A/n: For those wondering, this story does have a plot, it just hasn't shown all it's true colors yet. Just to let you know, for future references, the things Christine will be thinking will be in italics and Erik's thoughts will be in bold. Thank you to all my reviewers, I leave you red roses with black ribbons:

Kathy.L

Tex110

Kchan

Angel or Demon

(with a swoop of a cap, authoress vanishes leaving you all with chapter 3)

Disclaimer: I do Not own The Phantom of the Opera.

Chapter 3

Until that very moment that Christine had graced his presence, Erik had been miserably plotting someway to get his angel back to him. "Damn it.. That wouldn't work the vicomte would keep a sharper eye on her, than to let her be easily fooled like that!" he growled menacingly. why did I let her go? She could have still been here with me, if I did not go emotional and free her to that god forsaken bastard! Oh Christine.. Why must you haunt my thoughts? Why did you return?

He slammed his fist into the wall, biting his lip to hold back more tears. When Christine had come back to his lair the day before, he had remembered seeing her run from his gate, heard her soft footsteps running in panic, and had become more obsessed with getting his hearts desire back. With an immense sigh, he walked back to his chair, sinking in to it reluctantly.

He closed his eyes, thinking of something, anything, that would return her to his arms. She came yesterday because of my voice.. Maybe I can lure her once again with it… Wheels in his mind churned quickly as a plot began to unfold in his mind, when he heard the voice from the gate. His heart nearly stopped, and his knuckles turned white under his firm grip on The arm of the chair. Breathing rapidly to return air to his lungs, he lunged from his chair to the door, grabbing his mask from Don Juan just in case it was her. What vile game is my head playing with me now? Could it be Christine?

Erik starred at Christine in utter shock as his heart almost leaped out of his chest. His hands went numbly for the lever and the gate slid open slowly. He shoved on his mask, shamefully. Her eyes need not see this loathsome deformity. It's too late, too late to turn back, I guess I could say I passed the point of no return.. again.. Her breath caught in her breast and she stepped in. "Christine, you… You came back." He whispered aloud, breathlessly. This is no apparition. She is real. And she's come back to me.. On her own free will.

Their eyes locked and she held his gaze. Her mouth went dry as his mysterious green eyes seemed to divulge in the richness of her soul. The heavy barrier around his heart, began to rise rapidly and replace the feeling of emptiness with a feeling he thought he'd never feel. Sweet happiness. A swift pain went through his mouth as he bit the insides of his cheek to keep from running to her and weeping an eternity of longing at her drenched feet.

Wake up you fool! She's standing there, soaking to the brim and you're just gawking. Invite her in! He told himself firmly, blushing slightly at his awkwardness. "Please mademoiselle, come in." The words shocked her from her alluring day dream and tripping over her skirts, walked in clumsily. Slick Christine, just slick. She thought blushing madly. "Erik.. I.. I've…come to.. Tell you.. I've come back to say that...that..."Spit it out! They both thought anxiously. Erik started to shake, tears welling up in his eyes as Christine spoke from deep within her heart.

"The truth is, that for months.. Well.." "Yes?" Erik blurted out making Christine blush insanely. A red tinge spread over his pale face. "Please forgive me for my outburst my dear.. It's just been.. So long." She stood close enough to him, that if she stretched out her arm long enough, she could touch his cheek. She longed to do so, to kiss away the tear that now rolled down his shaven cheeks.

"Erik.. I love you." Erik froze, shell shocked. The words seemed to linger in the air, filling the sudden silence with an indescribable peace. She loves me. To Erik, 'I love you' was an alienated yet appealing phrase, that he longed to use, but never in his life did he expect to here these words repeated with such passion. More tears leaked from the edges of his eyes. Not waiting for a reply, Christine took two long strides and wiped away his tears, coming so close to him, that she could feel his ragged breaths whisk about her face.

Startled by this new show of affection, he stepped back. Oh lord! He doesn't feel the same any longer! What was I thinking coming back here! All I did was bring back terrible memories for him. Salty tears welled up behind her eyes, stepping backwards, "Erik, I'm sorry.. I didn't mean to.."

"No! Don't leave me, please." he took a great step and seized her minute hands gently in his massive ones."I didn't mean to alarm you, I just never had someone care so deeply about me enough to wipe away my tears of joy." Another tear trickled down his black mask and a soft smile caught her lips. She put a hand to his mask and whispered, "I love you." Erik immediately fell under her enthralling spell, pulling his hands to her cheeks. She bit back a gasp of thrill at the icy feeling of his calloused touch. Sensing her uneasiness, he pulled his hands away, enraged at his abrupt actions.

"No, Please don't." she whispered hurriedly catching his hands in hers. He closed his eyes, knowing this had to be a dream for it was all too good to be true. Yet it was. Here she was, standing before him, confessing her love for him, her fallen angel of musik. Their hearts beat as one, as they just stood there wrapped in silence of the thrilling confessions. She wiped away his tears, stroking the visible part of his face. Christine's eyes fluttered shut, losing her self to Erik's soothing presence.

Watching her stand there, unafraid and calm, Erik sighed in pleasure. His favorite dream was playing out right before his eyes, reality had his favor at mind. Her eye lids fluttered open to see Erik's eyes close, a smile stretch across his face. Warmth flooded her heart, as well as his and gingerly, bravely, she slid the mask off of his head.

Erik's eyes shot open, aghast. Not again! Why must you betray me so? A finger was pressed firmly against his gaping mouth. Her warm brown eyes caressed the deformed, red flesh, than timidly brought her lips to his, pulling away her finger. They trembled as one, expressing their innocent love. His hand slid up her cheek in utter disbelief. Her slender fingers slid across the bumpy uneven flesh on the right side of his face tenderly. He increased the passion in their kiss, feeling that time it's self had stopped for them and only them. His hand slid around her waist, pulling her closer to his trembling body. His tongue flecked her lips and he pulled himself away from her sweet kisses.

"Christine I love you." He sang melodically in her ear. Her fingers stretched through his silky black hair, letting the heat of their breath ingle in the air before them. "I love you too my angel." The skin under Christine's lips tingled, her soft lips brushing up against his neck. Her eye's fluttered shut, savoring the taste of Erik, an appealing blend of roses, rosemary, and dust. Minutes flew by, until Erik pulled away from her. A smile hanging upon his lips from ear to ear.

"Wait here my love, I have something to give you." Pulling away he disappeared in to one of the rooms and than, things plummeted back to reality. Chills ran up and down Christine's spine, the heat and pleasure she shared with Erik, banished to realms of forgotten memories. Oh dear lord… What the hell is wrong with me! I'm worse than Raoul, I… I can't believe how foolish and naïve I am! Running to Erik for comfort and love, when Raoul would be happy to do that, if he had the time, added another part of herself. Ugh, I can't bare how immorally revolting I've become. I mean, I'm engaged and in love with another man! I don't deserve the heat and passion of love, I deserve death and a thousand punishments. I must tell Erik that I can't be with him. Christine's heart turned stone cold, the barrier she thought was lifted, fell twice as hard over her. But, I can't.. I can't break his heart again. I broke it once, I can't break it again, not like this. What choice do I have though! I devoted myself to Raoul, this game fate plays must now come to an end. Even if it is disastrous.

Erik almost skipped out of his room to see her put on a fake smile. "Christine, I love you. You were always the one I loved, the one I could never live without." He grabbed her hand giddily, looking at her with pure joy. Oh god please say he doesn't.. Not like this, stop him, NO! The urge to claw herself to pieces would have to wait, for Erik drew out a small black box. Strike me down, have mercy!

"You are the light in my unworthy darkness, the voice in the fog that guides me to light, without you, my world would cease to exist, without the presence of you. No gorgeous blossom in full bloom can compare to you angelic beauty." His heart beat quickly, thundering in his chest, Who knew this could be so difficult? "What I am trying to ask you Christine, is…" He opened the box with ease looking into her troubled eyes. "Will you marry me?" The smile fell away from her face, replaced with a grim frown. Damn my spirit to the bowels of hell. His spirit will never be the same again, because of me… Tears graced her cheeks as she spoke softly, heartbroken in to the sudden silence. "Erik.. I'm sorry, but I…"

A/n: I thought it would be fun to leave you at a bit of a cliff hanger….