From Angel's Eyes

Chapter Twelve

In the car on the way to the Opera House, Christine asked Erik questions about the concert. Who would be performing, did he know which pieces, who else was going to be there?

Erik answered to the best of his ability, smiling at her enthusiasm and excitement. Eventually Christine realised that she hadn't stopped talking since they got into the car and blushed.

"I'm sorry."

"Don't be."

"I'm just so excited! I've always wanted to go. I did some opera pieces in Dr Carter's class and I've listened to it of course. But I've never got to see any performed live."

"It's a wonderful experience. I'm certain that you'll enjoy it." Erik smiled. Christine smiled back and then stared as the car drew up to the Opera House.

The 'few' photographers that Erik had mentioned, were in fact about forty photographers. She was suddenly very glad that the windows to the car were blacked out.

"Wow. Red carpet and everything…" She said weakly. Erik smiled slightly.

"Don't worry. It can be quite intimidating but they're just like insects. You can brush them away easily enough. Don't say anything if you don't want to."

"OK. Just don't leave me by myself or I might just get hysterical." She warned. He smiled at her and said,

"I won't leave your side for a moment. I promise."

The car stopped at the top of the red carpet. He looked at her.

"Ready?"

"No. But let's go anyway." She said honestly. Erik opened the door and climbed out first. The cameras flashed brightly and Erik found himself temporarily blinded. He paused for a moment and then turned, holding out his hand for Christine. She took it without hesitation and he helped her out of the car, closing the door behind her.

And then, still holding her hand firmly in his, they began their walk. The cameras went off in every direction and Christine glanced up at Erik. He gave her a small, reassuring smile and stopped so the press could take their photos. Christine smiled as he did, rather enjoying the experience but eager to get inside. He didn't let go of her hand once. One of the reporters shouted,

"Who's this, Mr Destler?"

"This is Christine Danes."

"How did you two meet?" Another person shouted. Christine let Erik answer.

"Christine has the leading part in the university play that I am sponsoring."

"The Phantom of the Opera?"

"That's right."

He looked at down at Christine and gave his characteristic smirk.

"Shall we go inside?"

"Yes, please." she said, a little relieved. He guided her along the carpet and she smiled as they approached the grand doors. Once inside, the noise faded slightly. Erik shook his head.

"Irritating, but it can't really be helped. The press have their need to feel important."

"No, it was quite fun. I felt like a celebrity!" Christine laughed. Erik smiled.

"Come, I'll introduce you to the owner of the Opera House."

Still clasping her hand, he led her through the crowd that had gathered in the lobby of the magnificent building. Several people greeted Erik but he simply nodded politely before moving on until he tapped the shoulder of a powerful looking man in his late fifties. His hair was dark, with grey hairs starting to poke through and he had a strong jaw which moved into a smile as he saw Erik.

"Erik! How wonderful that you came!"

"Andrew, it's a pleasure to see you again."

"How have you been? And who is this delightful young lady?" His eyes settled on Christine and smiled.

"This is Christine Danes. She's got the main part in the show I'm working on at the university. Christine, this is Andrew Norton."

"Ah yes, your little project. I must say, I'm looking forward to it Erik. So you took the part of Christine?" he asked her. She smiled and nodded.

"Yes, that's right."

"I'll bet Erik drives you all insane. Quite a slave driver."

"We prefer to call it intense enthusiasm." Christine replied with a smile. Andrew laughed loudly and clapped Erik on this shoulder.

"I've got to meet and greet. I'll see you at the party afterwards?"

He didn't wait for a reply before moving off to say hello someone else. Erik sighed.

"He's a very eager man. Takes great pride in knowing everyone who is anyone."

"You know him well?"

"I did some work here a few years ago." He said, pulling her through the crowds to the doors leading into corridors. They walked along one, going up flights of stairs. Erik clearly knew where he was going and opened a door. Christine went through and her jaw dropped.

They were in a private box, giving them a perfect view of the stage below. Christine sank into one of the two chairs in the box and stared around the magnificent theatre. It made the university one look pathetic with it splendour.

"What do you think?" Erik asked, sitting beside her. She looked at him and said calmly,

"You're my hero."

He smiled and picked up the programme. Christine took hers and glanced through it, smiling whenever she saw Erik's name. There were thirty pieces be performed, fifteen in each half and at least twelve of them were Erik's, as well as some more traditional pieces such as Beethoven, Bach and several opera pieces.

"This looks amazing." She commented. Erik smiled briefly and said,

"It's quite impressive."

"And you get your own box? If it's Box 5, I'm going to have to laugh hysterically." She warned him. He smirked.

"Prepare to laugh."

"You're joking? It's really Box 5?" she said with a look of disbelief.

"I requested it especially on my arrival at the Opera House." He explained. Christine smiled widely, gazing around the theatre again. It was truly beautiful. She glanced down at the seats below which were filling fast as the show was starting soon.

Erik watched her examine the theatre, wondering what she was thinking, if she was feeling the same way he had when he had first entered a theatre like this. The childlike excitement, complete awe mixed with a certain amount of wonder.

Christine smiled at him again.

"I don't know how I'm ever going to repay you for this."

"Sing perfectly in the performances. That would be more than enough." He told her. She smiled and then said,

"Seriously, Erik, this is wonderful. Thank you so much."

He met her eyes with his intense green ones and said quietly,

"You're welcome. It's a pleasure to share something like this with you." And then the lights dimmed, the curtains opened and they applauded as the first of the performers appeared.


Christine had never known a night like it. Music mingled with laughter, applause tangled with tears of joy at the beauty of the songs, introductions with people mixed with delicious wine. By the time the second half ended, Christine felt as if she were walking on air as the applause died and the lights came up. Erik looked at her.

"Your verdict?"

"This has been the most wonderful evening I have ever had. The music was just… words fail me! Especially your pieces, I've never heard anything so beautiful."

"I'm glad you think so. The orchestra performed well." Erik said, rising. Christine picked up her programme and they made their way into the lobby, where people were talking happily as they headed for another room, where there was to be a party.

Erik did not seem particularly keen to go to the party and Christine could understand why. That many people, all talking loudly would make anyone uncomfortable.

"We should probably go in for a short while. We wouldn't want to insult our host." He said, lifting his eyes slightly towards the heavens. Christine smiled and placed her hand in the crook of his arm.

"Once more into the breach, dear friend." She said in a voice of mock-bravery.

They entered the huge room and Andrew Norton greeted them cheerfully.

"What did you think, Erik? Did it do your work justice?" he asked. Erik nodded.

"An excellent evening, Andrew. We enjoyed it thoroughly."

"Wonderful! Well, go on in, there are plenty of people who are eager to see you."

Erik gave a rather fixed smile and Christine almost laughed at his expression. Sure enough, as soon as they entered, several people descended on them at once, all talking and congratulating Erik. He smiled politely, answered a few questions and introduced Christine to them. One blustering woman in her fifties smirked at Christine.

"And how long have you been with our Mr Destler?"

"Oh! We're not… I mean…" Christine stammered, flushing. Luckily Erik stepped in.

"Christine is my leading lady, Mrs Colman."

"Well, that could mean anything in this day and age!" the woman said, waving her hand dismissively. Christine smiled sweetly.

"I can assure you, Mr Destler and I have a very professional relationship."

"Oh… is that so? Well…" She seemed to lose interest after that and disappeared. Erik looked down at Christine.

"Congratulations. You just managed to get rid of the most imposing woman in the room. A simple thank you does not justify how much that means to me."

"You're welcome." Christine smiled.

Erik passed her a glass of wine and checked his watch.

"I expect that we'll be able to escape fairly soon."

"Not having fun?" She teased and he lifted his visible eyebrow. She laughed and sipped the wine as he said,

"There is only so much I can stand and I think I passed my limit fifteen minutes ago."

"Entirely understandable." Christine agreed.

They circled the room, greeting people before casually working their way back to the door. Once in the empty entrance hall Erik hurried her outside into the cool night air, a delightful change from the stifling heat of the Opera House. Erik looked around for the car but it was nowhere to be found. He muttered under his breath and pulled out a phone. He spoke sharply into the phone, closed it and said,

"The car will be around in a moment. Although, it's rather pleasant out here." She nodded and he noticed for the first time that his hand was wrapped around hers. He wondered if he should let go but found that he didn't particularly want to. Instead he said hesitantly,

"Would you like to come for a drink?"

For a moment he thought she'd refuse. But then her lips curved into a sweet smile.

"That'd be nice." Erik was about to say something but found he couldn't. He didn't know if it was the quiet night air, or the wine, or simply the fact that her hand was still in his, or maybe it was the smile on her face and in her eyes. But before he could think rationally he had bent his head to hers. She didn't hesitate but moved forward. Their lips met softly, hesitant, unsure at first. But then they moved together, because it simply made sense, as though the whole evening had been leading to this very moment. Christine lifted her hands to run them Erik's soft, dark hair and his hands were on her waist, pulling her towards him as an electricity pulsed through them, the desire and longing that had been between them for so long coming to a climax.

And then they jumped apart as a camera flash went off. They both started as a photographer took another picture of them and then began to run away, as though in fear that Erik would attack him. Christine stared after the photographer and then up at Erik who was watching her fearfully.

"Christine, I-" She put a finger to his lips and he fell silent. Without another word she reached up again and kissed him purposefully once more. Erik seemed astonished, but didn't hesitate to return the kiss.

They moved apart as the car pulled up. Erik didn't say anything and neither did she as they entered the car. Erik told Thompson to take them back to his house. Christine couldn't stop thinking about what had just happened, silently yelling at herself. What the hell were you thinking?

"I'm sorry." Erik said quietly. She looked at him sharply.

"You are?"

"Yes."

"Oh." Was it his imagination or did she sound disappointed? He found out a moment later because she said quietly,

"I'm not."

He stared at her and she lifted her eyes to meet his. But before he could say anything else they had arrived at his house and were going up the driveway. They went into the Entrance Hall and she gave her bag and wrap to a servant, who also took Erik's jacket.

He led her into the living room she had seen the day she had driven him home. Here, he poured two glasses of wine and handed one to her. She accepted it and wandered over to the window, looking out over the gardens. Erik didn't speak as he drank some of the wine, watching her. She was chewing gently on her lip and then she turned to him.

"Erik, I…" Her voice faded away and she didn't seem to know what to say. Erik put down his wine glass and moved over to her. He took the glass from her hand, set it on the mantelpiece and cupped her face in his hands, kissing her gently.

After a moment he drew back and said,

"I had to do it one more time. In case what you're about to say is that this can never happen and you don't think we should see each other outside of the theatre anymore and when the show is over you don't want to see me again. I had to do it just once more."

She stared at him in amazement and then said,

"I wasn't going to say that."

"You weren't?"

"No. What I was going to say is that I really like you. A lot. And I'm willing to try if you are, but if you think it's not a good idea-"

He kissed her again and when he pulled back she said with a faint smile,

"I take it you think that it's a good idea."

"No. I don't. But I find that I don't particularly care." He admitted. Christine smiled and looked down. Erik watched her carefully and then said quietly,

"It won't be easy."

"Nothing ever is anymore." She replied.

"Are you still willing to try?"

Her reply was to look up with a smile and kiss him again. Her hands slid up into his thick, dark hair, pressing herself against him. He was a little surprised at her forwardness, but wrapped his arms around her, pulling her closely to him as they kissed. She tasted of wine and something else, something sweet, something undeniably Christine.

He had imagined what it would be like to kiss her so many times he wondered if this was just his mind playing tricks. But surely his mind couldn't imagine the taste of her mouth, the heat of her body, the curly hair he was wrapping his hands in, the feel of her fingers brushing against his mask.

It was though he had been given an electric shock as he pulled back sharply. Christine jumped and looked at him fearfully.

"Erik, what's wrong?"

"You… the mask…" He muttered. Christine frowned faintly before moving forward and touching the cold black surface of his mask. Erik jerked away but she caught his arm.

"Erik, stop."

"I don't want you to see." He said.

"Why not? You don't need to hide anything from me." She told him. Erik remained vehement.

"You can't… you won't like what you see."

"Shouldn't I be the judge of that?"

He stared at her and then said,

"Christine, this isn't some game. It isn't a stage show. What is under this mask isn't make-up that I can take off at night. I don't want you to see it."

"Erik, I decided a long time ago that I didn't care what was under the mask. The day we first did The Music of the Night and you played the part of the Phantom, I knew that there must be something under that mask that you wanted to hide. But I didn't care." Christine said fiercely.

Erik looked at her fearfully, convinced she was just saying things so she could get what she wanted. Fury filled him and he sneered at her.

"And if you see under the mask? If you get scared and run away? You'll go running off to your little friend Meg or to Max Hodges and tell them everything-"

"Is that what you think of me? My god, Erik, how can you say that?" Christine said, clearly hurt.

Erik didn't know what to say. Christine turned him so he was facing her and said quietly,

"I don't care what is under that mask." She said in quiet, firm voice.

"Why? Why don't you care?" Erik asked.

"Because I already care so much about you it just doesn't matter." She said firmly. Before Erik could reply, her slender fingers had curled under the mask and lifted it from his face. Erik froze, waiting for the horror she would surely feel to be unleashed, just as horror that Christine Daae had felt for the Phantom's face was shown.

She didn't scream. She didn't gasp or run away. Her eyes flickered over the right side of his face and he watched her in fear. How could she just stand there and look at him? How could she let her eyes stray over the twisted red flesh, the stretched and scarred skin, the deformed tissue of the eye socket, the bumped and rough skin of the forehead and cheek?

He saw no fear in her eyes. He saw no hatred. And most surprising and pleasing of all, he saw no pity. He flinched as her fingers brushed over the skin. She drew her fingers back quickly.

"Does it hurt?"

"No… no…" He whispered. Christine placed her hand on it again, running the pads of her fingers over the distorted flesh. Erik closed his eyes, convinced that at any moment she would run, leaving him all alone. And then he felt something warm on his cheek. Christine was pressing her lips to the tender flesh, over and over again, slipping her hands over his shoulders and around his neck, pulling herself closer to him.

"Christine…" He said hoarsely. Christine pulled back and looked at him with large dark eyes.

"I'm sorry… I'm sorry…" She whispered, drawing back but he caught her hand. She looked from their joined hands to his face. He was watching her in amazement.

"Why…? How… I don't understand. How can you touch it? How can you bear to be near something so hideous?"

Christine smiled, although she looked like she might cry at any moment.

"Haven't you learned anything from The Phantom of the Opera? It doesn't matter what is under the mask."

"But Christine left the Phantom." Erik reminded her.

"Not always. She won't now." Christine said firmly, taking his face in her hands again and looking at him with soft eyes. Erik took a deep breath.

"You mean it?"

"Yes. As long as you don't start strangling people or dropping chandeliers around the theatre, I mean it. I don't want to be alone anymore, and I don't think you do either." She said softly.

Erik gazed at her for a moment and then pulled her to him, kissing her so passionately it surprised Christine at first, but she soon succumbed to his passion and touch. And then he lowered his face into her shoulder, holding her so tightly it almost hurt, but she was clinging to him just as tightly.

"Oh God…" He whispered, fearing that at any moment she would dissolve away and he would wake up.

"Are you alright?" Christine asked.

"I've been wanting to hold you like this for so long… I can't believe that I actually can now."

"Everyday. Whenever you want." She promised. "I'll never leave you. You're not a phantom."


"What are we going to tell them?" Christine asked. It was several hours later and she was sat beside Erik on the sofa, her head leaning on his shoulder, his arms around her waist.

"At the university? I don't know."

"I don't think we should tell them." He looked down at her and she met his eyes with a smile. "I only say because I don't want this to interfere with the show."

"Very well. We'll act as we always did." Erik said comfortably. Christine smiled and pulled a face.

"It'll be awkward with Max, having to make up excuses everyday about why I can't go for coffee."

"You've managed well so far."

"I only said no all this time because it wasn't fair to lead him on when I secretly had feelings for someone else." She said pointedly, poking him in the ribs.

Erik smiled and tightened his hold around her. She said,

"What about Nadir?"

"I expect he already knows."

"How?"

"That man knows everything that happens. That's what makes him so insufferable and so helpful." Erik said calmly. Christine smiled and then looked at the clock.

"Is that really the time?" She said in amazement, sitting up. Erik looked at her.

"Would you like to go home?" He asked. Christine looked at him. Erik watched her decide and then said,

"I'm sorry. If it's too soon to be thinking about-"

She shook her head and smiled.

"No. No, I have all the time in the world." She told him. He smiled and said,

"I have never met anyone quite like you, Christine."

"I'm one of a kind." She agreed. "As are you."

Erik smiled and ran a hand down her arm. The skin tingled and Christine shivered delightedly.

"Are you sure you want to stay?" He said, not convinced. Christine didn't reply. She simply kissed him again. Erik smirked. "I take it that's a yes."

"Yes. I've never been more sure of anything." She said firmly. Erik smirked.

"I believe the servants will all be asleep by now."

A mischievous smile crossed her face and he turned to pick up his mask. He put it on and saw the disappointed look on her face.

"Only whilst we are in the open." He explained and she nodded, although she still seemed unhappy. He opened the door into the entrance hall and, after making sure that they were truly alone, turned to her. She smiled and then gasped as he swept her off her feet, carrying her towards the staircase. She couldn't help letting out a small giggle and he smirked, raising an eyebrow.

And then he paused as Nadir appeared at the top of the stairs, in a dressing gown, clearly on his way to the kitchen as he held a glass in one hand. He stared from Erik to Christine and back again. And then his face broke into a smile. Christine and Erik were both frozen to the spot, Christine still held in Erik's arms, as Nadir walked down the stairs, his footsteps echoing around the enormous room.

"Good evening Erik, Christine." He said politely, although the smile remained on his face as he carried on down the stairs and disappeared through a doorway. Christine looked at Erik.

"Why do I feel like a teenager who just got caught?" She asked.

"I'm not sure. But I'm sure we'll manage to get rid of the feeling." Erik smirked, carrying on up the stairs, Christine still in his arms.


Sunlight flooded the room. Christine felt wonderfully warm and sleepy and reluctantly opened her eyes. She blinked and then realised what was wrong. This wasn't her room.

She yawned and looked around the magnificent bedroom, with its canopy bed. It was decorated in dark mahogany panelling and dark green furniture. And then she looked down beside her at the man who lay sleeping and smiled.

Erik was sleeping peacefully, his face completely relaxed. It was the first time she'd ever seen him like that, she realised. He seemed so… human. So ordinary. Was it always like that when you woke up next to someone? Christine didn't know. This was the first time she'd woken up beside someone like this.

She stretched and winced as her muscles ached and twinged. She hadn't expected the pain, all those romantic novels she'd read as a teenager never mentioned it. But she could manage, even if it did hurt.

With a start, she realised that it was nearly half past eleven. She hadn't meant to sleep for that long. She looked around the room and saw an adjoining bathroom. She climbed out of bed and pulled on the silk dressing gown that was hung on the back of the door. It was much too big but it served its purpose. She went to the bathroom and grimaced at her reflection. Smudged make-up, big hair, puffy eyes from lack of sleep. She wiped away the make-up and used the toilet, trying to fix her hair into something resembling normality once she'd washed her hands. She fingered her neck. There were numerous marks on the skin and she raised an eyebrow, allowing herself a wicked grin, as she recalled how Erik had made them.

When vaguely satisfied that she looked presentable she returned to the bedroom and began to hunt around on the floor, where they had flung their clothes the previous night. She'd need to wash that dress before getting it back to Meg, it was wrinkled.

"What are you doing?" She glanced up quickly and saw Erik watching curiously from the bed, propped up on one elbow. She smiled faintly.

"Underwear. I definitely had it when I got here." She said, slightly embarrassed. He smiled and sat up. Christine crossed to the bed and kissed him.

"Good morning." She said.

"It is." He commented and smirked, his eyebrows lifting as the robe fell open slightly. Christine blushed and straightened it again.

"I borrowed it." She explained weakly.

"I noticed." He reached onto the bedside table and picked up a phone. He pressed one of the buttons and said, "Nadir. Yes. Give the servants the day off. Paid, of course. Tell them I expect them back tomorrow. Yes, now. No, we'll manage. And do be quick about it, man."

He hung up and turned to Christine with a smile.

"Any plans for today?"

"At some point I'll have to go and pick up Trister from Meg. But other than that… I'm all yours."

"You certainly are." He growled, reaching for her. She laughed as he slipped the robe off of her shoulders and pulled her down onto the bed.


By the time they got downstairs for breakfast, the servants had disappeared. And since it was more like lunchtime, they went straight to the kitchen. Christine, clad in a pair of jeans Erik had 'borrowed' from one of the female servants and one of his own shirts, smiled brightly as he opened the enormous refrigerator. He inspected its contents and then turned to her, looking a little embarrassed.

"I'm not going to pretend that I know how to cook." He admitted. Christine laughed.

"Well, I can. What do you want?"

Erik, for his lack of culinary skills, managed to make the toast whilst she cooked bacon and eggs. They were just sitting down when the door to the kitchen opened Nadir looked in.

"Sorry to interrupt. Just to let you know, Erik, I've cancelled all of your meetings for today."

"Thank you, Nadir." Erik said jovially. Nadir seemed rather surprised but smiled.

"You're welcome."

"Want some lunch, Nadir? We got a bit enthusiastic." Christine said, glancing around at the copious amounts of food. Nadir hesitated.

"I couldn't…"

"No, come on." Erik said. Nadir grinned and then entered, taking a seat. He glanced from one of them to the other and smiled. Erik and Christine exchanged a glance and then began to eat.

Halfway through the meal, Nadir said,

"May I ask what you plan to do in rehearsals, regarding to your relationship?" Well, he certainly wasn't beating around the bush, Christine thought. Erik said,

"We'd rather that no one knew for the time being and plan to act as we always have. Neither of us wants the show to suffer."

"Definitely not. Not after all the work everyone's putting in." Christine said firmly. Nadir smiled.

"Good. This is very good food, Christine."

"Thanks Nadir. But I can't take all the credit, Erik made the toast." Christine said solemnly. Nadir snorted and Erik glowered at him.


After their meal, Erik took Christine by the hand and began to lead her through the enormous house. Christine felt incredibly awed at the sheer size of it. This wasn't even a house, this was a mansion. He led her past too many rooms to count and then stopped outside a door. She asked,

"How many rooms are there in this place?"

"Over a hundred, I can't remember the exact number. But this is my personal favourite." He opened the door with a key and stepped back to let her through.

Christine stepped into the room and gazed around in admiration. It was painted white with a golden border, with enormous bay windows looking out over the back of the house, providing a gorgeous view of the grounds. She laughed and ran over to the windows.

"You have a lake?" She said in amazement. Erik smiled at her excitement. She turned and gazed at the main piece in the room. The magnificent piano set in the centre of the room, gleaming to perfection. There were cabinets around the walls containing other instruments and a gorgeous display of violins, piles of music in drawers, just waiting to be played. It was a musician's heaven and Erik simply watched as she explored his artistic domain. She admired each instrument, stopped to gaze at the paintings hung on the walls. She couldn't know that he had painted them himself and he felt no need to tell her at that particular moment.

Christine crossed the piano and ran a hand over the shining surface.

"Erik, it's gorgeous. This room, it's…" She stared around in astonishment. Erik smiled briefly and said,

"You're the first person I've let in here."

"What?" She looked at him in surprise.

"The servants are forbidden to enter and I refuse Nadir access to this and one other room. You're the first to see it."

She looked around the room in reverence and then looked at him. A beautiful smile crossed her face and she said,

"Thank you for sharing this with me." He smiled back and crossed to the piano.

"Warm up?"

She nodded and began to sing, fixing her eyes on his the whole time.


He drove her home personally that afternoon. They had decided that they would spend Sunday apart, just to think things through. This was hardly a decision to be taken lightly, after all.

"I will see you on Monday. I'm going to be late, I have a meeting. But I'll be there by about nine thirty." He said softly, between kisses. She smiled and nodded.

"I'll see you then."

"I love you, Christine."

He hadn't said that yet. He hadn't felt the need and neither had she. Such small, insignificant words compared to actions. But now she kissed him again, took his mask off (he thanked God for the blacked windows) and kissed his cheek.

"I love you too, Erik." She whispered before slipping out of the car.

When she walked over to Meg's house, she found her friend sunbathing in the back garden, Trister lying on the grass, panting in the hot weather. He barked joyfully at the sight of her and she laughed, hugging him tightly.

"I missed you too, Trister! Oh, were you a good boy for Meg?" She told him as he licked her cheek. She wiped it and smiled at Meg. "How was he?"

"An angel. How was your evening?" Meg asked, waggling her eyebrows suggestively. Christine smiled widely and said,

"It was incredible. The music was fantastic, Meg, I've never heard anything like it. And we were sat in a private box and everything, it was amazing."

"Yeah, yeah, whatever. Tell me about him, not about the music!" Meg said, sitting up.

Christine smiled and sat on the grass beside Meg's sun lounger.

"OK, I've got to swear you to secrecy." She told her and Meg crossed her heart.

"My lips are sealed. Tell me."

"Well, there was this party afterwards and we stuck around for a while, but it was too busy and hot, so we decided to go. And we were stood outside the Opera House, waiting for the car and… and he kissed me."

"Oh my GOD!" Meg squealed and Christine laughed.

"I know! Oh, Meg, it was amazing…"

"That is so incredible! What happened next?"

"Well, we got into the car and we were both really quiet, because we thought the other one was annoyed. And then we got back to his house and we had wine, but neither of us was saying anything. And I was about to say something and he kissed me again and said that he wanted to do it again in case I told him that I wasn't interested like that."

Meg nearly passed out with joy and Christine giggled.

"What then?"

"And then… then I told him that I cared about him and we kissed again. A lot."

"And?" Meg said eagerly.

"And… I'd tell you more, but then I'd have to kill you." Christine said, getting to her feet and calling to Trister. Meg started at her.

"You mean… you… Christine!" She launched herself at her friend, hugging her tightly. "I am so incredibly, deliriously happy for you!"

"Thanks, Meg! I'll get your dress back to you at some point."

"No problem sweetie. Oh my god, this is so exciting!"

"But you can't tell anyone. We want to keep it secret so that the show doesn't suffer. I've got to get going."

"OK, no problem. I'll see you later, I need to work on my tan. But you are going to give me more details!" Meg knocked her sunglasses back down and settled back. Christine laughed and whistled to Trister.

A/N: I know what you're thinking: 11 chapters of zilch action between them and now… well. Don't worry, still plenty of suffering and many trials for them to face. Hee hee. Well, it'd be so dull if they were happy all the time! Far more interesting when they're all tormented and tortured.

It's a good thing I'm a sucker for happy endings, isn't it? Also, be warned that the daily updates will soon be coming to an end. As I've said before, I'm back at school now. Today was my first day back and it was horrible A load of talks about the coming year (yawn) and then an afternoon with the Royal Marines. I got halfway through the sprinting exercises when I had a mixture between an asthma attack and a panic attack and collapsed. Not fun. On top of that I had x-rays this morning on my jaw and I may need braces. Delight. But Chapters 13,14,15 and 16 are written and I'm working on 17. So you've got a few more updates to go.

Hope you enjoyed the chapter! Thank you, as usual, for the awesome reviews.

Lotsa luv 'n' huggles

Katie