A/N: This story now has a mind of it's own! :-P Once again, thanks to jlauren1224 because if she hadn't helped me… y'all would be staring at a blank chappy! :-) Thank you for the reviews, and I am greatly anticipating writing the last few chapters (which will most likely come after the chapter that follows the one you're about to read), for I have had it planned out forever!

But just remember as we go through this story, you need to trust me! There will be twists and turns and such, but just wait until it reaches the end! :-) Oh, and cookies to all of my faithful reviewers! R&R and enjoy!

Christine's POV

After Erik had played something for me like always, I left for my room. The tension in the air could have been cut with a knife. His kiss still lingered on my lips, and I desperately wished for our lips to meet again… but I did not dare bring it up anymore.

With a sigh, I closed my door half way and took a seat on my bed. Clutching the remote, I flipped on the television and lay on my stomach. Silent, I changed it to the news.

"Christine Daae has now been missing for a month." The reporter said dully, tilting her head. "There are still no leads whatsoever, although she was spotted once in a remote area that has been thoroughly searched repeatedly…"

I groaned and quickly turned it off, resting my head in my arms. I was simply sick of hearing about my disappearance, and it looked as if police were gradually giving up hope anyway. Besides… did I want them to find me?

I stayed in my room for the remainder of the day, not quite sure whether I should confront him about the kiss or not. That evening, when the sun had disappeared from the sky, leaving it dark, I shuffled out onto the balcony. It was freezing, of course, for it was winter, and I was only wearing a sleeveless dress. My eyes settled on the ground below me, studying the sleet that rested on the once green grass. Shivering, I wrapped my arms around me in an attempt to keep warm. Yes, I know that the sensible thing to do would've been to go back inside, but… it was so beautiful outside. I tilted my head, watching the dark sky that held diminutive twinkling stars. I sighed, as they gleamed down on me. It was strange actually. It was strange how something such as night could be so beautiful and spellbinding, yet forever remain a mystery to me. Humming quietly, I did not move a muscle, as I studied what lay before me.

My thoughts lingered back to the kiss… That kiss that Erik and I had shared… That kiss that I so longingly wanted to share again…

But because of the chills I was getting, I ultimately decided it was best if I retreated back to my room. Turning calmly on my heel, I reentered my room, neglecting to close the balcony doors. I opened my closet door and removed my dress, throwing a glance at the night sky once more before I slipped an ashen nightgown over my head. Crawling into bed, I snuggled under the covers and found myself incessantly tossing and turning.

I just couldn't quit thinking about that kiss!

How could something so small bother me so much?

Finally, after what seemed to be a lifetime of changing sleeping positions, I drifted off into an uneasy slumber.

That morning, I awoke with a horrific headache, and I couldn't stop shivering. One moment, I would be burning up, but the next, however, I would be freezing. Coughing, I sat up and literally dragged myself out of the luxurious bed. Too exhausted and ill to dress, I merely donned a crimson robe. Pulling my hair up on top of my head, I ambled downstairs. But this morning, I did not find Erik in the kitchen. Instead, soft music answered my silent inquiries of his whereabouts. Making my way to the Louise-Phillipe room, I curled up in the chair I normally sat in and listened quietly. My eyes never left him, as if his very presence alone was captivating.

And it was.

His hands gracefully glided across the keys, while I watched his dark figure enchantingly continue with his music. My gaze soon remained on his hands, silently yearning for them to caress my cheek again… to bury themselves in my curls…

A violent cough unfortunately escaped my mouth, as I quickly covered it. But it was too late. I had already disturbed his work. Rapidly, he turned in his seat, while something flashed in his hazel eyes. I watched as he rose and flew to my side. At first, I was terrified that he was truly upset that I had disturbed him, but he placed his hand on my forehead, and I gave a sigh of relief. The sigh resulted from two things: I was relieved he wasn't upset with me, and his hand felt extremely cool against my hot forehead…

"You have a fever." Erik told me quietly, but I could hear the concern rising in his voice. "You need to rest, my dear."

"No, really, Erik, I'll be fine." I assured him, smothering a cough.

"Christine," He said sternly, yet not too harshly, "I insist that you rest, and you should try not to talk… it would ruin that lovely voice of yours."

I could only nod, for when Erik instructs someone to do something… the only sensible thing to do is obey.

He bent down and picked me up from the divan, carrying me upstairs. I felt rather awkward, for his eyes never left me. I did not speak, nor did I even open my mouth; I only returned his gaze. Entering my room, Erik silently sat me on my bed. I held my breath, as he removed my robe and placed it on the foot of my bed. I lied down, while he pulled the cool sheets over me and pushed a stray lock from my face. His gaze strayed to the open balcony doors.

"My dear, you really shouldn't leave these open… especially during winter." Lifting an eyebrow, Erik glided to them and shut them quickly.

Blushing, I averted my eyes elsewhere, but of course, found myself staring up at him again.

"I'll be right back." He told me, before disappearing from my room.

Clutching my bed sheets, I coughed quietly and sniffled. I felt so stupid… so utterly idiotic… Not only did I have a cold, but the cause of it was entirely my fault! It wasn't long, however, before Erik returned with a glass of liquid, a cloth, and a bowl of water. I watched as he placed the bowl on my nightstand and dipped the cloth in the water. Ringing the soaked material, he gently rested it on my forehead; the rush of coolness was delightful and made me feel a bit better. Picking it back up again, he wet it again and gently patted my face with it. He went down and up my neck and left it lying on my forehead.

"You must sleep, Christine." He instructed me, drawing the curtains. Approaching me again, he handed me the glass. "It's something that will help you sleep." He informed me, after seeing me stare at the liquid for a few moments. I drank it, but immediately wrinkled my nose. At this, he chuckled, causing me to shiver. "Yes, I know it has a bitter taste, but it is good for you."

Taking the glass from me, he made his way towards the door.

"Erik?" I whispered. Yes, I knew it was rather soft, but it seemed like Erik could hear anything I said… or thought.

Turning on his heel, his hazel eyes befell me, while he stood there silently.

"Thank you."

Nodding, Erik brought his finger up to his lips in a motion for me to be quiet. I shivered. Then, he turned off the lights, leaving the room dark before he left.

And with that, I snuggled under my covers and attempted to sleep.

Erik's POV

I sighed, as I emerged from her bedroom. Concern could most likely be seen glowing in my hazel eyes under my mask. Sick! She was sick! Frowning, I made my way back to the Louise-Phillipe room. I practically lived in this room, as I could always be found there. I took my usual seat at my piano, stroking a few cords. But I couldn't quite concentrate.

I could only think of my beloved angel… The angel that was currently ill… The Angel that had actually asked me to kiss her!

After about thirty minutes of lingering in my music, I finally stood and left the room. My thoughts were loitering on Christine… Entering the kitchen, I picked up the rose I had sat beside her breakfast. With a sigh, I walked upstairs and peered into her room.

She was asleep.

Shutting the door gently, I sauntered forward and gazed down at her. She was so beautiful – even if she was ill. Her scarlet lips were pursed, and I could hear her light breathing. I grazed my fingertips across her presently pallid cheek; of course, she wouldn't awake… Considering that she drank what I had given her, she most likely would sleep for the remainder of the day. Removing the no longer damp cloth from her forehead, I lay it on the side of the bowl. I leaned down hesitantly, pressing a kiss to her forehead. Picking up the basin, I placed the rose on her nightstand. Tied around its stem, was a crimson ribbon. It was a unique rose. The scarlet petals were so dark, that they almost appeared black. I sat it on top of a book – a very special book actually. The Nightingale and the Rose. She had loved it so much, that I told her she could simply keep it.

With a small smile, I left her room and put the basin in the kitchen. Returning to the Louise-Phillipe room, I continued working on Don Juan Triumphant.

A/N: Hehe, I just had to do that rose thing… (Grins) Please R&R!