Chapter Title: Interlude for a Ghost
Disclaimer: I don't own it, I won't say it again.
Since the death of his student he had been... seeing things. Christine disappearing around a corner, a whispered melody sung in her voice, a glimpse of her hair sparkling in the candlelight. The first time the Phantom saw him he thought it was a mistake.
He'd imagined much of Hersince the accident but never had he imagined the man she'd run off with. For a moment he stood still and closed his eyes, sure that a few moments of darkness and concentration would get rid of the figment. Then he heard the off-key, masculine voice hum a few bars of Don Juan, so quietly it seemed almost an accident. His eyes snapped open.
It took less than ten seconds to get from his seat in Box Five to the spot right above center stage. He searched furiously for the unwelcome apparition only to find that he was no longer there. He flew through the catwalks above the stage, leaping through the ropes, and peering around every pillar trying to catch another glimpse of the man who wandered the Opera House, unsure whether he wanted to see him or not.
When he did, the Phantom gritted his teeth and a low growl escaped his throat. It was him, and he was headed up the servant's stairs that lead to first five boxes. Red swam in front of the Phantom's eyes.
How dare that insolent brat show his face here again!
Author's Note: This isn't going to count as the chapter update; I just didn't want to put Erik's POV at the beginning of more Raoul centered jazz. Plus I have over a hundred hits and it made me wanna write something. Love and apples to my beta (who was nearly co-writer on this little drabble) and thanks to anyone who reviewed.