Chapter 21: Meaning and Meaningless

Erik sat at his organ, loathing Raoul in his mind and feeling the angry tremors rush through his fingers. If he hadn't been carrying Christine, he would have been in that office within seconds with his hands around the Victome's neck. He could have been dead in seconds.

Erik inhaled deeply.

The show was to be the day after next, and Toulouse had finally chosen a title, although it was only one word. This had slightly annoyed Erik, since Toulouse had insisted on taking so long with it. It was called "Anywhere".

"Anywhere." Erik tested it on his tongue, entwining it with his music.

It fit perfectly.

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Christine awoke slowly from a dream, a nightmare actually. Raoul had been plotting against her life if she did not return to him after the show.

But she was awake now.

Awake.

What did that word mean? It meant she was not sleeping. But that did not mean that she could just let go of where her soul had taken her in those few hours. No, it did not. She would be forever haunted by that part of her that knew something she didn't. At least, she didn't know until she was told through her dreams, the only connection to that wonderful world. The world she shared with Erik. Only Erik. She didn't just love him, she couldn't. Her soul was a part of his from the moment his angelic voice had turned her world into fantasy, paradise, heaven - but hell at the same time for she could not have him. She could not have him for many obstacles and walls stood between them. Her childishness and his power, Raoul and the managers, the chandelier and the death. Most of all, they were so right for each other, to be with each other, that neither could believe it still. To wake up in each others arms was alone a miracle every morning, to hear each other's song every day and looking into each other's eyes, seeing the love and adoration there, that was enough to bring the Universe to its knees.

Christine slid her body out of the luxirious bed and stood on slightly wobbley legs. She was still tired, but she needed to bathe. She grinned at her next thought.

So did Erik.

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Erik heard the running water and his mind was filled with countless fantasies of the Goddess that was in his bath chamber. He put down his quill and leaned back, unable to pay attention to the music in front of him. How could he when the smell of lavander and coconut were tempting his senses.

Control.

But why? She was his, she loved him. He had every right to waltz into that bathroom and seduce his fiance, or let her seduce him. What was stopping him? She was probaly waiting for him right now, as he wondered of meaningless things.

Were they meaningless?

"She will come to me when the curtain falls, or she will die!"

The memory wrenched at his heart and he inhaled sharply. Erik was sick of this, he wanted nothing more than to end this. His solution, kill Raoul.

It would never work.

First of all, he would most definatly not still be at the Moulin Rouge, he was not that stupid. Second, he just couldn't, not anymore.

He would wait.

"Erik."

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Christine lowered herself into the scented waters, waiting for the hands she knew would come. She laid her head back as she waited.

Something was not right.

Nothing would keep Erik from a room for long if she inhabited it. Had she done something wrong?

Oh God.

His face, she should have never done that. She thought it would help, she thought it would release him. Had she really hurt him? Scarred him beyond belief? She took a deep breath.

"Erik." She called to him weakly, fearing he would not come.

Seconds passed yet they seemed like an eternity.

She would not call him again. She closed her eyes and leaned back, only to be greeted by Erik's embrace. He stifled her scream with a kiss.

"Don't scream, it is bad for your voice Cherie." Erik whispered in her ear when she was calm.

Christine smiled. She kissed him this time, savoring the feel of his hands on her body as he rubbed oils into her skin and hair. She leaned against him, his face in her neck.

"Did I do something wrong?" She asked, her fingers twisting with his ebony locks.

Erik pulled away sharply. "No, why?"

Christine turned her face from him. "You are growing distant."

Erik stared down at her, wanting her to look at him. "No my dear, you have done nothing wrong, how could you? You are so perfect." He tilted her chin towards him. "You are my angel." He kissed her softly, relishing the feel of her tender lips. "My angel of music."

Satisfied, Christine smiled up at him. Then she frowned.

He was wearing that dammed mask.

"Erik, please, it is only me." She reached up and paused for a moment to see his reaction. Nothing. She gently removed the icy porcelin from the sensitive skin. She kissed his cheek softly, frightened that she would hurt him.

Erik just sat there, frozen for fear he would frighten her away. He wondered if he ever could frighten her away, she had returned so many times. He cautiously raised his arms to her waist, and she pulled away.

"Erik, before we continue, I must go see to things above. Please?"

Erik groaned. "Can't it wait until after we make love?"

Christine laughed, music to Erik's ears.

"No, fiance, it can't. Besides, we can't until after the wedding. Which is why I need to go, so I can prepare." Her eyes sparkled with excitement.

Erik sighed. "You win, my dear, but do not get comfortable with the idea. I like to have my way." He raised his hands in defeat. "Go get changed and I shall escort you to your dressing room."

Christine threw her arms around him.

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A/N: I'am very sorry to report that no matter how much you love my story, it must come to an end. That's right, only a few more chapters left, but you can change that. Yes, you CAN change that! Just review and tell me you want it to continue, that's right! ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IS REVIEW! Come on, you know you wanna. Hahahaha. Any way, THANK YOU SO MUCH I LOVE YOU ALL! BYE!