with embarrassment at what had just happened. So much for being a well-bred gentleman, Raoul, I thought somberly. The music came back on cue, and I was glad of the respite it gave me. I followed Erik's gliding moves across the floor, sighing in relief. " It would seem Dartagnan came seeking revenge, after all." Erik said bitterly. The whole affair had put him in a brooding mood, and I hardly blamed him. We remained in silence for the rest of the dance, when it was over, I offered to go somewhere where we could have some peace. He nodded and draped his cloak over my shoulders and we disappeared from the crowd, unnoticed.
Erik's point of view
Heaven, that was where I was right now, heaven. Christine had put her head on my shoulder, and I relished the contact, however chaste it was. The evening could hardly be any better, so it could only get worse, the detestable part of my brain remarked. I pushed those unhappy thoughts away, determined to savor each second of the few hours I would spend with Christine that night. The minutes flew by with increased speed, as they tended to do in such instants. Christine pulled away from me, her hands pushing against my chest. Her gaze wandered about, her eyes not completely focused. I looked at her tenderly, feeling like kissing her lovely cheek, but that was not possible, for my mouth was hidden as was he cheek. Her eyes narrowed behind the mask, and I followed her gaze to see that despicable young man advancing towards us. I knew it could only get worse, the nasty voice chanted over and over before it was silenced by a violent push on my arm. I glared at the boy, feeling my pulse race. How dare he touch me! He pushed me again, and kept doing so until I felt like strangling him on the spot, consequences be damned. He was shouting and trying to remove my mask now, and I realized I was shouting right back. It would have ended up in a blood bath if Gerard had not intervened. Dear Gerard, always there to clean up the messed I had caused, I thought sadly.
He separated and held us away from the other, calling for quiet. " Enough, gentlemen, enough!" he was shouting. I took a hold of myself and calmed down, watching with contempt as the vicomte tried in vain to escape Gerard's grasp and pounce back on me. I stepped back so Gerard could use both his hands to hold the boy down. Some men came to Gerard's rescue by grabbing the boy by his arms and struggling to bring him outside. I managed to hold back my urge to laugh when more men came and took the boy's legs, picking him of the floor and carrying him away. That serves you right, little man, I sneered. I went back to Christine who was looking at the retreating form of the vicomte with something like resentment in her eyes. The orchestra began the second dance, and I eagerly took Christine's hands to twirl her about. " It would seem Dartagnan came seeking revenge, after all." I remarked, trying to hold back the venom that had formed in my throat. Christine's only reply was a sigh, and we kept dancing until the music stopped. She offered to go someplace more private, and I agreed wholeheartedly. There seemed to be no air in the room all of sudden. I threw my cloak about her shoulders and led her away. We would have peace in her dressing room, that part of the opera house was deserted at this hour. Only once I had locked the door behind us did I allow myself to sigh tiredly. How little it took to turn a dream into a nightmare. Christine had sat on the little bed in the corner and removed her mask. " The unmasking is not supposed to take place before midnight, my dear." I attempted to tease her, but I failed miserably. She half-sat, half-lied on the bed and rested her head on the pillow, closing her eyes with a sigh. " I feel so tired." She complained.
The vicomte's little display earlier had obviously bothered her. I sat down beside her, placing a hand on the small of her back and moving it in concentric circles. A soft sigh testified of her approval as I increased the pressure slightly. A little break before the show was not a repulsive prospect, I mused. Christine turned around unexpectedly and I withdrew my hand hastily to avoid it being caught under her back, but she took it and placed it on her stomach, smiling at me shyly. I obeyed her silent request and rubbed her flat stomach, the palm of my hand tingling against the fabric of her dress. It was pure torture to refrain from going up or down, but I found the sensation was not unwelcome. Her eyes were half closed in contentment, her hand still guiding mine so it would not go astray. Oh so slowly, her hand snaked up my arm, pausing at my elbow to give a gentle squeeze, then reaching up to my shoulder and pulling me down. It was a good thing that mask covered my whole face, because otherwise I might have given in on the impulse to kiss her beautiful throat. Both her hands were massaging my neck now, her fingers running through my hair and pulling me closer. She lifted her head and whispered in my ear : " I think we should leave it at that for now, Erik." Her breathing was ragged and her voice strained. I struggled to stand up, my body refusing to move away from hers. It required all my self-restraint to finally distance myself from her, and I was out of breath myself when I succeeded. "You are quite right, Christine, we should leave it at that." I gasped before storming out of the room. It was time to get back to business, I realized as I glanced at the clock, but the memory of her soft skin against mine would not be dismissed so easily.
Gerard Carriere's point of view
I would have appreciated greatly to have more time by myself to ponder Christine's last words to me. She had seen his face, and she refused to run away. Perhaps Erik was closer to the truth when he said she would learn to love him in time. I was entirely lost in thoughts of Erik, Christine and Raoul when I heard a commotion coming from the ball room. I rushed to the place in alarm, convinced that only Erik could cause such a ruckus. I was proved half right when I arrived in the room. A young man dressed as Dartagnan, which I recognised as Raoul de Chagny, was yelling at a man dressed in red, which I guessed was Erik, seeing Christine standing next to him. The vicomte was virtually at Erik's throat, for he was now trying to snatch away the skull-like mask. I cut my way through the crowd and placed myself between them, grabbing them by their shirt fronts and holding them well away from each other. "Enough, gentlemen, enough!" I exclaimed angrily when I saw that Raoul was not even listening to me.
Erik said nothing and pulled away, leaving me to quiet the vicomte's tantrum. Some people came to my aid when Raoul refused to calm down, and we had to carry him outside to stop the commotion. Raoul was a charming young man, but when he was denied what he wanted, he became absolutely impossible to live with. I accompanied him outside and took him to the stables, where I sat him on the ground and emptied a bucket of water on his head. This only infuriated him further, and he started to hurl insults at me. " You just made me look like a fool in front of all Paris!" he shouted indignantly. " You made a fool of yourself well without my help, young man! And if I should hear that you are tormenting that poor girl again, well you can be sure everyone will find out about how the vicomte de Chagny flees his responsibilities! " I screamed, not fully grasping what I had said until it was too late. Raoul was staring at me with wide eyes, disbelief painted on his face. " You wouldn't dare, Gerard. You wouldn't do that to a friend?" he asked weakly. " We shall see." Was all I said before leaving him dripping with shock and water.
Christine's point of view
Erik brought me to my dressing room and locked the door. It was a relief to be alone with him, far away from the crowd and the people sneaking glances in our direction, wondering what the commotion had been all about. I took off my mask and sat on my bed, feeling suddenly exhausted. " The unmasking is not supposed to take place before midnight, my dear." Erik teased, but I did not feel like playing mind games. " I feel so tired." I sighed as I lied down on the bed. I felt Erik sitting down besides me and putting a hand to my back. He gave me a gentle back rub, his hand moving in circles. I sighed happily, his touch was a comfort I welcomed with open arms. I turned to lie on my back, not, taking Erik's hand and holding it to my belly. He resumed his soft caresses and I gave a satisfied sigh. I could get used to this, I thought. My hand left his to crawl up his arm, feeling the firm muscles under the shirt. I reached his shoulder and pulled, forcing him closer. The feel of his hot breath on my throat, the silky softness of his hair, the warm skin of his neck were intoxicating sensations. I could not think clearly, all my mind was absorbed by the new feelings I was experiencing. I raised my head to Erik's ear and whispered : " I think we should leave it at that for now, Erik." I was still lucid enough to know that if I didn't put a stop to it, it would go farther than I was ready to. "You are quite right, Christine, we should leave it at that." Erik agreed, but I could see he was disappointed. He got up slowly, as though with difficulty, and left the room in a hurry.
I sat at my dresser and looked at my reflection, my cheeks were bright red and my eyes looked unusually bright. I replaced my mask with clumsy fingers before going back to the masquerade. A glass of champagne would probably do me good, I thought. The rotunda was crowded, as I had anticipated. Ten o'clock, the excessive amount of alcohol had not yet taken it's toll on the guests as it would have at eleven, so it was still safe for me to wander alone in the crowd. I looked around distractedly, searching for a sign of Erik, but there were no flowing red cloaks to be seen. I shrugged and sipped at my cup quietly. He was bound to do something that would attract everyone's attention, he was too much of a showman to miss such an opportunity. I went back to my original occupation, watching the crowd. Most costumes were ordinary or unoriginal, there was nothing sensational to be seen anywhere. For some reason, I got the feeling that there was something amiss in the room. Something that should be there was not. I frowned as I tried to pinpoint what it was. My eyes fell on a woman sporting a hat with peacock feathers, and I knew what was absent. Carlotta was nowhere to be seen, nor was monsieur Choletti. I was not exactly worried, but their absence could hardly be natural, they were supposed to be welcoming the guests and generally pester everyone.
I was still puzzling over the manager and his wife's inexplicable absence when roars of laughter were heard from the entrance to the auditorium. I mingled among the curious to see what was happening, and was torn between shock and amusement when I saw what had caused such hilarity. Alain Choletti and Carlotta were on the stage, bound to a pillar belonging to the prison scene in Faust, and one wearing the other's costume. Carlotta's dress hung loosely from monsieur Choletti's small frame, while monsieur Choletti's admiral uniform was being ripped by Carlotta's fat body. I clasped my hand over my mouth, trying to muffle my giggling. Monsieur Choletti's face was covered in absurd make-up, while Carlotta was sporting a fake moustache and had pink streaks in her hair, but the "pièce de résistance" was Raoul bound with five or six girls I recognised as the ones he had come with, his face covered by lipstick marks. I made my way back stage discreetly, where I sunk to the floor and dissolved in helpless laughter. "Enjoying the show, are you my dear?" I looked up to see Erik towering above me. He was back in his regular clothes and mask, and I could see the mischievous smile on his lips. "Erik, what a perfectly terrible thing to do!" I chuckled. He reached down and took me in his arms, the amused smile fading away to reveal another I had never seen before. " I had not planned to leave early, but you and I must talk." He said hoarsely before taking me back to his underground domain.
Author's notes : This chapter is a bit shorter than the last ones, but I suffer of a bit of writer's block. I have not corrected the part yet, but it will be done tomorrow, so please don't throw knives at me because of the mistakes. Thank you.
Thanks to all those who have reviewed.