Yay 2nd chapter up today, since last chapter was a little lean. And as you can see, I've changed the genres to suit it better. Tally ho and all that jazz, then...!

Disclaimer: Nothin' doin' 'bout ownin' anythin', can't sue me, Ha ha!

Leading Danielle into a small store room at the back of the theater, Gaston lit a few low-wicked candles, sat on a large wooden crate and began his tale.

"Like I said, I don't know his name...but the people of Paris call him Celui-The One. He's an egotistical maniac who plans to control the whole city within the next few months. He thinks if he can take over the Opera Populaire first, one of the largest and most reknown buildings in Paris, he'll be able to capture the people's trust and respect through terror."

Danielle was still hazy on the whole subject; was Gaston a man to be trusted?

"I met him while cleaning up after rehearsels one morning, a few months ago," Gaston continued. "I was the only one in the place-not counting the ballerinas, but they were in their dormitories, far from the stage. He came to me and told me of his plans..." At this he paused.

Danielle looked at him strangely, silently asking, What's wrong?

"He was incredibly frightening...His eyes glowed, his height doubled mine...He had a presence about him. An air of power. I had no choice but to accept his ideas and agree I would help him." He looked around nervously, afraid he was being listened in on. Then he turned to Danielle. "And now I regret it. So much. And I need your help."

"But what can I do?" Danielle asked quietly.

"I don't know, truthfully...But you know the Vicomte! Surely he could gather supporters of the Phantom? I'll trickCelui into showing himself in public, and we can catch him in the act of his malevolence!" Gaston said triumphantly.

Danielle frowned. "You think he'd fall for it? I mean, if you say he's the powerful man he is...? I just don't see it working."

"We have to do something don't we? I mean, if the Phantom doesn't give into his demands-which I highly doubt he will-I think he'll do something big...Like bring Elsa into the matter or something."

Danielle jumped. "What?" she asked loudly. "How would he know about Elsa? How do you know about Elsa?"

"I told you, I know about you two because I work in the opera. But Celui...He knows everything that happens in the opera house...Perhaps better than the Phantom himself," he shrugged.

"I don't believe you," Danielle said coldly. "You're tricking me."

"You must believe me," Gaston pleaded, laying a hand on her arm. "Please. I may be your only chance. The Phantom's only chance." His eyes shone in the low light.

Danielle looked deep into his eyes, trying to read him, trying to decipher his intentions. Whatever she had "figured out", she hadn't predicted what happened next.

Gaston leaned in and kissed her quickly.

Daniellle moved away and looked at him strangely.

"What the-?"

"I'm sorry!" Gaston said, hiding his face. "You're just-You're just so beautiful!"

Danielle blushed. "No, I'm not. You'll find many other girls in Paris more lovely than I am. Believe me," she mumbled.

Danielle had never been one to appreciate or even accept her beauty, which caused all her friends frustration.

"You are!" Gaston said sorrowfully. "I was just...blinded by it. I'm sorry. Take your leave of me, since you dare not trust me..."

Danielle looked at him carefully. He called me beautiful...She smiled slightly. "Gaston," she said, placing a hand on his shoulder, encouraging him to turn around.

"Oui, Mademoiselle?" he said, still sadly, his grey eyes sparkling.

"I do trust you," she said. "I'm very lucky to have met you. Now we can surely help Erik, and get rid of this Celui, or whatever his name is."

He smiled broadly. "Oh, Mademoiselle! You have no idea how happy you make me! Of course! We'll stop this madman, and save the Opera Populaire!"

Danielle smiled herself, and together they created different plans on how to 'catch the crook'. Danielle told Gaston all about herself, Elsa and the Phantom, and everything she knew about the Opera Populaire.

If only she had known...

What didn't she know that she should have? Do I even know? Who knows...But I can't tell ye anyway. :D I know you hate me. OR you could care less. Be zat way! Anywhozits...Iheart you all.

:) :) :) :) Review, if you please. :) :) :) :)