Summary: My take on the 2004 movie… with an added character. Not an Erik/OC, Erik/OW if that's what you are worried about, or thinking. Erik and Christine's relationship remains the same as it did in the movie, with nothing to complicate it… and I may let them be together in the end… It depends how big a response I get from you, the readers. Madame Giry will feature in this more strongly than the other characters.
Disclaimer: I own nothing, everything belongs to Sir ALW, and Gaston Leroux. The only character I own in this is that of Phillipe Caruso.
A/N: Another thank you to my reviewers, you're all fab!
Incapability: Look at all your reviews! I love you loads! And in regards to paying Giry enough attention, which other character do I appear to love as much as I do Giry:)
twinlady: I do need more reviews, don't I? REVIEW PEOPLE! Oh, I love you to death, dear!
Minerva's Phantom: I'm so glad I live up to your expectations! ;D Here's another update for you, and the rest of you amazing bunch!
"Dance As If Noone Is Watching…"
Erik smiled in triumph as Christine finished the final note of 'Think of Me', with such grace and eloquence that if he were anyone but the Phantom, would move him to tears. Christine had done it, all his tutoring had paid off, and his pupil was quickly on her way to being a Prima Donna.
He smirked, thinking of Carlotta. He supposed he should feel some guilt that he had deprived her of her job, but… there was none. Just pride, and… could it be love? He most certainly felt something for Christine. He felt it every time she sang, every time she spoke, every time he saw her. Yet she was but a child compared to him. He could never hope for her to love him. He was a Monster.
Erik tensed as he heard footsteps moving swiftly towards his lair. He calmly retrieved the Punjab Lasso, and waited for the figure now silhouetted to reveal itself in the eerie light of his candle-lit domain. He breathed a sigh of relief as Antoinette Giry walked into the light. She smiled.
"Did I scare you?"
Erik scoffed. "Of course not. I'm the Phantom of the Opera."
She shook her head in amusement, and walked further into the room.
"She did it, Erik."
Erik grinned at her. "I never doubted she would."
To Antoinette's surprise, for the second time that day, she was suddenly enveloped into a tight embrace. She patted his back, a mixture of amusement and affection painted on her face. It was the first time in years he had showed any affection towards her. He pulled back after a minute and smiled at her.
"We haven't done that in a long time."
She smiled. "No, we haven't."
He sighed. "My dear woman, I know I haven't always been easy on you, but you must know I am extremely grateful for everything you have ever done for me, almost always without anything in return. You are my dearest friend, Antoinette Giry."
She smiled, a lump forming in her throat.
"And you are mine, Erik."
He smiled at her briefly, and then cleared his throat.
"Christine… I left her a Rose in her dressing room… Tell her it's from me… Please Madame."
Antoinette nodded. She knew perfectly well what the Rose would look like. She had received Erik's Roses on numerous occasions.
"Good night, Erik."
"Good night, Antoinette."
She moved towards the exit, and was just about to ascend back to the theatre when Erik called out her name.
"Yes?"
He smiled. "I managed to catch a few minutes of the Ballet. Meg was magnificent, Madame. You should be proud."
Antoinette smiled a radiant smile.
"Oh, I am."
"Oh, and Antoinette… If I see that young patron in my box again, I'll have a lasso around his neck faster than he can blink."
She knew Erik was not joking
She said a final goodbye to Erik, and then set off for the stage. After a successful performance, Antoinette always liked to sit in the theatre and think. The theatre was always deserted at this time, as the company celebrated their performance below.
Antoinette preferred quiet to noise, and found the stage an ideal sanctuary when it was empty. When she arrived, she was surprised to see a man sitting in the Manager's box. She frowned.
"Excuse me?" She called to him.
The man heard her, and turned his head. He was a handsome man, maybe in his late 40's, and looked to be wealthy. He smiled. "Hello."
She sighed. "I'm sorry, but you shouldn't still be here, Monsieur."
He chuckled. "I'm afraid I haven't met you yet. I'm Phillipe Caruso. I'm the Accountant. And you, Madame?"
Antoinette's cheeks flamed red as she realised who he was. She smiled at him apologetically, covering up her embarrassment.
"I'm sorry, I didn't realise. I'm Antoinette Giry, the Ballet Mistress."
"Ah, the Ballet Mistress."
She raised an eyebrow. "I see Andre and Firmin have been speaking about me behind my back."
He chuckled again. "You could say that."
She sighed. "I can assure you, Monsieur Caruso, I do not write notes demanding money, and sign them O.G, nor am I the Phantom's 'right-hand woman' as the entire company seem intent on labelling me."
He smiled. "Wait there, Madame."
She waited for a few minutes, as Phillipe made his way down from the box to the stage. He reappeared, and grinned. "Hi, I'm Phillipe Caruso."
He shook her hand, and she laughed. "Antoinette Giry. Welcome to the Opera Populaire."
He chuckled. "Somehow I think I shall find my time here interesting."
Antoinette smirked.
"I hear you have been introduced to Monsieur Andre's toupee. My deepest apologies to you. You must be scarred for life."
Phillipe shook his head, and grinned at the woman in front of him. He liked her. She was an amusing companion, and he could see a friendship easily being forged between them. She was about the same age as him, and just as good tempered. He could see wisdom sparkling in her eyes, and he could feel an aura of elegance surrounding her. Yes, he liked this woman.
He liked her a lot.