"Ulterior Motives"

Author's note: Oh man. I haven't updated in such a long time. I apologize to the readers. I've been so caught up with school lately, and I've had writer's block. This chapter might be so-so because it's hard trying to establish a friendship between Erik and Raoul, and to make it believable. But I'm working on it. This chapter is dedicated to Hugh Panaro's dog. Don't ask. XD And it's also dedicated to John Cudia, who as I have said before, practically IS Raoul. He is perfection. And a really nice person to boot. I'm grateful to be semi-friends with him XD

And on a very random related note, I have just seen POTO for the 15th time. Obsessed? Perhaps. ^_~

Yeah. So this chapter is in Raoul's POV, kind of. But 3rd person.

~*~*~*~

Chapter 4 – Damaged Illusions

Monsieur de Chagny,

I apologize for our brief and, perhaps for you, baffling meeting, and for any worry I may have caused you. However, I am merely looking out for your well-being. It is difficult to explain what I mean, but you will find out in time. You are most likely wondering as to what my identity is. I am no one you know, but one who would like to meet you. You are attending tonight's performance of Faust, so perhaps we may become acquainted then. I will be waiting for you in Box 5, as I was last time.

Regards,

O.G.

Raoul stood in the grand foyer of the Opera Populaire, holding the note in his hand. He had received it in his mailbox that morning, but there was no return address. The memory of the voice he had heard in Box 5 just a few nights previous was still imprinted in his mind, and it had shown no traces of leaving anytime soon. To make matters worse, he had received this letter. The man whom the mysterious voice belonged to now wanted to meet him. While part of him was suspicious, Raoul felt that he needed to meet this man, if only to figure out what he meant by being 'careful' of Christine… and who WAS this "O.G."?

Several minutes later, he found himself outside of Box 5. He was nervous, anxious even, not knowing what to expect. He grasped the doorknob with a sweaty palm, and pushed the door open, stepping in and closing it behind it. The box itself was rather dimly lit, but he could easily make out the shape of a cloaked man sitting in one of the seats,  wearing a black fedora, facing away from him. Raoul was quiet, unsure of how to initiate the conversation. He did not have to wait long, however, for the man had stood up.

"M'sieur le Vicomte. Welcome. I am pleased that you have accepted my invitation," the man said. Raoul found himself once again captivated by his voice, which seemed to have a near-songlike quality. Smooth, clear, entrancing…sensual, even. Raoul was about to say something when the man turned around.

The man's appearance rendered Raoul speechless. While he wore the usual garments of their time, it was his face that mystified him. While half of it seemed perfectly normal, the other half was covered by a smooth white mask. The man had seen the confused look on Raoul's face, for he spoke to him, "I apologize for my appearance, but I cannot be any other way. Here, sit down, so that we may talk." With that, he gestured to the seat next to him.

Raoul slowly nodded and made his way over, sitting down, as the man sat down next to him. The two were silent for several moments before Raoul managed to get himself to say something.

"Who are you, monsieur, and why are you sending me letters concerning Christine?" he asked. The man simply smiled.

"My name…you may call me Erik. As for the purpose of my letters, it is merely to warn you. Christine is not as innocent as she seems. You may not find a relationship with her to work out so…easily," he said, lowering his voice slightly as the opera began.

"I…excuse me? How do you presume to know so much about Christine?" Raoul questioned, puzzled.

"I am her vocal teacher. I have been for quite some time. I know her quite well, possibly better than even you know her. And I have seen the beginnings of a romance blossoming between you two, but I just wanted to tell you this: She's not what she seems. Perhaps she may love you for who you are; perhaps her love is more for your heritage and wealth. Women are mystifying beings, you would never know the better."

"…What makes you say this all?"

"I am a perceptive man, M'sieur le Vicomte. I can see things that most others do not. I observe, and pass judgement. But, perhaps we should let such matters be. After all, I do not want to interfere between you two. Shall we move on to a lighter subject?"

At this point, Raoul could do nothing but nod. He was still in a state of confusion over the man…Erik's…words. Was he really her vocal teacher? Was his opinion valid, should he even take it into thought? And was he telling the truth? All these questions and more ran through Raoul's mind for the rest of the opera. He absentmindedly chatted with Erik about the opera, the cast, and other such things…But what confused him, even more than the issues with Christine, was the man himself. By the time the opera was over, he could not hold the question inside any longer.

"M'sieur..Erik…why do you tell me these things about Christine? What is the true purpose behind your warnings?" he asked.

Erik grinned slightly, standing up. "Because, M'sieur, I would hate for another man to fall prey to her charms. You seem like a good enough man. I suggest you turn your interests away from her. Now, if you will excuse me, I must make my leave. I may contact you again…after all. I could use an acquaintance, as could you. Farewell," he said, tipping his hat as he made his way out of the box.

Raoul could do nothing but hold his head in his hands, wondering what was going on…what he was to do…what he was supposed to even think.

Everything that seemed so perfect was brought into a different light.

Perfection was once again a prospect that would elude him.