Eyes that Threaten and Adore by GoldenLyre

Previous disclaimer applies.

Chapter 2

Erik

As I stared blankly at the note, Antoinette had continued to say that she had invited the Vicomte to join them on their visit, but he had business to attend to, so he was arriving at a later time.

As soon as that statement registered, the doorbell rang. I was staring blankly into space, hearing Alexander's footfalls as he went to open the door for our guest. I could hear him leading the guest into the room. I looked up, mild interest playing across my features.

The Vicomte, I thought grudgingly, looked as immaculately groomed as ever. Shoulder-length brown hair tucked behind his ears, white cravat tied intricately below his chin. He wore an embroidered navy waistcoat under a charcoal jacket. His crisp white undershirt was tucked neatly into trousers of the same dark grey shade.

Even though we were on somewhat civil terms, it was because he had helped me build a new life for myself. Even so, I knew he did it more for Christine than for the sake of helping me. And no matter what, there would always be the ghosts of the past and my insecurity.

On bad days, my insecurity would gnaw at me and taunt me, telling me that Christine was better off with him than me. Sometimes I'd succumb and agree with that voice. But Christine, being the absolute angel she is, never let me sink further into depression. She never let me shut her out. She was persistent and was always there, her embrace always ready to comfort me.

And it never failed.

"I take it you read the note?"

I looked up sharply, seeing the Vicomte standing next to Antoinette, gripping the chair rather tightly; so much so that his knuckles turned a disturbing shade of white. I nodded grimly, the crumpled piece of paper with messy black script scrawled across it still in my grasp.

Before I could say a thing, I saw my beautiful wife and her charming blonde companion stroll into the room, laughing happily and clinging onto one another's arm.

Christine

As soon as Meg and I stepped into the room, there was an unmistakable heavy tang of tension in the air. I looked to my husband questioningly, but he simply gazed at me rather blankly; his usually-bright blue eyes were hazy with a million thoughts.

I noticed Raoul, and could not help but greet him with a happy smile. "Hello, Raoul!"

He smiled with charm and bowed slightly. "Hello, Little Lottie…"

I winced slightly, hopefully unnoticeably at the sound of that nickname. Not only did that bring back rather unwanted memories from the incidents at the Opera Populaire, but it also made me want to exclaim that I was no longer a child. I was married, for God's sake!

Meg, ever the straightforward one just like her mother, asked what they were all discussing so solemnly. Erik let out a heavy sigh, his fingers fiddling with a tiny piece of paper. Raoul asked him for it and he gave it to him rather distractedly.

Raoul, in turn, gave the slip of paper to me. I just vaguely made out the untidy scrawl, and gasped in horror. Someone was going to come after Erik!

I looked up at Erik who seemed more tired than worried. Raoul however, did look worried. His brown eyes glowed with concern. I barely paid him any attention; rather, I walked over to my beloved worriedly, as he had turned in his swivelling chair to face away from the small, silent audience.

I knelt before him, just like I did that time in his home beneath the Opera House. I took his large hands in mine, and looked into his beautiful blue eyes. The eyes that spoke volumes to me whether in sleep or when I was awake. Right now however, his eyes were haunted and seemed trapped.

Tears clouded my own – he had tried so hard to repent for his past sins and yet it still comes back to haunt him. I put my hand behind his head, and eased him into the crook of my shoulder in silent comfort. I sniffled as I planted light kisses in his dark hair. I felt him hug me desperately, willing himself not to break down in front of the others.

When he eased himself out of my embrace, he kissed me gratefully on my forehead, causing a soft sigh to escape me. I looked up to see him smiling tenderly at me. I then stood next to him, hands in his shoulders in silent support. His hand found mine, and I gathered strength in his reassurance.

I then looked to Raoul who seemed to be looking away from our affectionate display. He seemed to sense me looking at him as he raised his eyes again to look at me. I asked softly, "Who sent it?"

He shook his head miserably and said that he didn't know. It had been given to him by one of the ballet girls just after rehearsal. And we all knew that not a single one of them had the heart to even look upon Erik without fright, much less threaten him.

Raoul cleared his throat and said clearly and as businesslike as he could, "However, I had hired a private investigator to look into this case. Supposedly, he is one of the best that one can afford. Hopefully we can find the source of threat with little trouble."

He looked to Erik, awaiting a response. Erik nodded slowly, absorbing the information.

Raoul sighed, and continued, "Well, other than that, there isn't really much to do but wait."

I nodded, my hands tightening slightly on Erik's broad shoulders. In response, he stroked the back of my hand with his thumb, making me feel a lot more at ease.

Raoul seemed to notice and I thought I saw something flash in his eyes. My eyebrows furrowed on instinct, but brushed it off as a trick of light.

TBC

A/n: That was probably the crappiest ending so far. Lol, I didn't know where to end it! Oh well… I decided to leave it on a note of suspicion. Bwahahahaha! Well, you know what to do – click that pretty grey button that submits reviews:D

Rikku Ree: Hmm.. Raoul with Meg? That's an idea… I'll think about that okay? Moohaha… I feel evil for leaving you guys off like that! Haha I feel the power! Thanks for reviewing, be sure to do so again :D

Wilting Angel: Hello! Thanks for reviewing, and I know everyone wants to know who sent the note, but I can't reveal that just yet coz it'll kill the suspense! And pouts don't work on me, darling ;)

SilverRose12: The whole Erik-and-Raoul-at-each-other's-throat thing has gotten soooo cliché I've given up on them being enemies coz it's used everywhere. In my little perfect world, Erik and Raoul are simply acquaintances and business partners. Not even friends coz of the whole Christine scenario. Oh well… It'd be rather unnatural for them to be bestest buddies anyway. Thanks for reviewing, please do so again:D

jess: Hello! Thanks for reviewing, glad you're enjoying it ;)

tiny dancer: Ahh my loyal reviewer, hello! And I've got a lot in store for the story, so I hope you hang on for the ride! ;D Reviewing again would be lovely!

Erik-shaped choccies for all who reviewed!

Much luves

GoldenLyre / Kel xoxo