A/N - I don't own Christine. Or Raoul. Or Erik, even though it will be at least another couple of chapters (probably more) before we meet him. I do own all of my other little lovies.

Thanks for the peachy reviews! It makes me want to write even more, even quicker - hah, so keep them coming!

Oh, and my-echo... tit for tat. Your turn:)

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Elizabeth was ill with confusion and worry. She sat in the back of the carriage, nervously twisting the material of her dress betwixt ivory fingers. Her mother had approached her again in the evenings before, continually warning her to never be near Nicholas again. The arrogant youth in her had only been aroused at such warnings and longed even more to meet with this enchanting young man.

That was not, however, the primary reason for her visit today. Nestled securely in a small bag were an abundance of heavy coins. She would have to make sure Nicholas had told no one, to make sure he understood. She would buy his silence, if she must. It seemed ironic that both times they had met, she had found need to purchase just that from him.

"We're here, M'selle." The driver drawled lazily. Elizabeth shook from her reverie. The home before her was mid-size and rather decent. It could not compare with the estate she lived in, and certainly not DeGent, but it seemed comfortable. Even more inviting, Elizabeth thought. She stepped from the carriage, and approached the door. Before she could lift her hand to the heavy brass knocker, a voice interrupted her.

"May I help you?"

Elizabeth turned, putting on a pretty smile for the young man who stood before her. It was Thomas.

"Yes, please. I am trying to locate a Monsieur Nicholas.. Ah..." It was only then that Elizabeth realized she did not know his last name. She flushed. Thomas, already smitten by her beauty, mistook it for a sort of affection toward him. His smile was radiant.

"Ah, the stable boy. Rolling in the muck with the horses, I'm sure. What need do you have of him?" Insulting Nicholas in the presence of such a beautiful lady gave Thomas a twisted sense of superiority.

Elizabeth felt as though the breath had been knocked out of her. "Stable boy?" she sputtered, sweet voice tinged with shock. She had realized he was not a noble. He was driving a hansom, for goodness sake. She had never imagined that he was a .. a... servant! Her head was swimming, and she felt as though she needed to return home.

You are never to see that man again, Elizabeth. Do not cross me!

Her mother's words echoed in her mind, and she found a new resolve. When the haze of surprise lifted, she realized that she rather had to see him. There was the matter of William to discuss. She glanced up to realize that Thomas was staring at her.

"Oh, do excuse me. I felt a little warm. My business with him will not take long, I assure you. If you would please tell him I am here."

"I can take you to him," Thomas offered wryly, deciding that perhaps appeasing her would earn her good graces. The smile that she offered him sealed that thought in his mind.

"This way," he smiled, offering his arm. Only after she didn't take it and stepped past him only a pace or two did he shrug his shoulders against the discomfort, and take the lead. Such an odd woman!

Carriages came and went. The primary entrance to the stables and ultimately his dwelling was situated only several hundred yards from one of the busiest thoroughfares in all of Paris. Nicholas was not alarmed when the sound of a carriage approached and stalled in front of the home. His master had visitors often. The hay crunched beneath his feet and the steady breathing of his patient would have drowned out any remnants of the lyrical voice conversing so near to him. He was entirely caught off guard when he heard Thomas approaching. Oddly, it sounded as though someone was with him.

"Where are you, little fool?"

Elizabeth shuddered at the vicious tone, suspecting Thomas capable of cruelty. There was a rustling in the stall ahead, and Thomas paused at it's heavy wooden door. "You have a visitor," he hissed rather sarcastically. Elizabeth could not yet see within. Thomas began to laugh. "What, a new scrap of clothing?" His mirth continued as Elizabeth stepped closer, just in time to see the gaze cast between the two men. Nicholas' eyes burned with a rage and threat that frightened even Elizabeth, and made her for a moment consider her mother's words.

Thomas simply scowled, and left as promptly, leaving the arid room in silence.

"Nicholas," she purred softly, in attempt to wipe the cruel grimace from his face.

The sweet tinkling of a bell or the hum of an angels harp. That is what her voice sounded like, and it shook Nicholas from his murderous reverie. If he could kill anyone, it would certainly be Thomas. His gaze shifted, leveling on Elizabeth. Immediately, he softened - and she could sense it in him as well. The slight shudder to her sweet shoulders ceased, and she stepped closer.

"How did you find me?" He murmured, sounding somewhat displeased as he crouched by the injured foot of the horse and continued his remedy. It was only then that Elizabeth realized the state he was in. It had only been days since he had last bathed, so he was certainly not putrid - but his flesh was colored with a layer of grime and sweat that made him seem stronger - more rugged. His hair was tangled and uncombed, and the only familiarity she found was his beautiful eyes and the dark mask that concealed a portion of his face. For the first time since she had met him, she felt a twinge of curiosity. She longed to reach for him, to brush the soft material from his face and fully see this man who somehow captured her imagination.

"It was not hard. The hansom has the family crest upon the side. I had not assumed you worked.. Lived.. I mean.. I only came for your address." Elizabeth stammered a bit awkwardly, feeling suddenly very out of place in her delicate gown.

"What do you need?" Nicholas' felt horrid for treating her so cooly, but oh what she must be thinking! He was filthy, and in his hovel of a home. Of course, she didn't know that. Still yet, he felt desperately exposed and vulnerable, and as though every fantasy he may have fostered about this angel would be shattered before his very eyes. She would never come to find him again, of that much he was certain.

"I just.. to.." Elizabeth lifted a hand to press it against the wood of the door that still separated them. She had forgotten why she had come. To remove the mask? No, no. There was something else!

"I've missed your company."

The words surprised them both, and felt foreign as they fell from her tongue. Nicholas glanced up sharply, and Elizabeth again blushed beneath the weight of his stare. He seemed.. Shocked?

"Tonight," he nearly whispered, his voice somewhat husky with emotion. "Where we first met. We'll talk then."

With that, Nicholas pushed the stall door open gingerly, allowing her time to step aside. He smiled down into her eyes, gazing for a moment at the tremulous quiver of her lower lip. He turned quickly, then, and strode away - leaving her alone in the stables to find her composure. Finally, she did. She turned and strode away toward the carriage, settling into it. How infuriating! No one made such commands of her. It made her feel out of control, and strangely elated. She was excited and the night could not come soon enough.