Rated: PG

Genre: Romance

Summary: Raoul was supposed to go to the Opera Populaire and fall in love. But not with Christine. Is it too late at a chance for love? MegRaoul with some ErikChristine!!!

Disclaimer: I do not own POTO. The pleasure belongs to ALW and Gaston Leroux.

A/N: Okay, for the record, I am not a fan of Raoul. So when this idea came I had to slap myself. Why I'm making a story featuring Raoul I don't know, but it kept nagging me. I'm a firm believer in E/C and so I was thinking maybe that Meg and Raoul were meant to be. But for those who are Raoul fans, I did do him justice and portrayed him as a good guy from both the book and movie.

A Love Denied No More

By: Erik'sTrueAngel

Chapter 1- The Matchmaker

It was the depressing time for Raoul. Why you ask? In a few days it would be Christine's and his wedding. But when he means his it's not the Vicomte's, oh no, but him- the Angel of Music aka Phantom aka Erik.

He stared down at the invitation with incredible sadness. Why could it not be him instead of that monster? What could Christine possibly see in him? He was nothing but a beast, a murderer, and a madman. Yet he won. He won fairly as much as Raoul hated to admit it. Christine chose Erik over him because she loved Erik not him.

He was shock when the couple gave him the invitation. Why would they invite him? But Christine wanted to keep their friendship alive and if he couldn't be her lover, than remaining friends was the best option. At least he had some sort of relationship with her.

Raoul had a feeling that Erik was probably a bit upset of him being there and he imagined the two fighting over it. It was simple to think of. After all, Erik hated him and he wouldn't want his rival to be at such a happy occasion. Surprisingly, when Raoul first turned it down, Erik insisted that he should come. So he agreed, a state in shock he was, but it pleased his Little Lotte immeasurably.

He raked a hand through his wavy flaxen hair and sighed. He was going to put himself through torture by attending the event. He could back out. All he had to do was tell Christine that some urgent business came up and he wouldn't be back in time. It would save him the heartache. The only thing holding him back from doing such an act was the inevitable disappointment on her lovely face. No. He couldn't do that to her. Not when things have been going smoothly.

He set the card down and got up to get ready for bed. While changing he realized he might be the only guest without an escort. Wait a second; there was the young Meg Giry. She didn't appear to be with anyone so perhaps they could go together. It would be as friends of course and it might make the wedding bearable. Yes he would do that. When he gets the chance to see Meg he would ask. With that in mind, Raoul fell into a peaceful slumber.

Meg was sitting at her vanity brushing her long golden locks. She was excited. Her best friend's wedding was coming up soon!

She thought back to when Christine announced the news. She couldn't believe that Christine was to wed the Phantom! No Erik, she reminded herself. It was hard to remember to call him that. Meg spent most of her life calling him the Opera Ghost and the Phantom that when she learned that he had a normal name, it felt unlikely to say. But, nonetheless, she was happy for her friend's happiness for it was a long, long time since Christine showed any kind of joy.

No, that's not true, she thought. There was the time when the Vicomte first came to the Opera House.

But she knew that wasn't the actual type of joy she had now. Sure Christine was happy to see her childhood sweetheart, but it wasn't the same whenever Christine was around Erik.

She did have to admit that she was jealous of her friend's good fortune. She had two men fighting for her love, something that every girl dreams of. But Meg was never fortunate to have that thrill. She had her share of admirers who would leave flowers, box of chocolates, or an occasional necklace and nothing more. She never met a man who would go as far as Erik did for Christine or Raoul.

She did have to admit that the Vicomte was quite attractive and she didn't hide this fact from Christine. Being an innocent, of course, Meg always believed in love at first sight. When Raoul came on stage to announce his patronage, Meg felt a connection, even though he didn't notice her. There was something about him that she couldn't resist.

The daydream was shattered when Christine told her of their past. Meg was jealous at that moment, but then again, they were only children. What were the chances of him remembering Christine? Or even having any intimate feelings towards her?

Sadly, when Raoul made his intentions known clearly towards Christine after her disappearance, Meg felt hurt that he didn't even look her way. She was young and beautiful like Christine so what did she have that Meg didn't? She couldn't sing like an angel like Christine could for one reason.

Any romantic feelings towards the Vicomte ended at the night of the Masquerade. Meg saw the engagement ring around her friend's neck and she knew that Christine belonged to Raoul. And he to her. There were no hopes of him coming to her no more. A thought that made Meg cry the entire night. She knew she would never find her Knight of Shining Armor for he was gone.

Imagine her shock when Christine loved the Phantom the whole time! Raoul was a wreck at that point, but Meg refused to do any sort of comforting. An action she later scolded herself for not doing. She knew if she did then Raoul would use her until his guilt was gone and she would be left alone as he goes off to another girl.

She pushed aside all thoughts of Raoul and focused on the wedding. Tomorrow, she and Christine were going to the flower shop to pick out her bouquet. Then the girls were planning to go out to lunch. Later they were going to go over any last minute wedding detail with Erik. Meg was still a bit nervous around him, but lately she's been loosening up. This is so because Erik is nervous around her as well since he's not use to having so much contact with others without terrifying them.

She stood up and quickly nestled over the covers. She bent over to the nightstand and blew out the candle before resting on her pillow.

The wedding is going to be perfect, Meg could tell. As she slowly drifted off, her mind wandered back to the Vicomte de Chagny.

It was around noon when the two friends were walking down the streets of Paris. Arm-in-arm, the girls headed towards Jacques Florist Shoppe when Meg stopped in front of Marguerite's Boutique. There were gowns behind the glass window that attracted her. Especially the long pale pink dress with lace sleeves.

The dress Meg was wearing to the wedding was one of the Opera's costumes. Her mother wasn't too thrilled of allowing her daughter to borrow an expensive gown, but Meg promised to take good care of it. It was lovely. But the pink dress was far lovelier than the olive green she had waiting for her.

Seeing her friend's expression, Christine smiled and said, "It is a lovely gown."

"Sure is," Meg whispered.

"Buy it," the brunette encouraged.

Meg looked at her friend horrified. "Me? Christine I can't afford it!"

"Well, then consider it as a gift from me instead. Erik has given me more than enough money for this trip. It's my treat."

Despite Meg's protests, the soprano dragged her inside and a half an hour later, they emerged with bags in their hands. Meg got her dress and Christine bought three, one of which, she refused to show Meg.

"It's for later," she told her. "I think Erik would see I put his money to good use."

Then they were off again to their original destination. Jacques Florist Shoppe was a tiny building in the middle of a very loud bakery and tavern (which during the day is quiet at night it gets rowdy). Erik was a bit apt to allow Christine to go there, but her and Meg had been going to Jacques' for years and they never had a problem.

Walking in, they were greeted by the fresh scents of numerous flowers and plants. The building may look old and rustic on the outside, but inside was an Eden of Mother Nature.

"Good day my ladies!" boomed Jacques. The little bald man with a giant of a heart and booming voice came from the counter to greet his favorite customers. The girls adored Jacques. He had a way of making anyone feel welcome and comfortable in his store.

"Hello Jacques," they answered.

"So what brings you fine ladies here?"

"We're looking for some flowers to make up a bouquet for my wedding," Christine explained.

"Wedding, huh? I knew you would be taken sooner or later. Congratulations Christine! Meg, I hope you don't get yourself swept off your feet before I get my chance," he laughed.

"For you, Jacques, I will wait," the blonde joked.

"Well, I don't need to show you where to look. Go on girls."

The two friends spent some time looking over each flower and none of them seemed right to Christine. Either that one was too bright, too dull, or too aromatic.

Then an idea hit Meg. "Christine, why not a bunch of red roses? After all, isn't what the Phantom, I mean, Erik gives you all the time?"

The brunette's face brightened. "Meg that's brilliant! Why haven't I thought of it before?"

In a few minutes, the girls found a dozen red roses to Christine's satisfaction. While Christine was busy paying for them, Meg began to head towards the door when she froze at whom she was staring at.

Across the street was the Vicomte. He just got off his carriage and looked around in deep thought.

Christine finished and almost bumped into her as she turned. She opened her mouth to ask what was wrong when she noticed who caught her friend in a trance.

Looking from Meg's dreamy countenance to Raoul, she realized the situation. A crafty smirk appeared on her face. So Meg likes Raoul as it appears. My two best friends…

Making a daft decision, the bride-to-be grabbed Meg's hand and tugged her outside.

"Raoul!" she called as they hit the sidewalk.

Raoul heard his name and turned. A huge smile broke out on his features as he recognized his love, no friend, he reminded himself. He looked both ways before striding over to the girls.

It just dawned on Meg at what was happening and grew panicky. What is Christine thinking? She thought wildly. He's coming over here! Oh no!

"Christine," he greeted warmly as he bent down to kiss her hand. "It's good to see you."

"It's good to see you as well. Raoul, you remember Meg Giry, don't you?"

His eyes shifted over to settle on the blonde. Nodding, Raoul repeated the same gesture to Meg. Meg's stomach fluttered from the burning contact of his lips on her knuckles. You foolish girl. Stop that! she scolded herself.

"Vicomte," Meg bowed her head.

"Please, no need for formality. Call me Raoul," he said warmly.

"Raoul." The name sounded so much better on her lips than Vicomte.

Raoul's heartbeat quicken at the mention of his name escaping from Meg's mouth. He mentally shook his head and forced his heart to calm. He didn't know what overcame him to cause it to happen. Only one girl could cause his blood to pump faster and she was out of grasp…

"So what brings you here?" Christine asked, returning Raoul to the real world.

"I thought a walk through the city might be nice," he answered.

She nodded and stole a glance at Meg who was trying to keep her composure. It looked like she needed some help…

"We're on our way to lunch. I have an idea. Raoul, why don't you join us? The three of us haven't done anything together."

Both Raoul and Meg stared at her, Meg bewildered and anxious while Raoul was surprised. Wouldn't her fiancé mind? he thought. I suppose not.

"I would be delighted," Raoul finally answered after a few moments of awkward silence.

They were heading over toLa RoseCafé when Christine remembered she had promised Erik earlier she would return to go over the guest list. It was actually a lie, but her friends didn't know and she wanted them to spend some time alone together. She knew Raoul had a lot of passion in him and from the shy actions of Meg, she knew they would make a cute couple.

She said her good-byes and hurried off to the Opera house. She couldn't wait to tell Erik of the possible courtship between her friends!

Watching her friend leave, Meg wanted so badly to chase after her and maybe kill her as well. She couldn't believe that Christine deserted her… and with Raoul for that matter! Not that she didn't mind, though, but she was terrified! She never had been alone with him. And since Raoul joined them she barely even said a full sentence! How can she hold a conversation with him when she was being so damn shy! Christine was the only one who did all the talking for the both of them! Perhaps he was nervous as well. But why would he be nervous? What if-?

"Mademoiselle?" the waiter interrupted her thoughts.

Already she and Raoul were sitting at a table. She began to blush furiously and hid her face behind the menu. She couldn't let Raoul see her like this!

Being a gentleman and all, Raoul mistook her off guarded reaction as to not being ready to order.

"A few more minutes please," he told the waiter.

"Thank you," she said timidly.

Raoul gave her a warm smile and glanced back at his own menu. He was still shock that Christine left. He wanted to spend some time with her, but he didn't mean that Meg Giry wasn't good company. She was. He lifted his head to say something, but the words died.

Sitting outside, the lighting of the sun brought out Meg's beauty. Her strands of golden spools were slightly blowing in the light breeze and those blue jewels that she possesses! He never noticed how deep they were. He could almost dive into them and get lost without any worries. Meg was the true image of an angel right there with her ivory glowing flesh and rosy lips that releases that charming voice.

What the heck are you thinking?! he screamed at himself. This is Meg Giry! Christine's best friend! You love Christine! Stop having these boyish thoughts about her! Yes she's attractive, but stand guard! How come I never saw how beautiful she was? Fop! Quit it! Ahh!

"Are you ready to order Mlle. Giry?" Raoul asked.

She blinked a few times before nodding. Relieved, Raoul called over the waiter and ordered for them both. When he left, Raoul knew if he didn't start talking to the blonde beauty about something (anything!) he would spend the entire lunch admiring her.

"So how's the wedding coming?" he blurted.

"It's going fine. Christine's excited as is Erik," she told him. She grinned triumphantly for remembering Erik's name. "I'm happy for them both. Christine deserves happiness and Erik does make her happy."

She regretted the words right away as soon as they left her mouth. She didn't mean it that way and seeing the handsome face fall broke her heart and earned a good scolding from her mind. "I'm sorry! I didn't mean-"

"No, it's fine. You're right she does deserve happiness. She has… Erik and my friendship so there's no need for despair."

That still didn't make Meg feel better. She could tell from reading his face he still harbored feelings for her friend and cursed Christine for having power over the Vicomte. She wanted that so much! She deserved some happiness as well!

"How many guests are attending?" Raoul knew that on Christine's side there would be plenty, but what about her dear fiancé?

"You and me plus some of the dancers and the managers of the Opera," Meg replied. "My mother, of course, and the Persian. You remember Monsieur Nadir Khan, yes?"

Raoul nodded. The Persian indeed! How could Raoul don't forget him?

Meg told him how Erik wanted a small wedding with a few close friends, but Christine insisted on inviting everyone she knew. It was her wedding and it comes only once so eventually Erik gave in. Christine, however, for her future husband's sake agreed the reception would be small. That way they both got what they wanted. This spun off into other wedding planning stories including Meg's favorite over who should sing at the reception. As a joke, Christine told Erik she wanted Carlotta. His reaction was priceless and went on a tangent of how no toad will sing for anything of his! Christine couldn't hold in her laughter and while Erik was ranting she was having a case of the hysterics.

Meg wiped a tear that fell from recalling the memory. She giggled as well when she said how Erik got her back. He had Nadir get an exact copy of the wedding dress. Erik hid the original and told Christine that Nadir took it to get it clean. When the dear daroga returned he "accidentally" dropped it in the lake in front of Christine's eyes.

Raoul joined in with Meg's laughter. All of a sudden he stopped to listen to her. She had a wonderful laugh. It wasn't too loud nor soft, but easy on the hearing like the chimes of bells. A heavenly sound if you wish.

When Meg realized she was the only one laughing, her face turned red and tried to avert from his gaze. Nice one Meg, she thought.

It hit Raoul that his staring made her feel like an idiot. She wasn't the idiot, he was!

"My apologies Mlle. Giry," he said. "I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable. It's just that you have a lovely laugh."

Meg was taken aback at his compliment. Did she hear what she thought he said?! She bit her lower lip to suppress the grin that was threatening to break. He did truly mean it! A girlish pride welled up within her.

He began to relax when Meg resumed to her normal stance. "So, since we're on the topic of the wedding. Do you have anyone to escort you? If you don't, then would you go with me?" Raoul asked with a hint of hope in it.

Meg couldn't hold the smile in any longer and nodded her head eagerly. "I would love that Raoul."

The rest of the day flew by. After lunch, Raoul and Meg took a tour through the city in his carriage and then stopped for a walk through the park. It was growing dark when the excursion had to come to an end. Tomorrow was the big day and Meg needed her rest to help the bride.

Raoul was reluctant to let Meg go, but she had her obligations and he wouldn't dare to have her compromise for his sake. He helped her out of the carriage and swiftly brushed his lips across her knuckles before releasing her.

"I had a splendid time Mlle. Giry."

"As did I. Oh, please, call me Meg." With that Meg turned and ran up the stairs to the Opera house.

He watched her leave and sighed. "Farewell Meg." Meg…

Christine saw her friend's dazed face and knew everything worked out well. She was so excited! Stepping into the shadows, she headed to her underground home.

Erik was sitting at his organ when Christine returned. She quickly told him what she saw when Meg came back. He was thrilled. If Raoul and Meg ended up together he wouldn't have to worry about the boy taking his wife. Erik still had fears that this all was a dream and that the reality of it was Raoul was marrying Christine, not him.

He wasn't too keen on the notion of the Vicomte attending his wedding. But Christine persisted until he finally caved. He couldn't deny her anything and this friendship with the fop was important to her. Erik wanted her happy and even if it meant to have his rival be there then so be it.

"Oh Erik can you imagine Meg and Raoul getting married?!" Christine squealed with delight. "Their kids and ours would be playmates and maybe one day get married!"

Erik chuckled at his fiancée's mirth. "My dear, are you planning their future before us?"

She rolled her eyes. "Erik, our future is already planned. We're getting married tomorrow!"

"I know and I'm so happy," he said. "You've made my life better mon ange."

He pulled her into a passionate embrace. "I love you so much," Erik whispered.

"I love you too my Angel of Music," Christine whispered back, full of love and admiration for this beloved man.

"Maybe if you continue your little game of matchmaker, perhaps there might be another wedding." Erik winked at her playfully.

She stuck her tongue out at him and giggled. "Maybe I will mon amour. You know, Meg and Raoul might need some help coming out of their shells and I believe we're the ones to do just so."

"We? Christine, what do you mean by 'we'?!" Erik watched as his fiancée headed to the Louis-Philippe room without answering him.

"Christine!"

Her response was an amusing laugh.

TBC……..