A/N: Well, well, well...it has been a while.

As I walked to the coffee shop I was supposed to meet the theater manager and owner at I felt my phone buzzing in my pocket.

"Hello mother," I said warmly, "Did you make it to Florida ok?" I smiled as I walked down the busy street. I had sent her and a couple friends on a cruise for the next month or so while I did auditions. She rambled on about the scenic train ride I had booked. "Yes, you're right, it would be beautiful in the fall." I listened as she worried about not having service while on the ship. "Well you just call me when you can, ok?" I reached my destination. "Well have a great time, I can't wait to hear all about it...yes...you know you don't have to thank me. I love you too. Talk to you soon."

I went in and ordered a drink and dialed the manager while I waited. I felt a hand clasp on my shoulder.

"Erik? Destler?" said a chipper baritone voice. I turned to greet them and my blood ran cold.

The boy!

The vicomte stood there next to me. Unconsciously I reached for my punjab lasso. "I'm Raoul! Chagny? From the theater?" I felt nauseated. This couldn't be happening.

"Errr...yes, hello. I thought a man named Andre owned the theater?" My hands were trembling.

"Number 666! Oh that's weird!" The barista calls out. I look down at my ticket and go up to grab my drink. The fop follows behind.

"Yes, Andre is my father. I am taking over so he can take an early retirement. I got us a booth over in the corner there." I saw a frozen beverage with whipped cream at the table he pointed at. Typical foppish drink. I follow with my drink in hand through the busy coffee shop. My mind is racing. It is too late now to find a different theatre. The only reason this one was available was due to some renovating.

I am unsure I can work with this man. I have to fight the urge to strangle him with every step I take. I try to calm myself. He takes a long drink through his straw. "So, I would like to sit in on the auditions if you'll allow that. This is my first job as manager and I want to learn everything."

"As long as the final decisions rest with me that will be fine."

"Oh yes, of course. My knowledge is limited." he laughs. I smile because I agree. I had expected the manager to sit in of course. This changed things though. I had a feeling I would be spending a lot more time with the vicomte than I could endure. Not thinking of Christine would be virtually impossible now.

"We'll start with tenors and baritones Monday. I believe the first is at nine. I will advise the accompanist to arrive at half past eight. I would probably like to be there around eight if you can manage that." I said that a bit harsher than I probably should have. I don't think he knows me, after all, as surely he hates me as much as I do him.

"I can manage that," he flushed slightly then took another sip from his straw. We talked a bit more about his background. "I must say that I'm looking forward to working with you. I saw your show that opened last fall. Genius." I nod a 'thank you'. I am anxious to be away from him before I say or do something I regret. I drink down my coffee even though it burns my throat.

"Well it was...nice...meeting you," I said with as much sincerity as I could muster. "I will see you Monday morning, I suppose."

"Okay, sure. Very, very nice meeting you!" He extended his hand towards me as we stood. I pursed my lips as I shook his hand. With a nod I turned and place the ceramic mug in the dish return. I leave in a hurry, rushing back out into the heat. I needed a session with my daroga. Oh did I forget to mention he too has joined me in this gift of a second life.

I dialed my phone as I headed back the way I had come. "Daroga. Yes I need to work out some anger." He remembers before. I am baffled as to why the fop doesn't. I walk past my building to the next block and into a gym on the corner. He lets me beat the hell out of him once a week or so. I tell him I need it to keep by temper in check but really I think it's funny. I find him in the basement where he has a boxing ring. The corners of my lips turn up. His eye was still yellow, healing from our last session. He has not changed one bit. Still keeping tabs on me. We re-met by chance. Just walking down the street and bumped into me. Of course there may be a bigger plan so it's probably not a coincidence.

I changed from my suit quickly. I wasn't lying about need to work out anger. Seeing the vicomte had brought up some old, bad feelings.

"Erik, my good man. I'm a bit surprised to hear from you so soon." He hung over the ropes as I came back out from the changing room. "I'm not sure my old body can take another thrashing like the other day." I laugh because the man is barely thirty. He did live another 40 years or so but that was a different body.

"I 'met' the boy today." Although we are similarly aged, I still see him as the boy who tried to steal my Christine.

The daroga's head drooped. He jumped out of the ring. "I need to wear some protection today." He went and got some of the padded headgear he made the kids he trained use. "I know it's pointless to ask for you to take it easy on me?"

I tilted my head with a look of feigned advanced apology as he climbed back in.

"Well at least try to avoid the face this time." He faintly touched his discolored skin as he assumed his defensive stance.

"How about some dinner Erik?" I will admit the man is a good sport. I only cracked him once in the face, but unfortunately it was his nose. We know how noses like to bleed. Well most of us do anyway.

"I'll even pay my dear daroga. I owe you that at least." I straightened my tie in the mirror. "I must warn you though. I will be working closely with him it seems. I may need a back up punching bag."

"Or you could just use a punching bag?" he laughed.

"Where's the fun in that?" I tossed my sweaty clothes in one of the bins. Nadir had some Kleenex shoved in his nostril. This muted his laughter and made me laugh with him. We spent most of the day sparring. I knew I would be sore tomorrow. He stopped at the front desk to let his employee know he was leaving for the day.

"He got ya again huh boss?" The girl working there asked. Nadir reached up to gingerly touch his nose.

"How'd you guess?" He waved and we headed out. I turned smiling at her. She winked back at me. It was still a strange feeling to be admired by the opposite sex. I had taken lovers in this life. Only for a physical release. My heart still belongs to Christine. The daroga led us to one of our favorite spots.

The waiter knew us well and asked us to follow him to the back corner where we like to sit.

"Will you be able to control yourself, Erik? Things today aren't as easily hid as they were then." He asks seriously.

"I will never do anything that needs to be hidden. I keep telling you I am not the man I once was." The daroga eyed me suspiciously. "I swear on my life. My mother's life...Christine's even!" The waiter brought us a bottle of wine and two glasses. "I may invite him to spar with me. I believe that would really relieve my frustrations." Nadir laughed loudly.

"I would pay to see that my friend." After two bottles of wine between us I let out a sigh.

"What if I never find her, Nadir? Am I wasting my second chance on a hope?" I took the last bite of my steak and laid the cutlery across the plate. Then the last sip of wine.

"Don't you think it might be getting closer? With the arrival of your dear friend the vicomte? I think so." He finished off his wine. "You must have patience, Erik. You never could get your head around that concept."

"You are right as always. I think nearly seventy years is quite long enough though. I can't help but be impatient."

"I wish I had some kind of answer for you. I have no idea if she is even here or if she is just lying in her grave. I feel like she's among us though, Erik. You'll just have to wait a little longer. And try not to do anything stupid."

"Keep that up and you'll buy your own dinner." The waiter returned and asked if we needed anymore wine. "Just the bill, thank you." I was feeling the wine tonight. Suddenly I wanted to be home. The extended session today had worn me out, add the excessive wine and I am exhausted. I handed the waiter my credit card and left some cash on the table. "I guess I'll call you when I need you. Shouldn't be long. Probably Monday evening. I hope with the fop in tow." We said our goodbyes as the waiter returned.

As I made the short walk to my penthouse I passed a newly opened nightclub. Candles everywhere inside as far as I could see from the street. Even the name was familiar. The Lair. If I weren't so exhausted I would call Nadir back and go explore. I nodded at the doorman as I took the elevator up to my floors.

I immediately ran a hot bath. I could use a good soak. I sucked in a breathe as I lowered into the tub. With a sigh of relief I stretch out and turned on the jets. The hot water soothed me and I tried to turn off my mind and just enjoy the warmth.

I woke with a start. The water had long gone cold and I climbed quickly out of the tub. I half dried off and collapse into bed. I wish for a dreamless sleep but that never happens.

I woke after only a few hours, shaken from the nightmare. I feel pretty well rested though, even if I am still sore. Slowly I stand from my bed and grab a robe. I start a pot of tea and take an apple from the basket of fruit on my counter. I take my tea into the living room and sit at the piano, toying around with my left hand as I sip my tea.

I somehow knew the daroga was right. Surely Christine was going to appear any minute now. My mind filled with images of her while I set my cup down. I play my opening ballad from Don Juan just reliving the past in my mind. The excitement of seeing her in my costume design, singing my songs. Then holding her in my arms for that brief time before she tore my mask away. There was still a twinge in my heart when I thought of that moment of betrayal. I'm still confused as to why she did that.

I'm embarrassed to feel that tear sneak down my cheek. What hurts more is the what could have been. She came back to me. Did she love me after all? I don't know if I will ever be happy if I don't know the answer. Sure this version of me would be easy to love...well easier anyway. I want her have loved me as I was before. Even a little bit.

I play Point of No Return and picture her face. The excitement when she heard my voice. She flushed and came to life. She was so beautiful in that moment. I know I woke her sensual side with that role. There were goosebumps on her skin while I caressed her. Then she ruined it.

I stand, moving away from the piano and finish my apple. I get a sick feeling sometimes in my stomach thinking I may never see her again. I have to get up and move around or I will just think of that all day. Sundays tend to drag on. Mother was away. Daroga had his own life to live. Here I am basically friendless in this life.

Although I am fairly sore I dial the fop. I really need to punch him, but I also need his theatre.

'Hello?' Chipper but confused greeting.

'Yes, hello. It's Erik, Destler?" I try to sound cordial.

'Oh! Hello! How's it going?'

'Oh it's going well. I feel the need to apologize for myself yesterday. You see I had had a bit of a shock but that doesn't excuse my rudeness towards you.'

'No need to apologize at all. You were expecting a much more seasoned person. I have asked my father to tag along tomorrow. He thought it would be a good idea also. I am hoping to learn a lot from the both of you.'

'I have a proposition for you. Would you allow me to buy you lunch?'

'What? Like today?' He paused.

'If you are available. I don't want us to get off on the wrong foot. We'll be spending a lot of the next few months together.'

'OK. Just tell me when and where and I'll see you there.' I suggest a nearby favorite of mine in a couple of hours. 'Great! I'll see you there!'

I take my mug and apple core to the kitchen and sneak in another quick Jacuzzi bath. I want to test him to see if he has any memories of me but I am not sure how to do so. I will have to see if the daroga has any ideas.

I arrive a few minutes ahead of time and the fop is already waiting for me.

'Erik!' He extends his hand and I give it a shake without hesitation this time.

'Shall we?' I gesture toward the door, smiling. He nods and leads the way.

'I wouldn't have taken you for a greasy pizza joint guy if I'm honest, Erik.'

I laughed. 'It's a guilty pleasure.' The waitress smiles in recognition and takes us to my preferred table in back corner.

'Can I get you boys a drink?' She pulled out her leather bound pad, pen waiting. I order a beer, fop does the same.

'So what do you recommend?' The fop asks as he scans the menu.

'I like the classics. Pepperoni pie. We could split one. Just don't get too crazy with the toppings!'

'Pepperoni sounds great. Do you come here often? I feel like the waitress knows you.'

'Yes, my penthouse is about a block away. I come more often than I should probably. Then again my gym is only a block away as well so...' I start to plant that seed.

'Oh nice. Probably need it after this meal!' The waitress arrives with our beer and leaves with our order.

'My good friend owns the gym. Let's me use his private equipment whenever I want. I could give you a tour after lunch.'

'OK! That sounds great really. I've only been back in the city for a few weeks. I'm still trying to get my bearings.' We both take sips of our beer.

'What have you been doing then?' I ask, genuinely interested.

'Well I have a business degree. I was working with my uncle in LA, running his business, but he decided to sell it. So...here I am.' He starts talking about his uncle's business and I kind of check out. Thankfully our pizza has arrived. I take in the aroma.

'Doesn't it smell divine?' I take a couple slices and the fop follows suit.

'It's quite good, I'll admit it.' Much to my dismay, after considering everything I put him through and the fact that he hasn't a clue who I am or who I used to be, I don't hate him. I still want to punch him of course, but I no longer have the urge to kill. Daroga will be so proud. After we have eaten most of the pizza I sit back sipping on my beer.

'Ugh I'm stuffed.' he moans. I can only hope I'll make him vomit once I convince him to spar with me. I can barely recall being this elated.

'Well are you ready to check that gym out?' I toss down a fifty and slide out of the booth.

'Sure, buddy.' I cringe but lead him out to the street. 'Thanks for lunch.'

'No problem. I wouldn't want you to think ill of me.' We walk down the crowded street. 'We should cross here.' I almost run to the other side, but I'm also pretty full. Really hoping I'm not the one who vomits. 'Just here.' I pull open the door for him.

'Hi Erik.' The front desk girl beams at me.

'Is Nadir around today?' I lean up against the counter.

'He is downstairs still recovering from that beating you gave him yesterday!' she laughs.

'Great. Let's go.' The front desk girl smiles at the fop trailing behind me. I head back to the stairwell past sweaty people running on treadmills and lifting weights. The daroga has indeed set himself up in an ice bath 'You still sore daroga?' He opens an eye up glaring at me.

'Not a bit.' he chuckles. 'Oh a guest! You'll forgive me for not getting up I hope.' He waves at Raoul.

'I will,' laughs the fop. 'Sweet set up here.' he says glancing around.

'That's a regulation boxing ring. Erik here loves a good fight. He makes good use of that.'

'Oh I've never boxed before.' The fop looks interested though.

'I'm sure Erik would lend you some clothes if you wanted to give it a try. You'd be doing me a favor actually. My body could use a rest.'

'Would you, Erik? Looks like fun.'

'Absolutely! I thought you'd never ask.' I practically skip away into the private locker room area. I grab two pairs of shorts. I hear Darius tell him where to go. I toss the shorts to him when he steps in. I start to unknot my tie the unbutton my shirt. I pull it off.

'Jesus dude. You're gonna murder me.' I am sturdy and strong now. Not the skeleton I once was that needed tricks and magic to help defeat people. Fop is more lean than strong.

'I've been doing this for years.' I take my shoes and socks off. "I don't keep a spare pair of shoes here so we'll just have to go barefoot. Hope that's ok.' I change quickly into the shorts and head out to grab us some gloves. Mine are always in the top right corner. I grab the fop a set and climb in the ring.

The fop emerges from the locker room. I tell him I grabbed him gloves and to climb on up.

'Will you take it easy on me?' He pleads, laughing.

'Now that wouldn't be gentlemanly. Just keep your hands up." Then something buzzes in my mind. "Keep your hands at the level of your eyes. Wouldn't want to mess up that pretty face.' I saw his eyes narrow. I know Giry told him those words. They all thought that would keep them safe from the Phantom. He is trying to work it out while he puts his gloves on.

'Keep my hands at the level of my eyes? I'm not sure I'll get many punches in that way.'

'That's the plan.' I say as I rush him landing my first punch in his gut.

'Oooff' And down he goes.

'You're going to want to block my punches or you might get sick. Darius won't appreciate that.'

'No I won't!" he had gone in the locker room to change and probably watch this match unfold. Raoul was back on his feet getting ready to block me.

Nadir came out, and started coaching Raoul. He was able to block a few before I got in a good jab to his face. He went down again. He shakes his head, trying to clear it.

I am not getting the satisfaction I expected.

I hold out my gloved hand to help him stand up.

'I'm sorry. Are you OK?' I asked as I pulled him to his feet.

'I'll live,' he says steadying himself.

'Maybe we should try this another day, when we aren't so full of pizza.' I suggest.

'Yes, I think that might be for the best.' He starts pulling off the gloves. 'I should probably see if Nadir will give me a few beginner's lessons before I mess with you again.'

I slap my hand on his back. 'Smart idea.' We slide out of the ring and head in to the locker room. A cool shower sounds amazing so I start heading back that way. I toss my sweaty shorts in the dirty bin and toss my underwear on the pile of clothes I changed out of. I turn back and tell Raoul to just do the same. The staff always take care of my gym wear.

I stand under the cool spray, rinsing the sweat away. I hear the second shower turn on. I honestly thought he would go home after. I open my eyes and he is two showers down from me. I get some body wash from the dispenser on the wall and start lathering up. I turn my back toward him.

'Thanks Erik, for bringing me here.'

'One day maybe I'll tell you why I did.' I chuckle.

'What does that mean?' I just continue to laugh then shut the shower off. I am practically dressed again when the fop emerges. I could see his right eye was already turning black and blue. I can't say I feel bad, but I don't exactly feel good about it.

I should hate him . I should have beat him bloody. It appears I am a changed man after all.

'So can I count on you to come back here again?' The fop is tying his shoe, grimacing from the gut punch he took.

'I might need a while to recover,' he laughs, "But yeah I wouldn't mind coming back.'

I reach my hand out. He gives it a hearty shake. And just like that I'm friends with my former nemesis.