Christine (sitting on Erik's lap): So, I have made it to the long awaited chapter. A chapter in which Raoul leaves and romance must bloom. Oh, it truly makes me happy to see Erik and I- I mean Christine (the other Christine) together… (sigh) perhaps I should've made this an Erik/OC story-
Erik: I am flattered by your kindness, my Christine…
Raoul: How come everybody detests me?
Erik: (Waiting patiently for the story) Silence, fop! You're breaking her concentration!
Raoul: Why you despiteful-
Christine: Why not read this fanfic of mine? It is understood that I do not own Erik…which I often feel sad over…and Raoul, thank heavens I don't own him!
Raoul: HEY!
Erik: I adore you…
Christine: (blush) …
Red Rose
Chapter VI: A Light in the Darkness
One hour…
Sixty minutes…
3,600 seconds…
Sixty minutes of eerie silence. Her brain felt as though it was being savagely thrown against her skull. Each part of her body ached down to the pinkie toe.
She was confused. Christine looked down upon her wrists, studying the horror of her newly formed bruises, the bruises that he had put there…
Christine fell to her knees, tears gliding down her beautiful face. Raoul didn't love her. He couldn't have loved her! If he did, he would've trusted her! He would've noticed her before she let the city of Paris know that she had a fabulous voice. It was her voice that made the angels weep. This voice was a gift from heaven above. This sweet melody was a magnificent triumph. It was a magnificent triumph…to him.
"Hounded out by everyone
Met with hatred everywhere
No kind word from anyone
No compassion anywhere…"
The words sang tauntingly in her head. She needed to rest, needed to lay her head down on the softness of a pillow.
"Christine…"
It was unbearable. Her vision had become blurred to the point where Ms. Daae thought she would surely faint.
"Christine, why? Why?"
"Oh, my angel," she spoke, "I don't know why. Why did I ever betray you? How could I end a relationship that lasted since childhood? I only reunited with Raoul for a matter of months, before I decided to change my life forever. Leaving you seemed so easy to do at the time. But that was selfish of me. I was the only thing you had, wasn't I? And for that, angel, I feel foolish and rotten." Her hands pushed eagerly into the mirror again, "How could I simply ignore you? You need me…"
…………..
Christine loved him. If she didn't she would've been at his side in an instant. But Raoul found himself wandering the streets of France alone. Christine and that Erik…they had a special type of relationship. It was the kind that was exquisite and rare. It was a love in which neither had the courage to admit to themselves, no less, their mate. It was a deep love, which burned in the soul, just waiting to be unleashed. The viscount sneered to himself. How could he not have noticed? That music box was constantly being brought up in daily conversation. She sang shyly to herself, when she thought no one was around to hear. Monsieur de Chagny chose to remain oblivious to the possibility that the former chorus girl was in love with an angel, her angel. He was completely caught up in thoughts that Raoul failed to see, that he had strayed from the sidewalk, and a horse carriage was trotting his way…
……………
"Erik…"
He turned around to discover Christine. 'You stupid man! Did you really have to look to confirm that it was Christine? Have you become that pathetic?'
"Erik…" She looked weak, as though she would collapse at any given moment. Her body was slowly wavering from side to side, when finally her legs gave out underneath her.
If it weren't for the quick agility of an opera ghost, Christine would've met the pain of a cellar floor against her skin.
The phantom cradled her in his arms, concern suddenly overwhelming him. "Christine! Christine! Are you all right?"
She answered with a groan, obscuring her face in the flowing white of his shirt. He had such a wonderful masculine scent, that it made her want to saver every aspect of it.
His eyes couldn't help but venture of the divine image of her body, overflowing with longing desire. It was then; those deep blue orbs noticed the graffiti that tainted her lower arms.
His heart stopped dead. That wasn't there just an hour before.
"Christine, who has done this to you?"
He hugged her to him, her laying a hand over his broad chest. All betrayal he had felt had melted away. He was crumbling. Erik couldn't stand to see her hurt, at which he broke his vow.
She stared up at him with warm, trusting eyes. And yet, those eyes held sadness. Those eyes were red from flowing water.
"Don't tell me he-"
Christine squeezed her eyes shut, forcing herself to look away.
"My dear, no one shall ever harm you again. I will not allow them to!" He nuzzled her cheek with tenderness. "You are warm. I believe you are developing a fever."
She coughed a sound harsh to his ears. Christine Daae was becoming ill, and it was silently killing him.
"I'm fine Erik, truly…" 'Tired…I'm so tired'
He shook his head. "I will take care of you. I must, for I can't stand to see you in your present state."
Carefully, he carried her over to the bed, and laid her down gently on the velvet sheets. They felt heavenly against her.
The specter smiled warmly at his love, enjoying how she felt comfort in his home.
Christine Shivered, as Erik pulled a blanket over her. A cloth wiped the beads of sweat from her forehead, and the warm water soothed the feeling of her abused parts. What tender loving care Erik had. It was a blessing that she was able to stay awake to witness it.
Ringing the cloth out, the phantom placed it on the bedside. His icy touch had become immune to her had he ran his fingertips through the soft curls of her hair.
"Goodnight, my angel," he cooed, desperately fighting the urge to place a light kiss upon her lips.
"Erik?" She whispered into the sheets.
"Yes, my dear?"
"Would you lay with me tonight? I'd feel most safe."
For once, his cheeks flushed. "Are you sure, Christine?"
She coughed once more, causing her throat to become a bit irritated.
"Yes…"
………….
Christine: A chapter finished, to which I am most pleased.
Erik: (smiles) And so Raoul de Chagny meets his end! A rose for you, my dear.
Christine: Erik, I never quite said that-
Raoul: Horrible woman! You killed me!
Christine: Monsuier, I-
Erik: (dancing around) Death to the fop!
Raoul: Mad man!
Christine: My head hurts…it will be most hard to sing tonight…
Erik: (to Raoul) Damn you, my friend…you have made Christine pain!
Raoul: Me? ME! Why you-!
Christine: (ignoring them) Do review!