A/N: Hope you all enjoyed last chapter! 

Disclaimer: don't own PotO blah blah blah blah blah blah… And the music lerics are A.L.W…

Chapter 2: Welcome Back, Miss Daae

Erik climbed onto the hotel roof, breathing in the fresh, cool air; watching the hotel door, looking for a visual of Christine. It did not take long. She stepped out, walking quickly at first, and then running to the Opera Populaire door.

The Phantom slid down the drain pipe and slipped into his dungeon though the secret entrance Madame Giry had shown him those many years ago. He was nearly running to the mirror entrance, waiting to hear Christine enter.

xXxXx

Christine barley waited till Raoul was out of the building, then grabbed her purple cloak and silk slippers and tried to calmly walk to the Opera, it didn't work, as she had known it wouldn't. She talked to Andre for a few swift moments then proceeded to her dressing room, secretly hoping the Phantom would be there to comfort her, but knowing he wouldn't be there.

Once she entered she leaned against the door, crying softly and speaking to herself.

"How can I marry Raoul, while I am harboring feelings for another man?" She asked herself between gasps for air.

"What man would that be, mon ange de musique?" A soft, yet deep voice spoke, echoing all around her.

Christine turned around almost instantly, "Phantom? Where are you? What do you want?" She looked around frantically.

"You. You should know that, mon ange." He answered, he voice echoed again.

Christine avoided the unspoken question, "Do you enjoy eavesdropping, Phantom?" Christine asked, trying to keep nervousness from her voice.

"Only when it involves me." The Phantom stated simply.

Christine almost shivered in fear, wondering if he knew, "What did I say that involved you?" Christine questioned. "I did not even mention your name, though I don't even know it."

"Erik," He whispered into her ear, for he was now standing next to her.

Christine gasped at his nearness, and what it did to her, "State your business, sir. And then be on your way." She lifted her head up high and spoke cynically, though it took much effort.

Erik smirked in the darkness, this was cover up for her gasp, what was she hiding? He decided to see. He turned her around with his powerful arms, so she was facing him. Her sky blue eyes betrayed her feelings, she wanted to be here; he decided.

Christine tried to look away from Erik, but his hand gently pushed her face to look at his. His white, half-mask was on his face. His inquisitive brown eyes staring at hers, she felt her face burning with embarrassment, "Please…Erik…let me go." She waited to be released, but it didn't happen that way.

Erik acted quickly, so she wouldn't have a moment to think, he moved his lips next to hers, but not quite kissing her. She tipped her head up the rest of the way and their lips fit perfectly together, as though two puzzle pieces. To Christine their kiss seemed to last for eternity, but then she realized what she was doing and abruptly broke away from him. Erik involuntarily growled, then took her hand and pulled her toward the mirror.

"No! I can't…won't…go down there…" Christine struggled in Erik's grasp, but it was futile. He was much too strong.

Erik's eyes were filled with laughter, "You have no choice this time, Miss Daae. Remember?" He started singing, his deep voice bouncing off the walls, his words repeating his words.

Down once more to the dungeons of my black despair…down we plunge to the prison of my mind…down that path into darkness deep as hell!

Christine did remember, and then her voice absently joined with his, and stopped resisting, and simply kept up with him.

The boat was gone, so when they reached the lake, Erik swept Christine up into his arms and wadded into the lake, still singing, though it was a different song.

…heightens each sensation…darkness stirs…and wakes imagination…silently the senses abandon their defenses…slowly, gently, night unfurls it's splendor…

At last they reached the candle-lit room. Erik continued to carry her, while walking up the stairs, going to the room, he had dedicated to her, the love of his life. He set her in the red velvet bed.

He pulled the silk vale, and said just before he left the room, "Welcome back, mon ange."

Christine sighed, knowing she couldn't just sneak out, and fitfully tried to sleep. It was long before she finally fell asleep, and even then she still thought of the Phantom of the Opera.

Erik returned to the room and played the monkey music box, singing 'Masquerade' softly, so he wouldn't wake Christine.

Masquerade…paper faces on parade…Masquerade

Tomorrow came much too soon for both of them.

A/N: I hope you like it. It isn't very long, but I like how it tells you all what you needed to know. So far anyway. Review if you can. More soon.