The song Erik wrote for Christine is a song I made up. I thought about using a real song but I just felt like Erik's music is unheard of and magical and it's better left to the imagination :) The chapter after this one is the concert, so stay tuned!

I am blown away by the favorites and follows recently! Thank you so much for the support!

"Since when do you not drink iced latte's?" Meg questioned as Christine took the iced green tea from the barista, thanking her with a polite smile.

She glanced at her friend who was holding a delicious looking coffee. "Since I've taken my singing more seriously." They began walking away from the coffee stand and made their way down the mall's long strip, stores of all kinds on either side of them. "Sugary and caffeinated drinks stick to the throat and constrict the voice. I'm only getting away with green tea today because it has such a low caffeine level."

"Goodness, I don't remember your singing lessons to be so serious," Meg said with a laugh, taking a drink from her sugary caramel drink.

Christine glanced at it longingly. It had been a few weeks now since she'd had a nice cup of coffee. "Yes well, it's for the best."

"Your teacher must be strict."

"He can be, but he knows what he's talking about. I've noticed a distinct difference in my voice since I've stopped." Christine tilted her head, thinking of her last lesson with Erik. "However, he did buy me a milkshake the other day."

"Your teacher bought you a milkshake?" Meg asked, surprised by the news. "Wait, wait - we aren't talking about Anne are we? You said he."

Christine realized only then that she hadn't exactly told Meg about Erik becoming her teacher. "Oh," she flushed with shame. "It's, um… not. You know my downstairs neighbor?"

"The masked man?"

"Yes," Christine winced and braced herself for Meg's reaction. "He's my new teacher."

True enough, Meg grabbed her arm and forcibly stopped her from walking. "He's your what? For how long?"

Christine glanced down uneasily. "For a few weeks now. Anne was out one day and he took over. He's really been incredible, Meg. He's super talented and building confidence in me that I've never had before. I'm actually kind of excited about the concert now."

Meg dropped her hand, still suspicious. "Why didn't you tell me?"

Christine sighed. "Because I knew you'd read too much into it. He's just helping my voice."

Meg turned away, obviously offended by not knowing sooner. "Well maybe I wouldn't have but how can I not read into it now? I listened to you ramble on about him the other day and now you're telling me he has not only taken over for Anne but he's buying you milkshakes? You have to realize how this sounds. Just how much time have you been spending with him?"

Christine did feel regretful for keeping the news to herself but this was exactly why she hadn't said anything. Meg wanted her with someone so badly that she'd hear what she wanted… even though Christine had her suspicions that Meg was unknowingly on to something.

"We have upped my lessons to three times a week. The song I'm singing at the performance is one of his compositions and we needed more time to practice."

"You're singing a song he wrote?"

Christine tore her gaze away. "Yes. The song I was going to sing wasn't working out."

Meg snorted while crossing her arms. "And yet I'm supposed to assume you're telling me the truth when you say he is just your teacher?"

Christine flushed darkly at the accusation. "Well, I mean there's no possible way that we would be anything other than a student and teacher. He's… so out of reach, Meg. You don't understand how he is."

"You're right, you've barely told me anything," Meg sniffed and walked off. Christine huffed and skipped back up to her, matching her quick pace.

"Meg! I'm sorry. I didn't mean to keep information from you. I just knew how you'd react and I didn't want you to think more of what it is." That and she was a little scared of how she felt about it.

Meg swirled around on her, abruptly halting Christine's steps. Her eyes looked close to tears. "I'm not just trying to meddle, Christine! I'm going to be leaving you all alone come August and I'm worried about you!" Christine froze. "I don't want you to be more lonely and depressed than I know you are. I want you to be happy! So I'm sorry if I am trying to look out for you! I don't want you falling back into the rut you were in when your dad died!"

Christine flinched. "I'm sorry, Meg. I didn't mean to make you worry so much," she told her, her voice cracking as her throat constricted.

Meg briefly shut her eyes as she let out a breath and then pulled Christine into an awkward, tight hug, attempting to avoid spilling their drinks. "I know you didn't. You don't have to mean to. I just do, okay? You're like my sister and I have watched you go through so much. Half of me doesn't even want to leave because I know how hard it's going to be on you."

Christine shook her head violently as Meg pulled away. "No, Meg. You have to go! This is your dream! I will be fine. I promise."

Meg didn't look convinced but she squeezed Christine's hand. "I hope you will be. I'm gonna make mom check up on you constantly okay? Make sure you're eating and not holding yourself up in your apartment."

Christine laughed through her unshed tears. "I'll be fine… and besides, I have Raoul now."

Meg's eyes softened at the reminder and tugged Christine along so they could continue walking. "Oh yes, Raoul. How is he doing by the way?"

Christine was relieved by the change of subject. "He's great. Setting up a law office here in town. It's been nice catching up with him."

"I bet. Still gonna marry him?" Meg flashed her a teasing grin.

Christine rolled her eyes with a smile. "No! Of course not. That was just some silly kid thing. No."

"But he's handsome, right? And kind?"

Christine tilted her head slightly in thought. "I mean, yeah he is. Maybe if things were different I would probably fall for him. But honestly, I just don't feel anything but friendship for him."

"I wonder if it has anything to do with your masked voice teacher slash neighbor?" Meg suggested with a raise of her dark brows. Christine rolled her eyes, even though a blush threatened to creep out over her skin at the truth of her words. "I do wonder why he wears a mask. Have you asked him?"

"Of course not! You don't just ask someone that," Christine exclaimed. Even though she was just as curious, she wouldn't ask him if he didn't want to tell her. Besides, they didn't know each other that well yet. "He did mention he works for the theater. You haven't seen him have you?"

Meg shook her head. "No, I'd definitely remember if I saw a masked man walking around. I wonder what he does. What's his name again?"

"Erik Irivani," Christine supplied. Anything about Erik would feed her interest.

"Irivani? Maybe he's related to Karim. That's his last name too. Hmmm, maybe I will ask mom and see what she knows. She's more associated with the rest of the workers there."

Christine frowned. Karim's last name was Irivani too? Even though Erik wore a mask, somehow she knew they weren't related. If they were, it wasn't a close relationship. Maybe distant cousins?

Christine left it alone though and continued her outing with Meg. She bought a beautiful dress in a bold shade of blush pink. The sleeves cut at her elbows and there was a slight sweetheart neckline trimmed with white lace. The skirt of it came to just below her knees for some modesty. It wasn't over the top, but it was dressy enough for a small concert. She had white heels to go with it at home so she just bought a small, fake little diamond necklace and matching earrings.

Meg dropped her off afterward and she was surprised to see Karim heading out of Erik's apartment as she neared the stairwell. With the new information about them, Christine was rather intrigued by the sight.

"Hello, Karim," she greeted with a warm smile.

He returned it and bowed his head slightly. "Good afternoon, Miss Daaé." He glanced down at her shopping bag. "Did you have a pleasant day?"

Christine shifted the bag in her hands. "Ah, yes. I did a little bit of shopping with a friend. I needed a new dress for the concert I'm singing for on Saturday." She grinned. "You're invited by the way. Erik has spent a lot of time helping me, I'm sure he'd appreciate it if you could hear our efforts."

"I'd be delighted, my dear. Thank you for the invitation," Karim said with a strained smile. Christine's eyes darted behind him just in time to see Erik appearing in the doorway.

Their eyes met and her heart quickened, her fingers fumbling with the shopping bag. The brief moment on the stairwell came flooding back to her and a hot blush worked itself up her chest to her neck, remembering his long fingers gracing her skin softly under the moonlight. The demanding music he'd played afterward played ruthlessly in her mind.

Karim glanced between them, assessing their faces with interest. Christine finally broke the contact, sliding her hair behind an ear with a free hand. "Um, well, I should head home. I have a lot of practice to do."

She could feel Erik's intense gaze on her, burning her skin. For some reason, everything felt like it had suddenly changed between them and she had no idea what to do.

oO0Oo

Later that evening, there was a knock on her door and she frowned to herself. She wasn't expecting company, especially at this hour. She peeked through the peephole and gaped, then swung the door open.

"Erik, what a surprise! Is everything all right? The TV isn't that loud, is it?" She had been listening to a rerun of a 90s sitcom as she washed dishes.

At the sight of her, a hand moved to his mask and then fell limply to his side, fingers twitching. "No, I couldn't hear it. However, I did hear you practicing a while ago. You sounded very lovely. I was wondering if perhaps you required any guidance seeing as we do not have any other lessons until the concert."

Christine bit her lip guiltily. "I actually am pretty worried about it. We have been working so hard that I'd hate to mess up and ruin your song."

"Unlikely," Erik dismissed immediately.

A flash of lightning in the sky behind him made her eyes shoot over his shoulder with alarm. "Oh, come in! It looks like it's going to storm." She urged him inside.

Now that she knew him more, Christine felt extremely embarrassed seeing such a well dressed man standing in her frumpy and bare boned living room. What did his apartment look like? Probably elegant and neat.

"Would you like some tea?" She asked while hastily turning the TV off.

"No, thank you," he declined from his stance by the door, his hand going to the pocket of his jacket.

Christine resisted the urge to clear her throat awkwardly, knowing he'd scold her if she did. "Um, my couch isn't the best but it's comfortable. We can sit down if you want." Besides Meg a few times, she hadn't had anyone over.

Erik stiffly nodded and gracefully made his way over to her couch in a couple strides, before sitting down on the far end of it. She trembled as she sat down on the other side, her hands fidgeting in her lap.

"There's no reason for you to be nervous," Erik told her and she wondered if he was talking about the current situation or the concert again.

"Oh, I know," she said anyway.

"Your voice is perfection itself, Christine. Everyone in attendance will be moved to tears by the beauty of it."

Christine became flustered, customary to when he praised her voice to an ungodly pedestal. She had gained a bit of confidence since working with him and knew her voice had come a long way in a short amount of time, but she couldn't compare her voice to heaven or angels as he often did.

"You must be biased," she murmured with a small embarrassed smile, glancing in his direction.

"I disagree. I've heard many voices in my lifetime."

Christine's face grew uncomfortably hot and she clenched her hands together. She needed to change the subject. "Why do you live in an apartment? I have always wondered that. You seem to be pretty well off."

Erik grew visibly tense at the question and she noticed that he always became uncomfortable when talking about himself. For a moment, she wasn't sure if he'd answer her, but eventually he indulged her. "I prefer privacy, but I was once told that nothing good can come from complete solitude. This is a healthy dosage of both. La Rue is a quiet complex and I have had no complaints since moving here. The residents are quiet and no one has bothered me."

Christine was relieved and astonished that he was speaking to her about himself instead of closing up like he normally did. "Until me, of course."

Erik looked up at her then and caught the sight of her smile. "You do not bother me."

Christine's belly flopped and pressed her fingers against her legs. "Have you lived here long?" She briefly remembered that the landlord had mentioned it, but she couldn't quite recall the exact amount.

Erik tilted his head. "It has been eight years now."

She wondered how much he'd give her if she continued to ask questions. "Where did you live before?"

Erik tore his gaze away from her and he appeared to not want to continue. She was surprised when he decided to respond, although his tone changed. "I traveled a lot." His voice was darker almost, as if he was remembering something in distaste.

Had something happened while he was traveling? She didn't think he'd tell her. She would have to play it safe now. "What brought you here?"

Erik glanced at her. "Karim. He is the only person I have ever been able to tolerate." He paused. "For the most part."

What did that mean for her? Swallowing nervously she played with a stray thread on the couch cushion under her. "If you do not tolerate others, does that mean you've never had a girlfriend or a... a wife?"

Erik violently flinched and his hand immediately went to his mask as if by habit. Christine froze at the response and realized somehow she had asked too much of him. Maybe he was a widow or someone had broken his heart? That would explain why he seemed so off limits and wary of being around her.

"No," he finally answered, his voice almost choking. "I've had no one."

Christine tried not to stare, knowing he didn't appreciate it when she did, but found it hard. No one? Not even a girlfriend? "I see," she murmured.

"And you? Have you… had a boyfriend or a husband?" His voice cracked on the last word.

The question took her off guard and she snapped her gaze back to him, finding him staring at her for an answer. She licked her suddenly dry lips and glanced away. "I've had one. A boyfriend, I mean, not a husband. It was in high school, but it wasn't serious."

Erik's eyes shifted and his hands clenched. "Is that the boy you have been seeing?"

Boy? "Raoul?" Erik nodded. "Oh no! No, that's not him. I don't even know what happened to that other guy. No, Raoul came before, when I was younger. I moved away with my dad and Raoul was in Germany when I came back. We… We never dated or anything. We just were silly kids and made childish promises that didn't mean anything," she explained clumsily, hoping he understood. "A-And, I'm not seeing him. Now, I mean. We are just friends."

"I see." Erik tore his gaze from her, going silent.

Christine wondered if it could be at all possible that Erik had feelings for her. It was a long stretch, she knew, but maybe Meg was right. Maybe they both were feeling something for each other. She was entirely too much of a coward to find out.

"You will do well," Erik suddenly spoke, shifting in his seat to face her. "At the concert."

Her mouth curved into a smile, appreciating his confidence and comfort. "Will you be accompanying me?"

"No, I'm afraid not. They will have a pianist of their choosing for all the performances."

Christine nodded, feeling disappointed. "Are you all right with someone else playing your music?"

Erik seemed almost amused by the question. "It's not nearly as complicated as some of my other compositions. They will make due, just fine."

"Will you be there?" She had invited him a long time ago but now that he was her teacher and possible friend, she felt as if she needed him to be there. She didn't know what she'd do if he wasn't.

"Yes. Of course," he told her, eyes lingering on her face a moment longer. Thank goodness. He stood. "It's getting late. You should get some rest."

Christine got to her feet and followed him to the door. When he got there, he turned, looming down at her from his height in what appeared to be agitation. "I was wondering," he paused, his hand lingering in his jacket pocket, "There will be an opera at the theater next month. Perhaps you'd want to see it?"

Christine's eyes widened, her heart betraying her. Was he asking her on a date? She couldn't be sure. Especially not with his mask covering his expression. His eyes told her nothing. "With you?" She dared to hope.

Erik's shoulders hunched and he seemed to find a dent in her door more interesting all of a sudden. "I had intended for you to join me, however I now see that was wishful thinking on my part. Perhaps you'd like to take your giggling ballerina friend—"

"No!" She said hastily, her hand shooting out instinctively to grab at his jacket clad left arm, stopping him from feeling rejected. That hadn't been her intention. His eyes widened and lowered to her hand. "No, you misunderstand. I'd be delighted to go with you."

Erik slowly raised his eyes and met hers, his lips parting. "Very well," he rasped, voice sounding odd compared to his usual velvety timbre. He used his right hand to reach over into the left side pocket, attempting not to jostle her grip still on him, and pulled a ticket out. "This is yours."

Christine's heart raced in her chest and she finally released his arm to take the ticket with both hands, staring down at it with wonder. She had not been to a show in years. She looked up at him, beaming. "I can't wait."

Erik took on a new energy and even almost smiled. "Till Saturday, then, Christine." He bowed to her like an 18th century gentleman, his hand sweeping out before him.

She couldn't help but giggle. "Goodnight, Erik." She watched him disappear down the stairs into the night, hearing his door latch when he shut it, and only then did she close her own.

She stared down at the ticket with new eyes, hoping it meant what she wanted it to mean.