A short chap here. Another update today very likely.

Don't worry, this isn't going where you think it is.

Nico

Both managers of the Opera Populaire were drunk.

"And I would like to also take this opportunity to thank Monsieur Firmin," Andre said, slurring his words while addressing the crowd of guests from the top of the marble staircase.

The portly Andre turned to his co-manager and friend. "Firmin, you're a bastard," he said, causing the crowd to laugh. "But I love you like a brother."

Applause rang out, mixed with more boisterous laughs as the two men awkwardly embraced each other.

Even Erik smiled at the sight from his vantage point within the crowd.

"And we'd also like to thank our new Patron, Monsieur De Changy," Firmin continued. "Come, Monsieur, join us up here…speech! Speech!"

Soon the crowd was joining in Firmin's chants, beseeching their patron to climb the marble staircase and address them.

Christine watched from beside Erik as Raoul smiled tightly, climbing the stairs to stand beside the managers.

It was barely noticeable, but there was an edge to his voice as he spoke.

"A toast," he said grandly, holding up a new champagne glass. The guests mimicked his actions. "To the Opera Populaire's continued success."

The audience cheered.

"And also," Raoul spoke again, his voice lilting over the crowd, "to Mademoiselle Daae, whose glorious voice is only overshadowed by her stunning beauty."

Christine blushed under the compliment, which made her feel terribly awkward.

Erik noticed Christine's discomfort and placed a supportive hand at her elbow, applauding gently along with the crowd.

Raoul finished the last bit of his fourth glass of wine. "And now, Mademoiselle, I would be greatly honored if you would share with me, a dance."

Christine felt Erik stiffen.

Raoul began to descend the marble stairwell, heading over to Christine who was looking at Erik with a mixture of fear and apology.

Erik watched with darkened eyes as Raoul approached. The unmasked Patron met Erik's glare until he was just before Christine. Then, he looked warmly down at her.

"Shall we?" He asked, politely bowing before her.

Erik had yet to remove his hand from Christine's elbow.

Raoul looked up at the taller man, his brows flitting together. "Surely you don't mind relinquishing her to me for one dance," he said, loudly enough for the watching crowd to hear. His tone carried a sort of mockery to it, as if Erik was committing some terrible, social faux paux. "After all, I promise to return her in one piece."

The crowd chuckled. Even in the most intense of moments, Raoul possessed the astounding capability to create an air of calm…

Even if he himself was anything but calm.

"It will be alright," Christine said softly to Erik.

He looked down at her, his eyes undeniably hurt. Yet, he released his hold on her elbow, bowing slightly his permission.

Raoul nodded at Erik, quickly whisking Christine to the dance floor.

Erik retreated to the back of the crowd, the slow, moving waltz now being played doing nothing for his mood. Like a cat, he watched as Raoul led Christine around the floor in a series of painfully calculated dance steps.

Several times Christine smiled up at Raoul. Tight, polite smiles, sometimes followed by an equally tight giggle at something Raoul said to her.

Their arms were locked rigidly, keeping their bodies apart.

For this, Erik was thankful.

"Hello."

The female voice from beside him startled him.

He turned to see Meg Giry, Christine's dearest friend.

Often she had been in Christine's presence when Erik would watch her from behind the mirror.

And to be honest, he found the small woman quite irritating.

"Hello Mademoiselle," Erik said without looking at her, quickly snatching a glass of brandy from the tray of a passing servant.

"It's driving you insane, isn't it?" Meg asked him after a moment.

Erik looked back at her sharply. "What?"

Meg smiled. "The fact that someone else is holding the woman you love in his arms."

Erik glared at her.

"That is none of your concern," he told her curtly.

Meg just laughed. "Men," she muttered.

"Excuse me?" Erik retorted, wishing that she would go away so he could concentrate on Christine, whose eyes were nervously scanning the crowd for his.

"Nothing," Meg giggled.

"Monsieur DuLange," she addressed him again after a moment's silence.

Erik sighed. "Yes?"

"Would you like to dance?"

He looked at her, her smiling face, her endearing eyes.

He now knew why Christine loved the girl.

She was infuriatingly sweet.

"I don't dance much, Mademoiselle," he replied.

"Oh poo," she waved her hand. "Try telling that lie before you astound a crowd with a flawless dance performance."

Erik couldn't help but chuckle.

Then, looking back to where Christine was now beginning a second dance with Raoul, he began to think.

"Alright, Mademoiselle," Eriksaid. "I believe I will dance with you."