Erik lead her through the dark halls, looking back occasionally at his angel. She seemed to be in a trance-like state. 'All the better' he thought. At least then she would not question the mask. Not yet at least. He sang to her as they descended, keeping her calm. As long as she did not know who he really was he could convince her…he could capture the rest of her heart.

The journey progressed slowly, and soon Erik was lifting her into the gondola and pulling them across the lake to the lair. Reaching the opposite shore he jumped out, and with an elaborate cape twirl for show and began to sing once more. Inwardly he smirked, she was hanging onto his every word.

XxXxXxXxX

Jen awoke with a start. Where was she? Looking around the room, she realized that, unfortunately, she was not in Erik's lair. But it had seemed so real. She stretched and stood up, walking around the room. She wished it had been real. "Why am I having such strange dreams lately?" she asked herself softly. However, there was no reply. Silly girl, she though, like you thought there would be one. She knew that right now Erik would be down in his lair, singing to Christine or composing. Climbing back into bed, she shut her eyes. She wished that it had been real. And as she felt sleep pulling her closer, she could have sworn she heard music, and the voice of and Angel.

XxXxXxXxX

Christine Daae awoke in an unfamiliar bed, surrounded by gauzy black fabric. Beyond the black screen she saw a multitude of candles, illuminating the room and surrounding her like a shrine where she was the goddess. Rising, she pushed the curtain back and looked around. Where was she? Rubbing her temples it all began to flood back- the trip across the lake, the singing, and most importantly, the man. He was her angel? She vaguely remember something odd about him…but not what. Leaving the room behind, she looked out on the lake and turned.

There he was, oblivious to her presence, playing a beautiful pipe organ. Christine wondered how he got it down here, but then forgot as her eyes focused on the white half mask covering his face. Curiosity overpowered her, and she moved closer to him. Not wishing to alarm him, Christine ran her fingers over his face like a lover's caress and the music reached a crescendo with her touch. Then, she slid one finger beneath the mask and peeled it away. As soon as her angel noticed her, he twirled around, flinging her back, roaring profanities at her. She barely caught a glance of his marred flesh before a hand covered it. With a sneer he turned on her again, this time mocking. She wanted to cry, and was unable to stop the tears that began flowing down her cheeks.

When her Angel looked again, his anger faded, and he looked as sad as she was. Her hand shaking, she handed him the mask, and he sat down on the ground, a few feet away, and began to cry. "Why, Christine?" she thought she heard him ask. "Why?"

For a long while neither of them spoke, then he seemed to recover and stood. Putting on a serious face, he looked at her, much as a teacher would his pupil. "Come, we must return. Those two fools who run my theatre will be missing you." He offered her his hand, and she took it cautiously. She was not sure how sane this man was.

He lead her back the way they had come, but now the path was dark and rather frightening. The only thing that helped her feel safe was her Angel's hand on hers as he lead her. At one point she accidentally let go, and began to cry, shouting his name. A black cloak had surrounded her, and he had whispered "I am here." After that she had stayed close, not wanting to be lost in this horrid labyrinth.

"Here we are." He said curtly as they reached her dressing room mirror. "Goodbye." The strange man turned but she stopped before he could leave. "Wait monsieur!"

He turned his head and looked over his shoulder at her. "What is your name mon ange?"

"Erik." With that he disappeared into the inky blackness of his domain, leaving her alone in the dark.

XxXxXxXxX

Hours later found Erik laying in his bed, staring at the ceiling. He had tried for hours now to sleep, but could not get the image of Christine out of his head. She had been perfect, and angel, just as he had imagined. Until she had torn his mask off, robbing him of his dignity, destroying every chance of love he had ever known. Why?

"You know, you could'a done anything you wanted to with her." That familiar, melodious voice sounded. Erik closed his eyes and groaned. He sat up and looked at Tai, sitting in a chair across from him, her face and voice smug. "Why didn't you?" that was gentler, softer.

"Because it would have been wrong. I want her to love me Tai, not fear me." He replied simply. Tai thought for a moment then nodded slowly, seemingly understanding. A slight smile pulled at her lips. "You truly are a gentleman then, aren't you."

"Indeed."

"Well, I am in hiding, and rather hungry…so I thought I should ask you while you are awake if there is any food in this lair." Tai said, changing the subject. She was looking at her hands, seemingly studying her nails, and nodded before casting those pale grey eyes on him. "Follow me."

The Phantom rose and motioned for her to follow, leading her back into a hidden section of his home that contained a pantry and a small stove. "There. Have fun." Tai grinned and somehow opened the cupboard without moving and Erik watched as food levitated toward a small table in the room. With a shake of his head he left.

"Wait, you want something?"

"Uh…sure…" he replied. Tai nodded. "Ok." With that the Phantom returned to his organ, his lack of sleep and frustration creating a curious inspiration. Unaware of his surroundings he let the music pour forth and fill the room.

AN- Marching season…the time of no time for Jen…ah-well, here is this chapter…finally written…I know it is short, and I'll make up for it…

MJ MOD- yes, Tai is very lonely…we will find out why eventually…and yeah, she is…for now, heheh