Raoul's Return


And so Erik and Christine were finally happy. Their second anniversary fast approached, but little did they know, that something else did too.

Christine was in the bookstore, buying two volumes her husband had requested. She was reading silently, unaware that a pair of eyes watched her intently, curious as to what she was doing. She smiled softly, took up the books and went to pay for them. She smiled more brightly as the clerk addressed her as Madame, then left to the awaiting carriage, where a white gloved hand pulled her in.

Raoul de Chagny spat silently as he emerged from behind the pillar he had stood in the shadows of. The monster had brainwashed her, she thought she was happy. Christine could never be happy as long as she was not with Raoul, though. This he knew.

She made a promise!

He wasn't sure as to how he would go about it, but he would get her away where there was no law saying she must marry someone she had no feelings for. Some other country where people were free to marry whomever they wished.

Christine Daaé would be his bride!

Let those words be marked! No mistakes made he would get her from the monster, help her to see right, and then take her where they would marry. Poor Christine, it must be terrible for her, having to share that demon's bed, run his household, if you could even call it that. Poor Christine!

As he moved away Raoul silently vowed to speak with Christine soon, to see what her frame of mind was. Then he would use that to plot Erik's demise. The Phantom of the Opera would fall now.


Christine hummed as she stepped into the sitting room, book in hand.. She heard Erik chuckle as he came from putting their coats away and a smile curved her lips as his hands rested on her hips, and he placed a delicate, loving kiss to her neck. Setting the book down, she turned in his arms and wound her own around him, gazing steadily into his eyes.

Aside from their usual inexpressiveness, Erik's eyes often had a deep warmth to them, it was often like gazing into a furnace. But then, she also found softness there that could not be mocked by a feather pillow, and a love that often frightened her. She only hoped her eyes could tell him how she felt.

He smiled as she studied him and drew her close in a hug, savoring the foreign feel of her in his arms. Though her birthday and declaration of love had passed and it was now March, he still marveled that the beauty chose the beast. It fascinated him that she could find it in her heart to love him, and oh how beautiful this made her heart! He knew she didn't lie by the look in her eyes, a look of pleasure in a way, but also comfort, she was comfortable. He leaned down and kissed her fleetingly, surprising her when he pulled away so soon.

"Erik?" She asked, her eyes growing concerned.

He put a finger to his lips to motion for her silence, then cautiously crept over to the door, pressing his ear to it. The siren was singing, and he grimaced, looking at his wife. "Someone is here."

Her eyes widened and at his gentle urging she went into the other room. Erik took up his cloak and hat. Carefully, he went out a different entrance, watching the boat advance in the distance. He knew that stout figure all too well.

He watched the man climb from his boat and then slithered from his hiding place. This person knew to avoid the siren, and only the Phantom himself would be a threat to them. Erik stayed partially in the shadows, so that when looked upon, he was only a black, menacing shape, ready to strike at any given moment.

"Monsieur de Chagny, this is indeed a surprise." He said thickly.

Raoul glanced up and found himself glaring at his enemy. Though he could not see his face he was almost sure that Erik was grinning behind the shadow. Deciding to remain silent, Raoul just stared at him.

"If you don't mind, I would like to know why you are here, otherwise, I'm going to ask you to leave."

Raoul cleared hid throat. "I need to speak with Christine."

Erik was silent a moment. "My wife is busy right now."

Raoul nearly snapped at the comment but he calmed himself. "Please, it's important."

Erik eyed him, then nodded, stepping from the shadows. He led him to the door and let him in. Raoul nearly gasped as he entered Erik's home for the first time. Erik took his hat and coat, then led him to the parlor stiffly.

"Darling? It's all right. Someone's here for you."

Raoul glared to Erik's back, shaking his head. Christine came from the nearby hall. Raoul caught his breath, she looked well, her cheeks had color and her eyes were bright. They widened at the sight of him and she ran toward him, throwing her arms around him.

"Raoul! You were the last person I thought I'd see!" She pulled away, examining him. "How are you, Raoul?"

He couldn't help but smile. "All right, and yourself?"

She was glowing with glee. "I'm fine!"

Raoul looked over at Erik and Erik read his eyes. He sighed and touched his wife's arm. "Darling, I shall be in my study, if you need me."

She nodded, and when he left offered Raoul a seat. He accepted and sat rather stiffly. Christine sighed and sat next to him. "Raoul, I know this is awkward, but please try to be comfortable."

Raoul shook his head. "Let's get to the point Christine. How has this marriage been so far?"

Confused she answered straightforwardly. "My marriage is fine, Raoul."

"It is healthy? For the both of you?"

Christine smiled and stood, moving to the fireplace. He could barely hear her whisper, "The both of us".

But he had heard it. "I presume you are mumbling about Erik?"

She suddenly realized where he was coming from, and only now he noticed how one hand came to rest on her abdomen. "Christine,"

She let it down and turned to him again, her face full of regret. "Raoul why are you doing this to yourself?"

He stood, stepping away just slightly. "Y-you're..."

Concern filled her. "Raoul, why are you so surprised? I am a married woman!"

"But it was arranged!"

She shook her head. "What does that matter? I love Erik, I always have."

His eyes were filled with tears and he continually stared into her eyes, his beseeching her for something she couldn't give him. "You were supposed to marry him and then leave him when you came of age. This wasn't, Christine you shouldn't be... Now you can never..."

She placed a hand over her eyes. "When will you understand? I am not being tied down! I want this! You're my friend and you should be happy for me!"

"Friend... Happy." Raoul's eyes were filled with terror and betrayal. He ran from the house on the lake. "No Christine, I am not your friend! I was not meant to be your friend!"

Upon hearing the door slam Erik rushed out, moving directly to his shaking wife. "Christine are you all right? What is wrong?" She looked into his eyes and he knew. "You told him."

"He figured it out."

"He didn't take it well." Erik shook his head, pulling her closer to him. "Do not let it trouble you, ma petite. I will protect you." He kissed her cheek, burying his face in her hair he whispered. "I will protect both of you."


Well? Hope it didn't get to fluffy in that last sentence.