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The vigorous streets of Paris were busy with a wide variety of life on this particularly warm February morning. The odd weather seemed to bring out the masses of people who would normally take shelter against the cold winter months. However the sun had decided to make a rare and prompt appearance and lavish the city in its triumphant warmth. Children could be spotted playing and running about on almost every street corner. While venders and market merchants rang in the new day with their voices and the promises of low prices and fantastic offers. Carriages of all shapes, sizes, and forms crowded the streets and laughter could be heard from the many maids of wealthy women who were shopping for some household or another. On the brink of the city was a small café that was supported by a small brick building and good coffee. Waiting in an impatient manner in this noteworthy café was a very agitated young man by the name of The Viscount de Chagny.

The Viscount was tapping his fingers edgily against the table he sat at and rudely refused any waitress who attempted to serve him any kind of meal. For you see the Viscount on the brightly warm morning was waiting for an old cohort of his father's with whom he had to ask an important favor of. As he extracted his pocket-watch once more to observe the time the man he was waiting for entered and smiled amiably at the young Viscount.

"Raoul my boy!" The older gentlemen wearing more affluent clothing than the rest of the café's customers extended his hand excitedly. And although the Viscount accepted the handshake and greeted the older sir politely although a look of dejection was apparent on his face.

The mature gentleman was oblivious to this still, as he started making orders to waitress and extending his greetings to the other customers in the room. For although this wealthy sir was indeed better-off than most he was still an unusual jolly old fellow who showed no prejudices to anyone for their financial situation. Eventually he turned his attention back to the Viscount who looked less than pleased at his friendliness.

"Well, well, well, I must say I was more than surprised when I received your message this morning! It's been so long since I spoken with anyone in your family! I swear it feels like almost a lifetime ago. You know that wife of mine is always at me for not keeping in touch with my old friends but I always tell her how I keep meaning too-"

"Please monsieur!" Replied the Viscount to his associate's babbling. The gentleman now sitting across from him looked rather concerned at the young fellow's outburst and only now noticed the appearance at which the youthful man kept: the hollow cheekbones, the bloodshot eyes, and the clothes which looked as though they had been slept in. At this realization the Viscount's companion leaned in forward and looked around to make sure that no one was spying on their conversation before whispering:

"My God man you look awful! What in the world happened that has gotten you so distraught?" He asked with genuine kindness.

Raoul looked up thoughtfully from the table his eyes never leaving the elderly man's for a spit moment before he responded to the question.

"Aubert, how long have you and my family been acquainted?" He asked as he ruffled a hand through his disheveled hair.

The man with the large stomach and the quickly graying hair seemed to brighten at this question. And he leaned back to sit in his chair as the waitress served his breakfast and he began to answer.

"Well nearly as far back as I can remember! After all, I met your grandfather when we were mere lads in grade school, and we became re-acquainted after we each attended university, then after your father was born I was appointed his Godfather, and I was the one who introduced your mother and father for God's sakes!" He laughed fondly at these memories. "I remember how eager your father was to speak with her, but he was too shy to introduce himself so I took the liberty-"

"Again monsieur please! I beg of you to stop your babbling and listen to a request I have to make of you!" At the least the harsh words the Viscount spoke appeared to sting and almost hurt but was quickly recovered with an apology.

"I am sorry Monsieur Bartlett…but I am afraid a distressing situation has exposed me to some rather vicious manners."

"I understand son, but what in the world could have you so troubled? Tell me what I can do to help and I will not hesitate to do so." He stated reassuringly.

Raoul sighed and willed himself to continue. Was it possible that he could really do this to Christine? Depriving her of her teacher? He couldn't ever imagine denying any demand she could make of him especially the one to stay out of this Phantom affair…but this was different if that-that thing could easily murder others and hypnotize Christine than there was no telling what he was capable of doing to her. He knew he shouldn't have let her return to that damned opera house last night! Yet still…she had begged of him to trust her judgment and promised that she would send word in the morning that she was well and safe. He felt unsure even then, but after a long night of thinking he was certain that Christine no longer had control over her actions, somehow this monster had forced her to succumb to him. And Raoul knew that at this point he was the only one who understood the situation fully and could help her at this stage.

"Good sir, you have been the Chief Commissioner of Paris Police for quite some time have you not?" He asked nervously.

"Well, nearly twenty-five years now I have protected this city with the best of my ability you know that Raoul." He replied to the apparent question.

"Your position requires action to be taken at any cost…provided if there is enough of a disturbance to cause a commotion?"

"Well yes of course…Raoul my boy what are you getting at here?"

Deciding the point needed to be taken at this time Raoul finally revealed the reason for the informal visit.

"Monsieur Chief Bartlett, I believe I have some information that might help you catch a ghost…"

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The anomalous climate that the rest of Paris was enjoying was oblivious to the only two occupants of the home under the old opera house.

As Erik awoke a deep sense of panic overtook him in the unfamiliar situation. Just as he was about to arise for his place on the bed a warm body against his convinced him to do other wise. At first the sight of his beloved confused Erik sleepily soundly next to him. Certainly it was a rare and glorious sight to behold indeed. But what surprised Erik the most was not the angelic beauty that possessed her face this early morning, but instead the way in which she, like himself had been sleeping. Her arm, which rested delicately upon his chest and the mass of brown curls lying softly against his side, proved that she had indeed stayed that way the majority of the evening. Erik was amazed at this showing of unconscious affection. It thrilled him to know that after a night of such confusion they had reached some sort of understanding in the late hours of the evening.

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After each participant had cried out the last of their remain tears they agreed it would be sensible to rest upon the settee for a short moment to collect their thoughts. Christine who seemed comfortable at first quickly grew tense and nervous. Her movement from the futon to the back of the room where she quickly wrapped her arms around herself as she began to unceremoniously shiver.

"Christine? What is it? What's wrong?" Erik asked rising to join her by her side.

The odd climate that the rest of Paris was enjoying was oblivious to the only two occupants of the home under the old opera house.

As Erik awoke a deep sense of panic overtook him in the unfamiliar situation. Just as he was about to arise from his place on the bed a warm body against his convinced him to do other wise. At first the sight of his beloved confused Erik as she slept soundly next to him. Certainly it was a rare and glorious sight to behold. But what surprised Erik the most was not the angelic beauty that possessed her face this early morning, but instead the way in which she like himself had been sleeping. Her arm, which rested delicately upon his chest and the mass of brown curls lying softly against his side, proved that she had indeed stayed that way the majority of the evening. Erik was amazed at this showing of unconscious affection. It thrilled him to know that after a night of such confusion they had reached some sort of understanding in the late hours of the evening.

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After each party ad cried out their remain tears they agreed it would be sensible to rest upon the sofa for a short moment to collect their thoughts. Christine who seemed comfortable at first quickly grew tense and nervous. Her movement from the sofa to the back of the room where she quickly wrapped her arms around herself as she began to unceremoniously shiver.

"Christine? What is it what's wrong?" Erik asked rising to join her by her side.

Christine appeared to be taken several deep breaths before continuing. "Erik, there is something I must ask of you."

Erik secretly enjoyed the sound of his name on her lips but instead of expressing this he responded her to her anxious nature by attempting to console her.

"Anything Christine! Anything you ask of me will be done! I -" He exclaimed excitedly as he took her hand into his own and proclaimed his love for her once more.

"No Erik-" She shook her hand from his and crossed the room with great speed to avoid his hopeful gaze.

"You don't understand." She began. "This is a request I am not sure you can oblige." She stated softly under her breath. This sign of hesitation frighten Erik slightly, and although he would never admit it out loud to anyone but Christine.

He walked silently to her shaking form and wrapped his own arms around hers. "Whatever you ask of me Christine…I can deny you nothing…" He whispered the statement into her ear and waited for her reaction to take place. But all she did was turn around and caress the cheek opposite of the white mask.

"You must promise me that no more brutality will take place with your hands Erik." The request however simple, held a powerful meaning that both parties were aware of and said nothing of. Erik however didn't hesitate to respond to the wish that his angel asked of him.

"As long as I have you here to wish this of my angel…no more violence will come from these hands. I promise." He stated firmly as he stroked the curls behind her face.

"I simply cannot deal with any more guilt that blood was shed on my behalf!" Christine went on to explain further. "I could not bare it…" She sighed sadly.

"Christine." He prompted softly forcing her to look him in the eye.

"You have my word…" He smiled softly as her expression softened and her body relaxed into his.

"Thank you my angel." She whispered as she clung to his shoulder.

"It is I who should be thanking you." He whispered more so to himself as he remembered her conversation with the Viscount on the rooftop.

They stayed silent in their moment of comfort until Christine spoke up once more. "Well I believe I shall retire for the evening." She stated with a tried smile.

"Oh of course my dear, I suppose I have forgotten the late hour as well. If you shall see it fit I'll escort you back to your chambers."

She nodded in agreement and allowed him to lead the way through the vast hallway that was empty except for her room. "Erik?" She called out to him as he bid her goodnight.

"Yes Christine?"

She fidgeted with her thumbs nervously until she could vocalize what her wanted to express. "I fear I have another request to ask of you this evening." Erik waited apprehensively for fear of what she would ask next.

"Do you think that perhaps you might stay with me? Just until I fall asleep of course!" She finished carefully. "After all I have a rather difficult time sleeping in unfamiliar places. And I-" She stuttered quickly trying desperately to avoid his intense gaze.

"Of course my dearest." He said leading her by hand into the bedroom, where she made herself comfortable he thought it appropriate to sing a soft melody to her attractive form.

"Night-time sharpens,

heightens each sensation . . .

Darkness stirs and

wakes imagination . . .

Silently the senses

abandon their defenses . . .

Slowly, gently

night unfurls its splendor . . .

Grasp it, sense it -

tremulous and tender . . .

Turn your face away

from the garish light of day,

Turn your thoughts away

from cold, unfeeling light -

and listen to

the music of the night"

At the sound of the familiar song Christine smiled and closed her eyes leading her angel, her Erik, closer by her side so that he sat next to her nearly sleeping form.

"Softly, deftly,

music shall surround you . . .

Feel it, hear it,

closing in around you . . .

Open up your mind,

let your fantasies unwind,

in this darkness which

you know you cannot fight -

the darkness of

the music of the night . . ."

"Let your mind

start a journey through a

strange new world!

Leave all thoughts

of the world

you knew before!

Let your soul

Take you where you

long to be!

Only then

can you belong

to me . . ."

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As Erik relived the memories of the previous night he glanced upon his sleeping angel that he held in his arms. As she slowly began to stir in her sleep Erik found myself yet again enthralled by her exquisiteness. But to the most distinguished surprise he discovered himself smiling.

Indeed this was going to dazzling day.

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There we go people some fluffy goodness for you! Hope you enjoyed this chapter (my computer made it rather difficult to complete) Anyway as usual I'm up for any ideas and please R&R!