Disclaimer: I still don't own anything, and am still making no money.

Summary: The masquerade scene, redone with Christine and Erik going together.

A/N: I know I already posted this chapter, but I've made some changes, and I'm hoping to improve the plot from here. Constructive criticism welcome, flames will be used to toast marshmallows for smores.

Chapter Four

Christine nervously fingered the chain around her neck holding the engagement ring. Oddly enough, it was Erik who insisted she wear it that way, if she wore it all. It would draw unnecessary attention, he said, and unwanted complications. What could she do but bend to his will? There was a good chance he was right. She checked herself over in the mirror for about the tenth time, making sure everything was perfect. Normally she wasn't too finicky about how she looked, but tonight she wanted to impress him, make him proud to be her escort.

She was relieved when he finally emerged into her dressing room by way of the mirror. She'd been starting to worry that he'd changed his mind. Not that she would blame him, really. For a man who'd spent most of his life avoiding people because of their cruel nature, attending a crowded party was a big step. She wished she could undo all that the world had done to him. Some people really were kind and good, Meg and Madame Giry were prime examples of it, and so was Raoul, although she doubted he would appreciate that example very much.

His costume was perfect, but she didn't know why she was surprised. He wears evening apparel all through the day for crying out loud, I knew to expect something elegant for a costume. The red fabric clung to his muscled form, and the skull inspired mask hid his deformity as well as his identity. He smiled when he saw her. He did it just often enough to be charming, but to remain disarming at the same time. He held out his arm to her in mock formality.

They didn't turn any heads when they entered the ballroom. In fact, compared to some, their costumes could have been considered plain. It was a blessing for those seeking anonymity. Christine couldn't help but grin as they whirled around the dance floor. Although he didn't show it often, there was a lighter side of Erik's personality. Apparently he excelled in dance, in addition to magic, singing, playing the piano, and just about everything else he did. She could see him smiling from behind his mask. He really was enjoying himself, despite the crowd.

It wasn't until Raoul made an appearance that Christine even considered the possibility that the evening could be ruined. He didn't spot her right away, but she knew she couldn't hide for long. If only she could make him understand, tell him that she did have feelings for him, but they paled in comparison to the feelings she had for Erik. She could never bring herself to say something like that. It would be cruel, not to mention unladylike. He would make someone a wonderful husband someday, that someone just couldn't be her. A tap on her shoulder startled her out of her preponderance.

"Raoul," she said, nodding as politely as she could in greeting.

"Do you mind if I cut in?" he smiled impishly at her.

She laid a reassuring hand on Erik's shoulder, "I'll only be a minute," she whispered, and then she was gone, and he was left standing alone on the dance floor. If he thought he could take the opportunity to brood about his loneliness, he was sorely mistaken. In coarse of time that Christine was gone, perhaps ten or fifteen minutes, he was asked to dance by at least seven different women.

When Christine returned her eyes were flashing, her cheeks were flushed, and her mouth was turned down in a frown. At first she refused to acknowledge that something was wrong , but after some provoking she relented and allowed Erik to lead her into a more private corner of the ball room. As soon as they were out of ear shot she broke down and cried in his arms, he kept asking what was wrong and she would only reply he is going to kill you, he is going to kill you. After she had calmed down a bit she was able to explain. She said that as Raoul swept her across the floor, he started making crude comments about Erik and how they were not a very flattering couple, this made Christine furious! She started to defend them when Raoul sharply cut her off and told her she was to cut off all communication with Erik and never see him again. If she defied him he would take care of it himself, she did not know exactly what this meant but she knew it could not be good, but instead of getting frightened as Raoul had planned she got even more furious and abruptly cut off the dance and swept away. Now Raoul was so unaware off what he had started or done, he brushed it off as if it were nothing and went off to enjoy the rest of the evening, thinking that Christine would come to her senses and meekly come crawling back to him, begging to be taken back after she had wronged him. Little did he know that at this moment " meek innocent Christine" was not so obedient anymore.

A/N: Megra! You're so amazing for helping me out with this chapter! Thanks to everyone who reviewed me, and hopefully this is a little better now than it was before.