Destined To Meet Or Fated Crossings? Chapter 8 Awkward Moments

Raoul was finally ready to go he had taken forever to get ready. He had wanted to look nice, but instead settled for a simple white poofy shirt and black breeches, and a blue over coat. No need to over do it, he thought as he got into his coach, that took him to the Opera House. It was as if he was gazing upon a long lost friend even though it had only been a week. He smiled as he stepped out and approached the ticket person, showing his ticket though the ticket man looked flustered.

"I'm sorry, Vicomte de Chagny it seems someone again has made a mess in your box, and we are doing our best to clean it for now…Box Five is empty."

Of course Raoul new differently now that he knew there was indeed a Phantom. He almost said he'd wait…but he realized this would be his opportunity to tell Erik…although it was a little soon…seriously he had no idea when else he would have. He sighed a moment, realizing he'd have to answer. No need to make someone else's night stressful. Fine, he thought a little weary.

"Alright that is fine."

Raoul said and walked up the stairs to the boxes, his heart pounding as he counted the numbers to Number Five. He hesitated a moment, before walking in. Erik was already there, sitting in the seat, and he was a good few minutes early. He should have enough time, he nervously made his way to Erik, stopping beside him, he knew Erik had heard him come in, and blushed as their eyes locked. They stared for a long moment before they both laughed. It was one of those awkward, 'we're idiots and we know it' laughs. But it was nice.

"I'm sorry."

They both said when the laughing died down. Raoul fidgeted with his hands. He'd never been so nervous.

"I acted so…barbaric; I honestly don't know why I was so mad."

Raoul said looking at him shyly. Erik gave a small smirk.

"You weren't totally barbaric."

He said in a teasing tone that made Raoul think that he was…but he wouldn't. Would he?

"There's something…I auuhh been thinking…I should tell you…"

Raoul was stumbling and tripping over his words, becoming more nervous and embarrassed with each word, looking at his feet, which were becoming increasingly more interesting with each passing moment. Looking anywhere but in those intense eyes! He felt a gloved hand reaching under his chin, and it was raised gently and he was caught again in Erik's gaze. He blushed more, his voice caught in his dry throat and he gulped dryly. His heart was pounding so hard against his chest he swore it was trying to leap out.

"What is it?"

Erik asked softly as if asking a small child about nightmares or, if they were the ones who broke that valuable thing. But there was something else that lies in Erik's tone that was comforting, and it was a little beyond what a child would be comfortable with. Raoul let out a sigh, just as he was about to say something, he heard the Manager's coming towards Erik's box, before he could blink Erik was hiding in the shadows and he was seated in the rather warm seat. Although a bit confused as to what had happened he looked behind him to see the Managers enter (though they looked rather nervous because they were entering the supposed Opera Ghost's box) Raoul arched a brow.

"We are sorry to interrupt Vicomte, but your Box is ready…we insist you sit somewhere...safer."

Raoul was perfectly safe here, he thought crossing his arms a bit.

"I'm fine gentlemen…thank you."

He said softly, but one grabbed his arm and forced him up.

"No…see we think the Opera Ghost did it…so…well this is his box…come on."

Raoul frowned, as he was pulled out, looking to the shadows for help. He sighed as he gave in, not wanting his arm to be wrenched from his socket. Soon, he was back in his own box frustrated, because the managers insisted (wouldn't take no for an answer) that their presence was needed, and Raoul almost didn't enjoy the Opera. But he loved music. To his luck, they had to leave for the few minutes of intermission, though just as he was going to get up, Erik entered.

Erik's eyes locked with Raoul's as he entered Raoul's box, it was nice…but not as good as his own. He approached the other, looking around. Now it was Erik's turn to be nervous, he wasn't sure what he was going to say. Instead he crouched down and took the arm that had been pulled by a manager, and gently ran his fingers down it. He smirked seeing the sweet blush that crossed Raoul's face…how Erik wanted to kiss that arm better.

"Is your arm ok?"

Erik asked, his free hand cupping Raoul's cheek, and Raoul blushed more, leaning into his touch.

"Yeah I think so…"

Raoul said softly, shyly bringing a hand to Erik's own cheek (the unmasked side), Erik found himself leaning into the soft touch, and he didn't even flinch when Raoul's fingers curiously ran against the front edge of his mask. He was expecting Raoul to be curious, it wasn't helping his nerves any. He gently guided the hand to his unmasked cheek.

"I…I've been thinking too lately. There's something I should tell you…"

This was incredibly hard to say gazing in his eyes.

"I…"

But he stopped hearing footsteps again. Augh! He sighed as he hid again, watching as the managers enter the box. Erik felt defeated, so he crept outside and on to the roof, leaning against the railing. He was a bit surprised that a few moments later Raoul followed him.

"It's a bit suffocating."

He explained, joining Erik. They glanced at each other. Try again.

"I have something to tell you…"

They both said at once.

"I-"

They both began. But the door flew open, and Erik had to literally jump into the shadows. Erik glared angrily, seeing it was Meg, Madame Giry's daughter. She looked rather flustered.

"It's Carlotta she's back! The other girl got sick…so the managers rehired her and she's worse then ever!"

Erik glared. He was interrupted because of her? He was very angry, and so was Raoul who followed her to see what she meant as did Erik. They were back in Raoul's box, though Erik was in the shadows. Though he could see perfectly, Carlotta was back and she was being so rude and Carlotta. Erik felt anger burning at the managers, one they rehired Carlotta even though the probably thought his threat still stood (which it didn't). But just the thought that they thought Raoul's life wasn't worth their little Opera. Fine, Erik thought…we'll see how you feel when he's gone, no more funds for them.

Fin

AN: Cliff hanger what could Erik be plotting? Well the next chapter title gives it away…but still