A/N: I've taken all suggestions to heart. I've tried not using any particular view point in this one. Let me know what you think. I won't abandon the fic, no matter how hard it is to muddle through. I think I may be on the brink of a M rating here. Thanks for reviewing. On with it.

For one who never felt comfortable in other people's company, Erik found himself quite content in Christine's. Their celebratory meal took place at one of Christine's favorite restaurants. They served French foods, and Erik placed a champagne order fluently in the language. Christine seemed delighted.

"I had to drop out after a year. I was just horrible with it." She spoke of the language.

"Vous êtes beau, mon ange. Vous avez capturé mon coeur." Erik kissed each of her fingers in a very French-like manner.

Christine laughed. "See, no idea." Erik smirked then lifted his eyes in thought.

"Vous êtes ma vie, mon tout. Je vous aimerai jusqu'au jour où je meurs." Gaining confidence of course because she had no clue what he was telling her. Even if every word was the truth. The waiter eyed the mask warily, but then smiled. They ordered, and the waiter disappeared again.

"So what did you say? Are you going to tell me?" Erik rested his uncovered cheek in his palm after pouring the champagne.

"One day, perhaps." His eyes twinkled. He toasted her. They talked. About everything, about nothing. He couldn't recall if he'd ever sat down and had a meal and just talked. She laughed, not at him, but with him, or because of him. It was a nice change.

"Soin à danser?" Erik asked, all innocence. Christine gave him an exasperated look, to which he chuckled. "Would you care to dance?" He nodded toward several couples on the part of the restaurant, which was designated as a sort of dance floor.

Instantly she brightened. "Yes, I would." Erik rose, and helped her from her chair. They headed toward the other couples. He twirled her on to the floor then rested his hand against the curve of her hip.

With him wearing a full suit, vest included, she felt horribly underdressed. She wished she'd thought of something else to bring with her. Her fingers curled around the back of his neck. His still overgrown hair was so soft as she ran it through her hand. Sighing contentedly, she rested her head in the curve of his neck.

"Je suis dans le ciel." He whispered against her ear. Much too quickly, the song ended and to his annoyance he started heading back toward their table. After a bit of a tussle with the check, Erik paid and they were on their way. It was well past one in the morning as Erik pulled in behind her compact car. While she struggled with her bag and flowers, he had opened the door for her.

"My dear," he purred as he offered his hand. When she was safely on the ground he escorted her to her car.

"Thank you Erik, the day was nearly perfect." As they approached her car, his brows drew together.

"And what would have made it perfect?" Her shy smile had the blood rushing from his head. His fingers dropped hers, only to cup her face. When his face was a mere inch from hers, he spoke. "I really shouldn't be doing this, but I find I can't stop myself." His lips caressed hers until they parted. He leaned her head back and kissed her properly. Christine was pressed between the steel of her car and the hardness of Erik's body. But she wasn't complaining. The chill of the evening seemed to evaporate from the heat of them.

Her fingers trailed up his chest, well what wasn't being pressed to hers. One small maneuver from her, and her hips were cradling his. Of its own accord, his hard thigh found it's way between hers. She dragged his head closer, despising the mask, as it prevented her from kissing him fully. Her fingers pushed it gently aside and she got back to work.

Turning briefly for a moment he righted the mask. "Please, don't touch the mask, my dear. Whatever you do, leave the mask as it is."

"But Erik, I can't-" Her words were cut off by his demanding kiss. His deft fingers quickly let her hair from its confines, dropping the pins on the ground. He spread the curls out in his fingers, and then buried his face in them. His forearms supported him against the car frame, as his labored breathing eventually slowed. Probably the hardest thing he'd ever have to do, or ever done for that matter, was prying his body away from the warm, eager body of Christine. His fingertips touched her swollen lips.

"Bonne nuit, mon amour." Erik stepped back from her.

"Erik?" She peeled herself off of the car.

"Yes?"

"Will you come tomorrow too?" He straightened his tie.

"But of course, Christine, if you wish it."

"Please."

"Then I shall." Erik waited until she had started her car and pulled into the road. The a/c that he'd blasted did nothing for the fever that seemed to take over his body.

Christine watched as he followed her home. It sort of made her feel safe, knowing that he was right behind her if she needed him. When she was finally in her driveway, he flashed his lights at her, and she, forgetting it was late, beeped once. She wished she had the courage to ask him in, so she could lie in the safety of his arms all night. Instead, she waved curtly and went inside.

Erik sat with his forehead pressed against the cool glass as he watched her lights flicker on. He sat like a lovesick fool outside her house until the house was finally dark again.

Once he slid the vehicle back into park, he began to think. He was putting his career in jeopardy. Plus Christine's future at the school. Then again he knew he would give it all up, for just a moment with her. His own place was dark and depressing. Not even Lucy waited up for him this late. Unable to sleep, he headed for his piano. Ridding himself of his jacket, vest and tie, he sat to play, to compose.

He always came back to his own 'Don Juan' when he played while thinking of her. Even more so now. When he closed his eyes he could see Christine as Aminta, and himself as Don Juan. If his mind hadn't been filled with lust at that moment, he would've laughed outright at his thoughts.

Finishing the opera didn't quite give him the release he was looking for.

What Erik said:

Vous êtes beau, mon ange. Vous avez capturé mon Coeur.

You are beautiful, my angel. You have captured my heart.

Vous êtes ma vie, mon tout. Je vous aimerai jusqu'au jour où je meurs.

You are my life, my everything. I will love you until the day I die.

Je suis dans le ciel.

I am in Heaven.

What a heart breaker.