Not much to say about this one. Erik is so sweet in this one.

I love ya Erik.

Erik: I know. -smiles-

Chapter 7 The Gala

I walked along the tunnel to Aria's room. My mind was full of ideas and dark thoughts. If I indeed saw Christine tonight...I peered thru the mirror and abruptly spun around, flushing. Aria was just putting her corset on. I had never seen a woman in just a shift. I waited a long time before turning around and tapping on the mirror. Aria smiled. "Come on in, Erik."

I walked in and was about to say something when my eyes really opened. I stared open mouthed at Aria, my eyes growing contiunally larger. I could hardly recognize her...she looked so beautiful.

For once, her hair was down. Its deep, rich red tresses fell well below her shoulders, and I could finally see the thick, unending ringlets that massed her hair. Aria's green orbs smiled shyly at me, her full, dark red colored lips turned up at the corners. Her milky pale skin seemed to give off its own light, growing only brighter as the low crest of her dress gave way to a lusturous, deep green gown that matched her eyes and rustled when she walked, sweeping the floor seductively. It showed off her sensational curves. She was Aphrodite incarnate!

I returned my gaze to her eyes, suddenly aware that my mouth was still hanging down uselessly. I made an attempt to shut it, though I couldn't fully because I was having an odd problem. I couldn't breathe.

Aria bit her lip coyly. "What do you think?" she asked me, uncertain. Aria curtsied gracefully, twirling a little.

"I..." I could not speak. My hand reached up unconsciously, running a finger down her cheek before I regained control and drew it away hastily. "I...think you look beautiful." I murmured truthfully.

Aria smiled fully at me, her eyes mesmerizing me in all their sparkling, shining glory.

I shook my head slightly, trying to come back to reality. I came to the vague conclusion that it was not possible to do when near the Goddess of love.

"...be on the roof later. If you want to meet me there..?" Aria asked.

Wants.to meet you..later..on roof. My brain repeated. But what about Christine? You'll be spying on her. I roused myself. "Perhaps, Aria."

Aria nodded, and I saw a tiny hint of dissapointment falter her smile.

"Well...I got to head down there.." Aria said.

Aria bit her lip, then stood on tiptoe. She caught me completely off guard as her soft, angellic lips pressed into the side of my face. I gulped and felt my eyes widen again as I looked at her. She smiled softly, tentitively, and scurried out of the room. I did not miss the blush that spread across her face. A bolder, more experienced man would have turned his head and claimed her lips as his. I simply stood there, trying to force myself to think about Christine... Really, my mind told me, Aria will end up leaving. With Hans, probably. Just like Christine. You are a monster, Erik. You cannot love or be loved by Aria.

But...but maybe...maybe there's a small chance! What if Aria loved me? I tried in futile rebellion.

She doesn't love you, fool. She feels sorry for you, so she puts up with you. that voice said viciously.

But...what about the meadow! Her dreams! I cried out mentally, feeling ever more pained.

One cannot control their dreams, Erik. You know that. I don't need to remind you of the dream you've had about Aria several times now. Pathetic, Erik.

I tried to deny those dreams. I had a dream of Aria three nights in a row, and they always ended, like Christine, with our lips locked in a passionate embrace, my arms holding her to me tightly. I trembled violently. I don't dream them on purpose!

There you have it, Erik. You are just a pathetic, desperate beast. Now, go watch Christine. She's the only one for you. You sold your heart to her, and after all, you cannot have two hearts. The voice persisted.

I stumbled back thru into my hellish tunnels, making my way to the mirrors in the great Hall, the one at the entryway. Most everyone was there already, the orchestra already playing. I spotted Meg dancing with a young man whose name I did not know, Cecile with a glum looking ballet man. My Angel was not here yet. Suddenly I caught sight of a couple that froze my heart. Aria was dancing with Hans. They were dancing close, but not over close, but it was a slow song. My whole body shook as I put a hand against the cold glass. I could feel tears working their way down my face, in slow, agonized pain.

What did I tell you? the voice sneered.

I curled up on the floor and let my tears run. I moaned softly as my heart was stripped bare of its protective sheilds that I had spent the last 2 years constructing. Luckily for me, the mirror was a 2-way mirror; I could see them, but they couldn't see me. It was also 3 panes thick, so not even my shadow was visible.

I was in pain; I felt as though every bone in my body had been removed as I leaned against the tunnel wall, trying to overcome this. When I was able, I stood up again and watched Aria and Hans dancing, crystal tears still dripping from my chin. Mon dieu...how I wanted to be out there, my arm wrapped around Aria, twirling her with careful elegance. I stared at Aria, at her contented face...at Hans's hand, resting chastely on her waist...pretending it was mine. My body heaved with another sob and I leaned my forehead against the glass, watching my lonely tears fall to the ground.

The attendant annouced the next arrival. "Mr. and Mrs. De Changy!"

My tears dried instantaniously as I forced myself to focus on Christine.

God. She was my Angel...she was still so beautiful! Her hair had been done up in an graceful bun, her lioness's mane tamed. A few chocolate tendrils framed her pale, pretty face, leading down to her pink, suculant lips. Her caramel eyes were dark with frightened anxiety, because she knew I was watching. My eyes turned sourly from her radiance to Raoul, the girly fop. I touched the hilt of my sword, reassuring it that it would feel blood tonight, if things worked out.

I watched Raoul and Christine hungrily, yearning for what could have been mine. A woman passed before my mirror, irritating me. Then she tapped the glass and smiled. It was Aria. I growled and responded. She moved and I returned my gaze to Christine. The hours grew later and later, and I noticed Raoul seemed determined to keep her away from the walls. I sighed. Why was I torturing myself?

A different voice than that of eariler urged me to see Aria on the roof. I followed the tunnels up obediently, my mind still consumed with thoughts of Christine. I opened the trapdoor from inside one of the great statues and froze for a moment. Aria sat, her knees tucked up to her chest, against the far statue, her head turned up to watch the brilliant fireworks. Her face illuminated every few minutes as one went off, making her eyes sparkle in such a beautiful way I had no words for it. I closed the door and went over to her shyly. Aria started and looked up at me, a sweet smile on her lips. "I was wondering if you were going to join me."

I sat down next to her hesitantly. "I saw you dancing with Hans," I said, the thought springing on me in anger.

Aria rolled her eyes and sighed. "He was the only man whose hands didn't wander."

I growled in menace, wanting to cause pain to such people.

Before I knew what I was saying, I blurted, "I wish...I wish I could have had the honor of dancing with you tonight." I shut my mouth hastily and turned my face from her in embaressment.

"It's not too late," Aria murmured.

I swallowed and turned back to her... holding out my hand tentitively. I sat, stunned, as Aria's hand slipped into mine before we stood up.

I nervously took up her hand and placed my own on her waist, my heart leaping as her fingers rested lightly on my shoulder. I had never danced with a woman, though I had taught myself to do so. Following some inner music of our souls, we stepped in time, forming an intricate couple's dance as had never been seen before. I obeyed some instinct...my hand slid to the small of her back and begged to pull her closer. She obliged; my cheek rested obliviously against her hair as I fell into emotions I had forbidden myself for so long. My lips parted and my eyes slid down...down...

¨¨

Raoul sighed tensely and sat down with Christine on a stone bench. "My love...I shouldn't have brought you," he murmured, wrapping an arm around her tenderly.

"Raoul, you can't hide forever. You are the Patron...it is your duty."

"I know...but I don't want to lose you again."

Christine smiled in a sad way at him. "Oh, Raoul...I'm so lost...let's go up to the roof and watch the fireworks."

Raoul was deeply troubled. "Little Lotte...if we leave the populated areas, that monster might catch us."

Christine looked at him reproachfully. "You have me now; please don't call him a monster."

The Viscount shrugged. Erik would always be a monster in his eyes. "What pleases you. Let's go to the roof."

They made their way deftly, avoiding heavily shaded areas and walking as quietly as possible. Christine opened the door in silence and walked thru. What met their eyes left them speechless.

¨¨

I do not know how long we danced. All I knew was that this was the best night of my life and I never wanted it to stop. Bit by bit our dance ended, and Aria's head came up from its previous position of resting on my shoulder. I stared breathlessly down at her. My eyelids fluttered down out of sync, and my hand slid up her back and cupped her face longingly. I knew what to do...I just had to draw up the courage. I brought my face closer and closer to hers, stopping in hesitation. Finally...my mouth closed over her top lip and my eyes slid closed helplessly. Mon dieu...Aria did not pull away. I could feel her leaning more heavily onto my chest, sending me waves of amazed bliss. My other hand rose and I buried them both in her hair as I had yearned to do since I first saw her tonight. My whole body trembled fervently as the feeling of...rightness overcame me. It felt so right, standing here, Aria's lips warming mine. Another feeling entered my scattered mind; I wasn't sure what it was. I never wanted this to end. Without thinking, after what seemed like hours, I carefully pulled back my lips, not moving my head but an inch. My breath came out in a mighty whoosh, my eyes opening in reluctantance. Aria's eyes opened with mine, and I gave her a bewildered smile, which she returned. Suddenly she turned her head to the side and gasped. I, dazed, followed her gaze and froze. Holy Mother of God!

Raoul and Christine stood in shock from the open door, their eyes widened in amazement.

I stared at Christine. Forgive me, Christine! I didn't mean to! I love you I wanted to shout. Instead, as one, Aria and I hastily pulled away. I fingered my sword and growled.

"Raoul...let's just go." Christine squeaked, looking like she might faint any minute. I wanted to cry. It was I- I!-causing her so much fear.

Raoul merely loosened his own sword and ignored her. "Well, chorus girl...have you seen the monster's face yet? How much is he paying you?" he sneered.

Christine and Aria began shouting at the same time, Aria's voice carrying far above my Angel's.

"He's NOT a monster!" Aria snapped, but her eyes said she had been deeply bruised.

"Fiery lover you got there, Erik." Raoul said silkily.

"Raoul!" Christine gasped.

I snarled and drew my blade menacingly. "She is not my lover."

"Christine is taken, Phantom!" Raoul did likewise and rushed at me.

Our blades met with chillingly harsh abhorance.

Christine and Aria both shrieked, but knew better than to interrupt.

I fought with all the strength I had, determined to kill the boy then and there. But apparently he had harbored the same energy I had, and attacked with the same intensity.

I saw Aria skirt out my my way from the corner of my eye, but any feelings I had had just a few moments ago were forgotten.

With mounting fury and frustration I bombared Raoul, to no avail. He scored the first blood- a slice to my arm. I roared and continued my assault. Suddenly he halted in mid attack and stared wildly to the entrance of the rooftop. I nearly beheaded him there, but glanced over. I stopped- Christine was gone! Raoul turned panicky eyes on me. "Where is she? What have you done with her!"

"I've done nothing. If you recall, I've been here fighting you." I said icily.

"Then you told your maid to take her!"

"Never! She wouldn't anyway."

"Pretty sad, Erik." he said slyly. "You can't even force a chorus girl anymore."

I rumbled at him and slashed his arm. Before he could return it, I strode into a trap door. I had to find Christine...maybe I could speak to her. Oh...to hear her sweet voice speak to me again! Raoul dropped in behind me. "What are you doing here?" I growled.

"I'm not letting you out of my site."

I sprinted tensely down the tunnel. To think I was helping the wretch! Perhaps..I could fool him and lead him to his death in the torture chamber.

No, find Christine. Kill the boy later.

My ears pricked as I heard the faintest sound of footsteps. A small, pretty laugh echoed back to me. My angel's laugh! Raoul, who was not as sensitive as me, remained silent. The quicker I ran the closer the noises got. Christine and Aria were talking in soft voices, like friends might. I nearly smiled. My Angel was so kind. When I was nearly behind them, one giggled again. I was shocked that I had confused Christine's laugh with Aria's; It had been Aria's before. Raoul rushed past me and touched Christine's shoulder. She jumped and spun, relieved to see her beloved.

Aria glanced at me but said nothing.

"What ever possessed you to down here, Darling?" Raoul simpered.

Christine smiled. "Aria figured that if we left you would both stop fighting and look for us."

I growled at Aria, who raised her head defiantly. "You men. You treat us as though we are a prize to be won."

Christine gasped in nervous amusement and Raoul's face screwed up in anger. But it was I who advanced on her. I was attempting to frighten her, but as usual it didn't work.

Aria furrowed her brow in annoyance and stood unmoved.

"What did I say, Phantom?" Raoul chuckled aggressively.

I roared again and launched myself on him. We fell to the ground and tusseled roughly, landing hits anywhere possible. Christine was yelling in fright. I grunted as Raoul slammed his fist right into my eye, and once more into my ribs. I abruptly felt a terrible, stinging slap on my back and rolled away from Raoul to meet this new attacker. It was Aria; she had hit me with the flat of my sword. She dealt a likewise blow to Raoul, who yelped and glared at her. Christine hung back behind Aria, throwing the both of us horrified, repremanding looks.

"Really! If you two don't both act like little boys! You are grown men, after all." Aria said commandingly. "Or at least I think you are."

Raoul got up and brushed past her to Christine. I smirked when I saw the shiner on his babyface. I reached up and touched my mask. It had, incredibly, stayed on throughout the whole ordeal. Aria gave the two of them easy directions back to the Great Hall. I stared beseechingly at Christine...please...just look at me... Christine smiled at Aria and thanked her, then, finally... her gaze fell on me. "If you two don't mind...I'd like to speak with Erik alone."

I swallowed nervously. Raoul immediately began to make a fuss, but Christine silenced him. "Please go. I'll be along shortly."

Raoul sighed and followed Aria into the darkness.

Christine turned back to me, and she settled down on the opposite wall. Her face instantly dropped its normally calm demenor and became weary and sad. "Erik...I really don't know what to say."

I gazed at her beautiful face. "You... do not need to say anything." I whispered.

Christine's eyes snapped open and she stared hard at me. "But I do. I do need to."

I waited, flinching.

"Erik...I know you love me. This is going to make you feel terrible...but I must say it. You love me. I thought I loved you at one time. But that was before...before I really knew you."

What I heard was before I saw your face. I turned my head away from her to hide my tears.

"Erik, look at me."

It was futile to disobey. Her caramel eyes bored into mine.

"Aria is a good woman, Erik. If only you could see it. Erik...I cannot be yours anymore. I love Raoul; I'm happy to be with him."

I didn't want to hear about Aria. "I'm sorry...you had to see that." I motioned upwards, all emotion I had felt with Aria securely locked away far in my mind. "I don't love her. I love you Christine. There is no one else for me."

Christine shook her head. "Don't. Please. I'm not sorry I saw that kiss...it is the most beautiful thing I have seen, coming from you. Don't say you don't love her, Erik. I know you do."

I shook my head stubbornly.

Christine sighed once more and stood up, stooping to lift my chin to look into her eyes.

"I only hope you can realize it before it's too late."

She left me then, a star dissolved by the darkness of the night.