A.N: Please don't kill me for being late. I do have a good chapter for you now! Hopefully you are able to forgive me! The best is yet to come, though. I might have to double up the next chapter to make it so it flows nicely. I also might have to make this rated R… There is going to be some sexual events, there are even minor ones in this chapter, so please be warned. I don't want any 9-year-olds reading this and then running and telling their parents, especially since I warned you…

Chapter Ten: Trouble Abroad

Work began early the next day after Erik and Sarine awoke. They immediately walked hand in hand to the stage and started working on various things. Erik began tuning the piano and Sarine began to test the floor lighting. They both hummed as they worked, doing various duets from the show. At about eleven, the girls came down from the dormitory and began working as well. They all branched off and sang their own songs, but Erik and Sarine continued to sing duets together.

"Hello, Angel."

Erik and Sarine looked up to the strange voice. Standing there was Christine Daaé, the former ingenue of the Opera Populaire. Her slender figure was clothed in a dark blue corset dress, and her curly brown hair flowed down her shoulders. Clinging to her arm was Raoul, the Vicomte de Chagny and former patron. He was dressed in his best, with a look that could kill saved just for Erik. They both slowly walked to Erik and Sarine, who had looks of their own. Erik had a look of shock on his face, and Sarine's bore a look of pure loathing.

"Can I help you?" Sarine asked, still glaring at Christine.

Christine walked closer and said, "I was told that the manager was looking for a lead, and my husband is interested in the patronage."

Now it was Erik's turn to glare at the Vicomte. It was no secret they disliked each other. If looks could kill, they'd both be dead.

"I would have to speak with my co-manager about this," Sarine said, gesturing to Erik. "If you'll excuse us."

She took Erik by the arm and led him to the office. She quickly locked the door behind them and spun around to face him.

"What the hell? Give me anyone but those two!" She said, sitting on the couch.

Erik sat beside her and rubbed her back. He, too, didn't want the vicomte and his wife to have anything to do with the opera. True, he still had feelings for Christine. He gave everything to her, who wouldn't still have feelings? But he had Sarine now, and he loved her more than he could have ever loved Christine.

"I don't want them here either. But the vicomte is very wealthy, and we could have grand operas. We could tell him that we already found a lead…" Erik tried.

Sarine sighed exasperatedly and stood up. As Erik stood up, Sarine took his hand, interlacing her fingers with his. They walked out to the stage, where they found both Raoul and Christine reading the sheet music. They both looked up when they heard Sarine and Erik coming in.

"Erik, who wrote these songs? This opera?" Christine asked, holding out 'All I Ask'.

"I did," Erik replied, holding his head high. "And we regret to inform that we already have a prospect for lead. I'm sorry."

Christine took a step forward defiantly, "At least let me try out."

"I know what your voice is like, Christine. I helped make it that way," Erik said, looking Christine square in the eyes.

Christine sorted through the music and took out the lead parts, "I'm doing lead. I'm the only one good enough for it."

Sarine's jaw dropped and her blood boiled with anger, "I'm sorry, but we already have a lead. If you wish, you can take the part of an extra, or chorus girl."

"Erik, I'm doing lead," Christine said, ignoring Sarine. "Can you tell her that you know I'm the best for the part of playing myself?"

Sarine looked at Erik. The way he hesitated and couldn't meet her eyes, she knew he had caved in. She stormed off angrily. As she slammed the door, she could hear them beginning to warm Christine up. Now, more than ever, she hated Christine Daaé. She never could stand the girl's sweetness and innocence. No one could be that truly innocent. After Sarine cooled off, she walked through the mirror into the lair. She changed quickly and climbed into the bed, her anger sapping her energy and putting her to sleep.

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When Erik finished with Christine, he gathered the sheet music and closed the opera house for the night. He then searched the entire building for Sarine. When he couldn't find her, he went to the lair and searched for her there. He found her in the bed, her body off to one side so he could lie beside her. He quickly took off his shoes, jacket, and vest and climbed into the bed. Laying his arm over Sarine's waist, he snuggled close to her. Burying his head into her hair, he fell asleep to the lullaby of her breathing.

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Sarine woke up a few hours later to find Erik beside her. She was comforted by his presence, knowing that he didn't stay with Christine. Quietly she got up and walked out of the bedroom, throwing one last look over her shoulder at the man she loved.

Walking quickly, she walked through the passageways and the mirror in her office. She then proceeded out to the stage, which she found was the only lit area in the amphitheater. She sat down on the edge of the stage and looked out into the blackness.

"This is the last time you'll see it like this."

Sarine turned at the sound of the voice behind her. Standing in the middle of the stage was Christine, dressed in a provocative red nightdress.

"I was just about to join Erik. And since you're here, it gives us a little privacy," Christine said, running her fingers through her hair.

Sarine stood up and snarled, "What do you want with him? You broke his heart years ago, and there isn't much more left to break. You have your husband, so why do you need Erik as well?"

"Oh, that's simple!" Christine laughed. "There are some things that Raoul can't do as well as Erik can. You should know that, having been in his bed enough… Unless he has denied you that certain pleasure…"

Sarine's heart dropped at the thought. Granted, it would have been before they knew each other, yet it still hurt to think of Erik entwined with this witch.

"It's not true… It's not…" Sarine muttered.

Christine smiled at Sarine's distress, "Trust me, it is. Oh it was glorious! He was simply amazing. Those feather kisses across my skin, his hands gently caressing my breasts… I would kill for another night of that. I won't have to, if you don't get in my way…"

Sarine looked at Christine, shocked. She tried to stop the tears from coming, but the pain was unbearable. She stood up, walked over to Christine, and slapped her as hard as she could. Turning and running, she didn't stop until she got to the lair. Climbing into bed, she curled up against Erik and sobbed quietly into his chest. Erik, awakened by her crying, pushed her away slightly so he could see her face.

"What's wrong, Sarine? My love, what's the matter?" he said, brushing her hair away from her face.

Sarine sobbed, "Just hold me… Please, just hold me…"

Erik pulled her close to him, tears coming to his eyes. He couldn't stand to see Sarine so upset. He laid his scarred cheek against her hair, letting his tears fall freely. He hugged her tightly, as if clinging to her tightly would make her stop crying.

"I'll make whatever it is go away. I swear I will Sarine. I swear it."