I have returned to you dearies, and though this chapter isn't long, it is something, Remember now that I'm working on both this story and my new modern Erik/Christine phic, Heartstrings, so I'll switch between the two on updates, though in all honesty Heartstrings will probably go by faster because… well, um, no idea why but it's been writing itself in my mind so much it's ridiculous. Heartstrings is also rated 'M' but this one will remain 'T' so any of you who aren't comfortable with the idea of that much detail can simply stick to this story. Also, a thanks goes out to The Strange Angels Muse, who got me back into writing this, she's recently started writing on here and has really good work that I suggest you read. Sorry that this is short, but it works better for my needs.

IMPORTANT A/N: Something I'd like to state, I was given three rude reviews, two people that kept themselves fully unknown, the other actually having the courage leave me with their user name (which I commend you for FleshofMidnight, most people are cowards about leaving such slander). Anyway, I want to say I only really started getting into writing, so I don't think it should be expected of me to be perfect, but I enjoy writing so I'm going to continue, and in time I know I'll get better. It's the same as singing or drawing for me, time will improve my ability. If you wish to leave me with a review saying you don't like my story, at least give me a reason, something a bit more constructive than saying Faye should have gone through with her suicide (yes, I did receive this from someone, but there wouldn't be much point to having her jump and Erik arriving too late now would there?). So I just ask you, if you have a problem, let me know why, I'll even work on it if your reasons are substantial.

You know, something I noticed in my own writing, I tend to phrase things the opposite of how you'd normally hear it, and it reminded me that I completely forgot to tell you guys, I have minor dyslexia. That explains why everyone tells me they like my unique way of speaking, I always flip phrases around.

Whoo, okay, my rant is done. On with the story (please don't shoot me for this chapter, I did rate it T for a reason, and with her occupation you had to know this would come up).

By the time Faye had reached the slums, the sun was beginning to set, and her heart was racing in fear and excitement. Erik wanted to see her again! Never did she think she would be so lucky as to meet someone, even a comrade, as kind as Erik was. She had even begun to forget about his mask…

She slowed down to a calm walk as she came in view of the brothel, Madame Bontecou would not be pleased, especially if she knew what she had been doing. Faye walked along the buildings until she felt someone grab her arm and pull her into an alley.

She gasped when her body was pressed roughly against a wall and a tongue ran along her neck, her basket dropped and forgotten next to her. She squirmed as her assailant started to pull at her dress, trying to hike up the skirt.

"I came just to see you today love, and this is how you thank me? You think you're allowed to make me wait like this?" A voice said angrily.

"Lucien…" Faye whimpered as he pulled at his belt, "Please, please don't." she pleaded with him, though she knew it would be of little help. If he was going to take her, nothing would keep him from his objective.

Faye cried silently as he took his pleasure on her, being rough and covering her mouth with his filthy hand, sucking and biting on her neck throughout. He grunted as he reached his moment, panting and leaning into her, keeping her trapped between him and the wall.

"Damn Faye, I knew it would show its worth waiting for you, especially with no charge," Lucien smirked at her as he redid his pants, watching Faye sink to the ground, broken and sobbing. He turned to leave the alley, and while rolling a cigarette gave her one last glance over. "Until later, my love." and strode off.

'Let's see the bitch try to defy me again' He thought with a smile.

Faye sat on the ground, dirtied, mangled, and a feeling of filth on her. Her thighs were in pain and when she examined them she saw Lucien had left bruises along the sides, all varying between black and purple. She lied there a moment and wept, but she also remembered she was late, and if she took any longer she'd suffer even more punishment, possibly being sent to that evil room. She strained with her beaten and weak body to raise herself up, pulled her skirt back down and ran her fingers through her hair, trying to make it look a bit more controlled. With aching arms she grabbed her basket, thanking God that the bottles of alcohol hadn't shattered. She then stumbled her way back out into the street, looking around cautiously in case Lucien was still in the area. She muttered under her breath "Damn you Lucien, return to the pit of hell from whence you came."

She hated Lucien, he was possibly the only man she truly wished would meet his end in this world, then to meet eternal suffering in the fires. He was a man of Scottish parents that had lived in the country side a long time, working on fields and pilfering from passing members of the aristocracy, or so he had told her with great pride. Ever since he had come to her, he wouldn't leave her alone, even going so far as to threaten his men that if he knew they had been with her, it would be by his gun that they would pass from the world.

She walked up the steps of the brothel and entered, taking a deep breath for the pain that was to come. She stepped lightly on the floor, the ancient wood creaking under every touch of her feet. Some of the girls could be heard already busy with their gentlemen, while others were sitting about applying layers of makeup and perfume, hoping to attract good business.

"Faye Bruyere!"

Faye winced, swallowed her fear, and slowly turned her head upwards to see the mug of Madame Bontecou glaring at her. "My office. Now."

She darted at her owner's voice, years of this had trained her to not take any bit of time.

"Shut the door," Bontecou commanded from behind her desk, "there's some things I would like to discuss with you child," she said in a… kind voice?

Faye slowly pushed the door till she heard the soft click of the lock, then turned back to Bontecou, "I- I bought these for you Madame," she strained to say, holding the basket out at full length. Madame Bontecou glanced at the bottles and her eyes danced "Ah, that's a good girl then, but set them down for now and sit," she said pointing to a chair in front of her.

Faye did as she asked without a sound, pondering to herself what was happening. Was she in trouble? Would she be punished for being late? Why was she smiling?

"How long have you been working for me dear?" Bontecou asked as she herself took her seat.

"I- I've been here for 15 years,"

"Hmm, I remember when you came here, you were… nine then, correct?"

"Yes Madame,"

Bontecou laughed a little "It's too bad I can't thank Michael now, you've proved to be quite useful, first a young maid, now you're good business,"

Faye bit her lip, trying to hold the tears that stung her eyes. "Madame, I mean no disrespect, but is there something you need of me?"

"Hmm? Well of course there is, you dumb girl," She snapped, but quickly changed her sneer to a smile.

'Kindness, remember that, otherwise this won't work' Bontecou reprimanded herself silently. "My dear girl, I want to know how you have fared with your men,"

"It's been fine," Faye answered mechanically. What was she pushing at?

"Good, good, and you've taken no suitors outside of here ever since that night, isn't that correct dear?"

"I wouldn't even think of betraying you Madame,"

"That's good, though I wonder, has that man tried himself to see you again?"

Faye swallowed "Why.. Would one even try, after all I'm just a lowly tramp, there are plenty of other girls for him," Faye was torturing herself with this conversation, what if Erik really did have an interest in her only as a whore?

"Oh? So he's been here before?"

"The man I was with? He's… Yes, I do believe he's been here before,"

Bontecou narrowed her eyes "Really? Well then, I must take payment from him next time he comes, you must be sure to let me know when he's around,"

"Of course Madame, is there anything else you need?"

"No, I think that's enough for now, go and get yourself prepared. It's going to be a cold night and I'm certain there will be plenty who would like you to warm them up," Bontecou responded in icy tones, any signs of mercy gone.

Faye rose immediately and made her way out back into the main hall, shutting the door quickly. What was that? Why such an interest in Erik?

"Faye! Faye!" She heard someone shouting and turned to see Brooke, the only one who actually got along with her. Brooke was a few years younger than Faye, and hated her position just as much, so she followed Faye around almost like a little sister. "I just heard that the old cow was talking to you, what happened?"

"Hello Brooke, I'm not quite sure, but she's definitely got some motive to find out who I was with, you remember that night I was locked in the room?"

"I can't ever forget nights like that," Brooke said sympathetically, then suddenly her eyes widened, "Faye, there's something you've got to know, follow me," she said and grabbed Faye by the wrist, pulling her into an empty room.

"Brooke, what is it? What's wrong?" She'd never seen her young friend so distressed.

"That man, I heard Brielle talking about him today…"

Faye felt her heart stop, she had been seen today. "That's why Bontecou was questioning me then, she wants to know if I'm taking a gentlemen without her knowledge. Brooke shook her head desperately and took Faye's hands, clutching them like a child.

"Faye, I heard the others talking about it too, and, well…"

"Brooke, please, what did they say?"

"They said that he's the dreaded Phantom of the Opera."