A/N: (beams) Thank you for all your wonderful reviews! I am going to try extremely hard to keep this updated regularly! This chapter is in Erik's POV.

"Loathing!

Unadulterated loathing!

For your face

Your voice

Your clothing!

Let's just say, I loathe it all!" - From Wicked, the musical.

Erik's POV

I paced uneasily around the gate of Rue Scribe, knocking things over here and there. What was wrong with me? Ah, yes. I was awaiting the arrival of her daily letter; but it had yet to reach its destination. Clearing my throat, I ran my hand through my black hair, sighing exasperatedly. Yes! This time, I would answer it! Leaning a nearby tree, I closed my eyes for a mere moment, crossing my arms.

"Oh, my darling..." I murmured to the barren atmosphere. "You have no idea how much I love you... and how much hearing from you each day means to me..."

"Now, Erik." Came a chuckling voice. "You know, I just don't feel that way about you, my friend."

Rapidly spinning around, I grasped the lasso, only to release it as my eyes befell a smiling Nadir. I rolled my eyes, quietly taking a seat in front of the tree.

"Shut up, Daroga." I told him coldly, raising an eyebrow. "What are you doing here?"

"Oh, I only wished to see my good friend." He answered, gracelessly plopping down beside me. "What are you so anxious about?"

"It's none of your bloody business!" I snapped, turning my head to glare at him.

Eyes widening, Nadir simply stared at me.

My eyes softened as my shoulders slumped. "I'm sorry, but my patience is short today."

"Ah, your patience is always short, Erik." He retorted, laughing quietly. "What are you waiting for? Another letter from her?"

It was my turn to gawk at him. "How did you know about those?"

"I know I'm obviously not as smart as you, Erik," Nadir's voice dripped with sarcasm as a grin seemed to be painted on his tan face, "But I'm not completely brainless."

Smirking, I resumed staring blankly out before me. "It hasn't come, Nadir... It hasn't showed up. It always comes at the same time every day... What if she's hurt?" I asked him, my voice barely above a whisper, "I was even going to reply this time..."

"No, Erik!" Nadir abruptly stood, "No! No, no, no, no, and no! You let her go, and now you must keep true to that. Don't make her so nervous and restless. Allow her to relax for once! Let her be."

"Fine." I growled, rising from my seat as well. "Promise me that you'll leave her alone."

Silence.

"Promise me."

"Fine... I promise." I responded, clenching my teeth. "Goodbye, Daroga."

"Goodbye, Erik." Nadir sighed, scratching his head.

As soon as I was quite sure that he was out of sight, I immediately dashed in the direction of the de Chagny estate, not even taking a moment to hesitate. Promise? Hah! I had also promised Nadir I would never kill again. Did that happen? I didn't think so. After a half an hour journey, I ultimately arrived at the large house. Approaching it exceptionally quietly and cat-like, I made my way to the back garden, where I knew Christine's room to be.

Yes, I openly admit I had been here before. Some nights, I merely climbed up a close tree and stood on her balcony, watching my love sleep. At times, she would wake up, screaming from a horrendous nightmare. At those times, I only desired to dart in there, take her comfortingly into my arms, and tell her everything was all right. At other times, she would sleep peacefully for the entire night, truly appearing as if she were an angel from Heaven. Yes, the entire night. I remained on that balcony for the entire night several times! I believe I could watch her sleep forever.

Now, she was calmly sitting at her vanity... writing. Pulling my fedora lower over my masked face, I sighed. Paranoid. That's what I was. Extremely paranoid... Her hair was damp and delicately pulled up into a curly bun, her golden-blonde hair framing her angelic face. Christine's crystal-blue eyes sparkled with fresh tears as she continued to write, permitting the salty tears to freely travel down her rosy cheeks. Smirking, I noticed the outfit she had donned earlier. It was blue just like her eyes... I had told her that once.

Suddenly, Christine's head turned towards her door, as she raised an eyebrow. She tilted her head, absentmindedly dropping the pen on top of the unfinished letter. I furrowed my brow. Leaving the balcony, I returned to the front before she could reach the door. I concealed myself behind an oak tree, my curiosity soon transforming into unadulterated loathing. The boy. That foppish, idiotic Viscomte! There he waited in the open doorway. I lifted my eyes to Christine, who was standing at the top of the marble staircase. Her innocent eyes had expanded greatly; however, she seemed to be staring directly at me! Silently cursing myself, I returned to my hiding place behind the tree.

Damn! Damn it! I scolded myself silently. You bloody idiot! Be careful!

Peering my head slightly from behind a branch full of healthy leaves, I watched the couple. He swiftly took her into his arms, spinning her around. Yes, that made my grip on my cape become tighter; but the deep, romantic kiss he bombarded her with was what made my blood furiously boil. As he embraced her again, I assured myself that I was completely obscured behind the tree, for her shocked eyes were now wandering everywhere. They appeared as if they were desperately searching for something. I could hear the boy laugh merrily about something that was most likely not even the least bit humorous. As he gently shut the door, Christine reluctantly allowed him, her gaze remaining on the spot where I was hidden. Suppressing an outraged cry, I returned to my house with a heavy heart and a solemn expression.

A/N: Okay, okay. Before you review (which I hope is what you were going to do... ;-)), I just want to say that do not fret! Just keep in mind that I am a HUGE E/C shipper. :-) Remember that, m'dears! All right! That's all I wanted to say!