Author's Note: Hey! Im sooo sorry I haven't updated in a while- life has been hell and I was suffering a severe case of writer's block. I'd like to say thank you to my wonderful reviewers and apologize for this chapter as I haven't written in a while and need to get back into the story. It's you guys that finally pushed me to actually WORK.
Chapter 9: Interlude
Raoul stared at what he believed to be Christine- contemplating whether to rid himself of her presence quickly or draw the would-be murder out. However, he noticed that she had yet to blink. His eyes traveled down the body as he realized his mistake. Trying hard not to blush, Raoul now thought of ways to make it seem as if he had known all along, as the phantom was certain to be watching by now. Deciding to act as if nothing had happened, Raoul stepped away from the manakin, mind focused on retrieving the cloth that had covered it. In his haste he didn't notice the loose stone just behind him. Time seemed to slow as he cursed the Fates for taunting him so, and he prepared for the most humiliating fall of his life. As he braced himself for the impact, he found it never came. Instead, strong arms encircled his waist, preventing his unpleasant descent onto the cold stone surface. It took his mind a minute to register that the warmth against his body came from a man. Or monster rather. The only person who could have caught him was the phantom. He really had no qualms with him- but the rumors were hard to forget. Not to mention he knew from personal experience that the phantom was, at best, slightly unhinged. He knew his 'savior' was a monster, so why did this feeling of contentment arise as the masculine arms held him? Oh, this wasn't good at all.