Disclaimer: Erik, Christine and Co are all property of Gaston Leroux, Susan Kay, Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber etc. I own the plot.

Chapter Nine: The Lair

The managers immediately put Christine's plan to work. Erik -as promised- gave a large donation of money to help with all the repairs. It was enough to pay for the new ceiling. The managers took out a bank loan to cover the cost of a new chandelier. The new one had several modifications including the fact that it was much less brittle and it weighed less than half the original. Whilst repairs were being made, Erik and Christine prepared the script for the new opera. Erik composed the music as Christine wrote the lyrics. This meant that they had a huge debate because neither could agree on an ending. After two days (though it seemed a lifetime to them) of not speaking to each other they at last agreed on a compromised ending. The minute the repairs were finished everyone began rehearsing, making props or costumes and preparing set pieces. The main characters were Erik, Christine and Luc de Blanc.

Erik was much upset when Christine moved back to her dressing room but managed to secure himself another room just down the hall. He called for her every morning and they both sat and had a cup of coffee together, well, he had coffee and she sipped tea. They would both then separate to their respective rooms and dress for the day and meet again for breakfast. At half past nine, Erik would give her a voice lesson until half past ten when they had to rehearse. After lunch there would be a little more rehearsal and in the evening they would do something together. Usually a trip to the park, a game of chess (Christine losing most times) or a story. One memorable afternoon they had no rehearsal after lunch so Erik went back to Christine's dressing room with her…

Flashback

The couple were sat on Christine's sofa. Erik was behind her, gently brushing her soft curls (this was becoming a habit he rather liked.). "Erik?" He could tell by the tone of her voice that she wanted something that he may not like. "Yes, my dear?"

"Do you think we could go down the lair again? It has been absolutely ages and I really wish to know what has happened to it." He frowned and then sighed.

"I suppose we could but you must remember that the mob has destroyed most of the lair and the Rue Scribe entrance. You will not like what you see."

"But we could mend it. It might be hard but it is not impossible. It would mean we would be able to have some peace and quiet and somewhere to practise. Please?"

Erik was known for being both very stubborn and very determined, the only person as stubborn as him was Christine. However, when he saw her big, doe-like eyes and her pleading expression he had to give in. "Come on then." He muttered with a mock glare.

"Oh, thank you." He decided that it was worth going back just to see her smile and feel the kiss she planted neatly on his lips. He opened the mirror quickly and stepped inside. She gave him a smile as, together, they plunged down once more.

For old times sake they sung 'Phantom of the Opera' in the boat. They had just reached the duet as they neared their destination. "My/your spirit and your/my voice in one combined. The Phantom of-" They both stopped in shock at the carnage before them. The beautiful curtains and tapestries were ripped down, the furniture lay toppled and broken glass and porcelain was everywhere. The mob seemed to have thrown much of the broken items at the organ, which was buried beneath the biggest mound of stuff. "Humanity at it's worst." Observed Erik dryly. Christine just stared in shock. "I have seen enough, let us leave." He said, not daring to glance at the organ. As he propelled them away she made no argument.

End Flashback

What dear Erik did not know was that Christine had sneaked back every time she could, repairing a bit at a time. She had also enlisted the help of Nadir, Meg, Luc de Blanc and Madame Giry. The group took it in turns distracting Erik so that the others could disappear for a while without being noticed. Then one rainy afternoon, two days before Christine and Erik's wedding they took Erik down to see what they had done. Madame Giry, Meg and Luc went through the Rue Scribe entrance so Nadir could pole the boat with Christine and the blindfolded Erik in. When they reached the shore Christine helped Erik out and ripped his blindfold off (being careful not to remove his mask too). For the first time in his life Erik was made speechless.

Christine had used a lot of her savings to help buy the materials needed for the repairs. Rich, red tapestries adorned the walls once more, the panelling was polished, and the Persian rugs had been fixed and cleaned. The furniture was all restored and the organ was looking more magnificent then ever. Erik looked longingly at it. "Go on." Christine whispered, knowing exactly what he wanted. "Try it." He swept forward and sat gracefully on the organ bench. Timidly he ran his fingers up and down the keys before trying a note.

When it seemed to work he played at shortened version of Masquerade. He stopped when they applauded and turned around. "Words cannot express my gratitude." He managed to choke out, past the lump (of tears) in his throat. The people there knew by the look in his eyes just how grateful he was. "You deserve it Erik." Proclaimed Meg. "You have been working very hard these last few weeks on this opera. The least we could do was give you somewhere you can relax or work in peace and quiet." He smiled, still wondering if this was a dream. "Will you play 'angel of music'?" asked Christine. He obliged and Madame Giry and Luc were treated to Christine and Meg's duet. That night everyone went to their respective rooms except Erik who had informed the managers where he would be sleeping in future. Of course, he did not mention the mirror door to Christine's dressing room, it would be considered improper…if anyone knew about it.

TBC…

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