Okay, I know…damn Raoul. But I promise this is not going to go in the direction you think it is. Raoul is the bad guy in almost every one of my stories, and I'm really trying to portray him as a generally nice human who just happens to find himself in some testing situations. Hopefully, you all see this story as a more realistic version of POTO.

Erik's Angel…one of my more eloquent reviewers, Renee, would like for you to update "through emerald eyes." Apparently, she's dying to read more. Check my review section on this story to read her pleas.

And one more thing…my fiancé and I watched "Timeline" last night. If there are any Gerry Butler fans out there, he is particularly yummy in this movie. (Frankly, the movie was sort of lame-o, but good enough to hold my attention for its duration.)

Oh, and this is NOT NOT NOT the last chapter.

Whew. Ok. Think I covered everything…


Enjoy!

-Nico

"Raoul!" Christine exclaimed, immediately identifying her childhood friend. "What are you doing here?"

"Perhaps I should ask you the same question, Christine," Raoul replied coldly.

"If you did, I would inform you that it is none of your business," Christine told him.

"Who are you?"

Raoul's question was aimed at Erik, who had been standing still, silently cursing himself for not lowering the gate after he had let in Christine.

Now, the blond man was treading through the murky lake, slowly moving closer to Erik, his eyes narrowed as if trying to figure out a riddle.

"His name is Erik," Christine said suddenly.

Erik shot her an irritated glance.

"He is a brilliant composer," she continued. "He possesses talents I never dreamed possible. And if it wasn't for him, I would never have opened my mouth to sing in the first place."

Raoul turned his attention to Christine. "Who is he to you, Christine?"

Erik looked down at the shorter woman at his side.

She gazed back up at him, biting her lower lip as was her custom when nervous or threatened.

Christine inhaled deeply.

"He is my song," she said softly. "He is my reason."

Her voice choked on a sob.

"And no matter how he feels about me, I will love him until the day I die," she finished, wiping her eyes on the back of her hand and turning her attention back to Raoul…

whose face was crestfallen and very obviously hurt.

"I could have given you everything," he said softly.

Christine shook her head. "Not the one thing I truly want," she replied, lacing her fingers through Erik's cold hand, which hung limply at his side.

Erik rarely dreamed. But as he stood, watching this scene unfold before him, he silently prayed that it was real.

There was a time when he was certain he would have killed for her…

A time where he would not have let anything come between himself and his angel.

But suddenly, he realized that he would not have to resort to drastic measures to keep her nearby.

She would do so on her own volition.

Christine smiled as she felt his fingers hesitantly wrap around hers.

And then, Raoul knew he was engaging in a battle he was certain he would ultimately lose.

He looked Erik in the eye. "Take care of her," he said.

Then, he turned, wading back to the small boat that had carried him into the lair.

For several moments, both Erik and Christine stood on the shore, watching as one more conflict abandoned their lives.

"He would have made you happy," Erik suddenly said softly.

Christine nodded. "There is no question of that," she agreed.

"He would have afforded you a lifestyle I have never experienced, let alone possess," Erik continued.

"Yes, he would have," Christine said.

Suddenly, Erik grasped her upper arms, pulling her to face him. "Then why," he demanded. "Why give all that up?"

Tears once again sprang to her eyes. "Because...I love you!" She yelled.

Erik released her, running his fingers through his hair. "It is impossible to love me," he said quietly.

"That isn't true," Christine protested. "I'm finding it easier with every breath I take."

He could only hold back his true emotions for so long.

And finally, Erik's soul reached its breaking point.

He fell at her knees, embracing her legs just as he had his mother's all those years ago.

He wept, inhaling the cool, clean scent of the only person in the world to love him.

"Christine," he whimpered, grasping for her shoulders as she knelt down to his level. "Oh…Christine…I love you…I have always loved you…"

Christine's eyes slid closed as she wrapped her arms around the man kneeling before her.

"Then promise me something," she whispered into his ear.

"Anything," he agreed, his mouth already seeking out hers.

Christine kissed him, moaning slightly as familiar liquid fire spread through her limbs.

She placed her forehead against his. "Promise you will never doubt my love for you," she demanded. "Promise that I will never be without you…promise that this is forever."

Erik looked into her eyes, his entire being shaking.

"I promise," he said helplessly. "I promise…"

And there, deep within the darkness that had all but consumed a broken man, two shattered souls finally began to heal.