Fear can turn to love

Disclaimer: I do not own P.O.T.O.
The next morning, Erik paced back and forth, trying to think of what to do with Christine. Someone would come looking for her. But, no one would even think to come down into the cellars of the opera. He paced some more until he felt reassured. He went to check on Christine and found her still sleeping. He kept the door unlocked and went back into the parlor. He decided to work on some music so he sat down at the organ. A few minutes later, he turned around and saw Christine standing in the doorway. She silently made her way over to him and rested her hands on his shoulders.

''Good morning, darling.'' she said. Erik smiled and kissed her hand.

''Good morning, mon amour.'' he said. Christine left to go get dressed. She returned wearing a plain, blue dress. She had a few pins in her hair to hold it back. Erik got up and walked over to her. Her hair smelled like roses. He kissed her forehead and led her into the dining room.

Later, he took her into the music room to give her her singing lessons. He picked up a piece of music and told her to try it. She sang the whole thing beautifully. Afterwards, she asked if they could go for a walk together. They walked around thecellars for a few hours, talking and singing. When they got back, they were surprised to see the persian waiting for them.

''Erik.'' the persian stated.

''Daroga.'' Erik said back. He grabbed Christine's arm and led her over to her room. He opened the door and took Christine inside.

''Stay here.'' he whispered. He came back out and locked the door.

''What do you want?'' he asked.

''I have come to retrieve Madame De' Changy.''

''It's Madamoiselle Da'ae again.''

''What? Erik what did y-''

''He's dead.''

''Erik, how could y-''

''I want you out.'' Erik stated. He was starting to get annoyed. The persian started for Christine's room, but Erik stopped him.

''Don't go anywhere near her.'' he said through clenched teeth. He had the killing glare in his eyes and the persian backed away. Erik advanced towards him.

''Get-out-now.'' he stated. The persian sighed and left. Erik watched him leave and then moved over to Christine's room. He heard her crying and he paused. He unlocked the door and opened it slightly. Christine was lying against the wall and sobbing. Erik opened the door alittle further and moved towards her.

''Raoul.'' she sobbed quietly. ''Raoul, mon amour.''

Erik felt anger build up inside of him and he bent down next to Christine.

''I thought I told you never to mention him again!'' he whispered threateningly in her ear. He pulled her by her hair and she stood up. Her eyes went wide and she started to wipe away her tears.

''Angel, I'm so sorry!'' she pleaded. ''I didn't mean to say it!''

He pulled out of her room and into the parlor. He grabbed the bag with the key to the torture chamber in it. He pulled out the key and unlocked the door. Christine screamed as he flung her inside. He laughed that haunting laugh as he closed the door. Christine cried out and banged on the door. Erik watched her through the tiny window and laughed some more.

''Angel, please!'' she begged. Tears streamed down her face again. Erik looked away. He couldn't bear to see her cry. She let out a sob and sank down to her knees. She tried to wipe away the tears, but there were too many.

''I'm so sorry, Erik. I didn't mean to make you angry.'' she sobbed. The last of her tears fell and she wiped them away. She looked up at the tiny window and saw Erik turned around.

''Erik?'' she called out. She could see he was shaking. He walked away from the window and down to the door. Christine heard the door unlock and she ran over to open it. When she did, Erik was walking away from her. She was afraid to, but she ran to him. She put her hand on his back and he turned around. He was still shaking, but she knew why, now. He was crying. Tears fell down his mask and he stood, shaking and sobbing. Christine reached for his mask and he didn't try to stop her this time. She pulled it off and hugged him.

''It's ok, Erik.'' she whispered to him. ''Tell me what's wrong.''

He let out a few more sobs before responding.

''I'm so sorry, Christine.'' he sobbed. ''I'm so horrible to you. So many terrible things have happened these past few months. I'm a monster.'' he whispered the last part.

''No, you're not a monster, Erik. You're an angel.''

''Don't call me that! How can you even think that about m-''

Christine put her finger to his lips. She looked up into his yellow eyes and smiled. She took her finger away and hugged him again.

''You're my angel of music.'' she whispered. Erik closed his eyes and exhaled. He wrapped his arms around Christine and buried his face in her soft curls. Her hair smelled like roses. He smiled and then pulled away. Christine stroked his face gently.

''Christine, we need to leave here. Just for a while. My friend, the persian will be looking for me and I don't want him taking you away.''

Christine looked away from him for a moment. Then, she nodded and smiled.

''Where shall we go to?''

''Somewhere else in Paris. When the persian leaves, then we can return. It will only be a week, maybe. Then, we can return and start a new life together.''

''When are we to leave?''

''Tomorrow.''

Christine yawned and asked for the time. Erik told her it was about ten at night. He led her to her room to get some sleep.

''Tomorrow I shall pack our bags and we will leave.'' Erik told her. He started to leave, but Christine stopped him.

''Erik? Will you please spend the night in here? I can't stand to think of you sleeping in that...coffin.''

''Are you sure Christine? I really am fine sleeping in there.'' he assured her. She insisted and he strode over to the bed. He gently layed down next to her and she wrapped her arms around him. They both smiled and fell asleep together.

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