A/N: Thanks for the continued reviews. I really have no idea what I'm doing. I know the ending just trying to figure out the best way to get there!

As I near the club, I hesitate. There was a moderate queue outside the door and I briefly wondered what the theme would be tonight. I had promised to call her but I suppose I could drop in for a few moments instead.

The bouncer nodded in acknowledgement as he waved me through. A quick smile touched my lips as I bee-lined for the back corner where the path to her dressing room was. Jogging down the stairs I checked my watch. Not much time before she goes on. I knock gently and hear her ask for a moment.

When the door opens her face breaks out in a smile. "Oh Erik, I didn't think I'd be seeing you tonight."

"I was just on my way home and figured I'd just stop by for a moment." I follow her through the door. She presses a kiss to my cheek and I embrace her. After a minute she pulls away to finish pulling her hair back. "Allow me."

"Thank you. How was your day?" Her warm brown eyes smile at me in the vanity mirror.

I give a great sigh. "Long but productive," I say, thinking back on my brief meeting with Nadir. "Yours?"

"Very nice." I trail my finger down the side of her neck after I secure her hair. "I had a lovely bath, then skimmed the music store for some ideas. I met Margaurite for dinner and here we are."

"That does sound rather nice. Remember any time you want to use my facilities you are most welcome. I also have scores of sheet music in my office, but I think I have the perfect song for you. I just have to track it down."

"Oh really?"

"I think so, if you'll agree."

"I'm sure you know best." She smiles and reaches over for a bottle of perfume.

"I usually do," I retort, holding back a laugh. I see her raised eyebrow in the mirror, a smile hovering around her lips. She stands, spritzing herself then sets the bottle back down. She is wearing a shimmering navy blue cocktail dress. "What's on the agenda for tonight?" I ask.

"Throwback Thursday. We are doing Big Band Era. Should be fun."

"Very interesting and very tempting. I can tell you there was quite a crowd outside. I wish I didn't have so much work to do." I bring her fingers to my lips. "Maybe I'll see you tomorrow?" She smiles and reaches out for a hug.

"I hope so," she murmurs. My lips curve against the side of her head. I place a kiss just above her hairline as to not muss her makeup. I see the very small bit of discolored skin at the center of her hairline. Pretending to smooth back a stray curl I see it extends past the hairline and I feel certain she has a faint scar across the top of her head. "Ok, I have to get out there." Her fingers scratch at my jaw and I walk out the door with her.

"I think I'll stay for the first number but then I must go." I say more to myself than anything. I find myself ordering a glass of red wine and perching on an open stool. I see the accompanist sitting at the piano already, her stool is all set up. She steps up to the mic stand, smiling at the applause. After a quick introduction of herself and the pianist he begins the intro.

"It had to be you...It had to be you." She began to a round of applause.

I kept my word and drug myself away after the first number despite having a great fondness for this particular type of music. Once I was outside I moved quickly, remembering my task from earlier. Instead of up to my penthouse I go down to the basement where my storage locker is. I haven't looked in that oak chest for nearly a decade.

I swallow the lump in my throat as I move my cape over to the side of the chest and pull the music box out. It is in surprisingly good condition for it's age. It didn't work as it should but since I built it I should be able to remedy that.

She loved that music box, would stare at it for an hour while it played all her favorite songs. Her fingers constantly running over it's fur and velvet turban and robes, never knowing how I wished to be that monkey. I do that now, just brush my fingers over the fur. With a shrug I close the chest.

After locking everything back up I go to my floors. Work first. I sort through the day's notes, eliminating all but two sopranos from the possible call back list. The theatre secretary had already begun informing all of the male vocalists. I look back at Wednesday and quickly jot down Christine's name. There were a few more that needed added from that day and several from each of the prior days. The call back list for the sopranos was the shortest. I was perhaps too picky. Once the fop and I discuss it I am sure he will have a few suggestions. And there was still tomorrow. I stand, cracking my back and go to fetch the music box. I find the release to open it. I blink a few times at the workings inside looking for anything obviously out of order.

There is a good bit of dust inside. I go grab a towel then blow the dust out. I flash a penlight inside the box and see the problem immediately, a broken spring. Thankfully an easy fix. I haven't dabbled in anything of this sort since I was a child in this second life. I suppose this will be a weekend project.

I pour a glass of her champagne from the open bottle since it will likely not be very good by the time she returns. I carry it to the bath and run the water. I will soak for a while and hope for a dreamless sleep.

Even after the water turns cool I am not tired. I grab a robe and sit at the piano. I play Think of Me from Il Muto. This is the piece I have chosen for her to sing. I do not believe I will be able to find a copy so I am going to have to write out the vocal and accompaniment parts myself. I play it a couple octaves lower so I can compare my voice to the soprano part. Once satisfied I get a handful of blank sheets of staff paper and a pencil.

I work until I feel I am permanently hunched over and it is closer to dawn than dusk. I will finish it up over the weekend and suggest we resume our lessons Monday. Standing, I close the piano and store the copy I finished in the piano bench. Exhaustion has taken over and I drag myself to bed. I bury my face against her pillow like some lovesick school boy and quickly drop off to sleep.

I am blessed enough to sleep until the alarm sounds, uninterrupted. I stretch out and move to the bathroom to ready myself for the day. I feel a bit lighter today. Christine is by far the best voice we heard so I shouldn't be given any trouble on that. The fop and I arrive simultaneously.

"Morning, Erik." He says holding the door open.

"Good morning," I reply, nodding a thanks. "Should we compare notes before we begin?"

"Sure, if you like." He follows me into the office. After we go through our lists we chat about the lack of soprano call backs.

"We can only hope to have a good day today." He nods.

"So how was your night?" he asks.

"Fine, slightly productive." I gesture toward the notebook. "Yours?"

"Good ,good." He leans back in his chair. "No hot date?" he chuckles.

"Alas, no. I had work to be done. You?" I assume that is what he is getting at.

For the next twenty minutes I am subject to a retelling of the fop's sexual exploitations. Thankfully Stella pops her head in to let us know the first audition has arrived. Fop stands and tucks his dress shirt in.

"Alrighty let's do this." We head out across the stage. Bridgette greets us, slightly flushed and I see Raoul's subtle wink.

"Ah, I see," I murmur softly. He claps a hand on my back. I yawn widely as we take our seats and take a gulp of my coffee. The morning proves successful with quite a few quality auditions. Lunch goes quickly and we are back at it. The final audition comes on stage and I feel a stab of guilt before annoyance.

"Miss Gouda...Jewda..."

"Guidicelli. Carlotta Guidicelli." I correct him. I huff out an annoyed breath.

"Sorry mister fancy pants." he whispers irritably.

"I didn't mean it like that..." I am completely prepared for the screeching to begin.

Surprisingly, she is not completely dreadful. I did once write a specific part in this show for La Carlotta. I'm not sure why she couldn't play that role again.

"Wow she was great!" Raoul whispers.

"Yes, one of the better ones today." I admit, begrudgingly. "And we've had a lot of good ones today."

"Shall I get the ladies for dinner?" he asks. I nod.

"I'll be a few moments. I need to make a call." I walk back towards the office and hear the fop making kiss noises. I turn back, glaring at him.

"Hello?"

"Ms. Daae."

"Mr. Destler." I hear her chuckle.

"How are you?" I ask sitting on the edge of the desk.

"Very well, Erik. How are you?"

"Also very well, Christine. How did the rest of your show go last night?" I smile as she recounts her night then asks if I finished all my work I'd had to do. "Nearly, speaking of, I found that song. It's a very old song which I doubt you'll have heard, but it will suit your voice quite nicely. I wondered if you'd like to come back for some more help?"

"Yes, I would."

"Excellent. I'm going to stop by tonight for your show."

"Good, I like seeing you in the crowd." I smile and hear a knock on the door.

"Well I am being summoned. I'll see you later, my dear, I can't wait."

"Same here, see you soon."

We take our time walking to the steakhouse we frequent. Raoul took off with Bridgette, so I walk with Stella.

"Have you been back to that club, Stella?"

"Yes! I've seen you there a couple times. I'm meeting some other friends there tonight."

"Oh I was going tonight again as well. Shall we all go in together?"

"Sure! Should we invite them?" She gestures to the pair in front of us.

"Bridgette for certain." Stella laughs distinctively and they turn around.

Raoul narrows his eyes at her. "Don't feed his ego. He's not really even funny. He's just mean and everyone thinks he's joking."

"He's not wrong, you know." Stella just continues to laugh.

We have about a half hour wait for a table. Raoul rolls his eyes at me.

"Erik, I thought you had some pull in this city."

"Well it is Friday night, dear Raoul. We must be patient." While we are waiting I figure I'll try Marie. "Excuse me." I step down a few doors in front of a pharmacy.

"Hello mother. Yes, I'm doing well. How are you all? Not too hot is it?" She tells me about her past couple days on the beach. "Scuba diving? How was it? Great to hear that. Are your friends having a nice time?" I laugh. "Well I doubt she'll gain thirty pounds by the end of it. Yes that does sound delicious. Yes, I am remembering to eat. I am about to get a nice big steak in fact. No, now you know I won't eat anything cooked higher than medium. I'm not going to contract mad cow disease. I'm not sure if that is even still a thing. Yes, I miss you too. I will pick you all up next week, don't worry. Sure a big taxi van. Plenty of room. Well depending on how many souvenirs you come back with." I smile into the phone. "Yes we can even go out for tea next Sunday. Yeah, we'll go to that tea room you like. Ok,..yes...I do like it too. Well get back to your drink and tell the girls I said hello. I love you too. Talk soon."

By the time I finish my call there is only a few more minutes to wait.

"So back to the club we go?" Raoul speaks up from his spot leaning against the building.

"If you like. We're going regardless." I turn to Stella and whisper loudly. "I said only invite Bridgette."

"Very funny. He probably means it too." I laugh as our buzzer starts going off.

I order a bottle of wine for the table. The meal is comfortable. I admit it, I am comfortable with all of them, even the fop. Probably especially him. I enjoy their company, A burst of laughter brings me back to the present. I take a sip of wine, cut off a piece of steak and focus back on their conversation.

We arrive at the club slightly early.

"I'm going in now, but I'll come back out in plenty of time to get everyone in." Stella smiles and nods at me. I greet the same bouncer from last night as they smile letting me pass through. The crowd was tremendous, lined up against the building and around the corner. I bound down the steps and knock on her door, grinning. The door opens and Margaurite stands there.

"Oh, Erik." She leans up to give me a peck on the cheek.

"Everything ok?" I ask peering in the room.

"Yes, oh yes. I was just helping with the corset. Go ahead, she's dressed." She starts up the steps and I push in.

Her back was to me and she was reaching up for a box on a high shelf.

"What do you need, my dear." I come up behind her.

"Just this box at the end here. It has the boas in it." I reach up and slide it off the shelf and set it on her chair. She turns, smiles, and places her hand on my cheek. "Thank you."

"Good, you haven't got make-up on yet." I lean down and capture her lips, my fingers pushing into her loose curls. Her arms go around my neck as mine find her hips, pulling her close. I deepen the kiss but only for a few moments. "I know you have to get ready, but I wanted to see you before the show." Her hand rests on my chest, my heart is beating a little erratically.

"Which boa should I wear?" She asks pulling the lid from the box. She is wearing a white corset with a long lace cut skirt. There are slits up each leg. I groan appreciatively then think about the huge crowd and pout a bit. I look through the box and choose a pale lavender one.

"Perfect with your coloring, " I say as I place it around her shoulders. "Ok, unless you need me for anything else, I'm going to go get a seat and see you after."

"I need no further assistance Mr. Destler," My eyes travel up and down her once.

"One more to take with me." I place chaste kiss on her lips and take my leave. I hurry back upstairs and find Stella. "Everyone ready?" I lead the group through the door.

"VIP Mr. Destler?"

"Sure." We're lead to the first row of seating. I order another glass of red wine. Raoul has his arm around Bridgette's shoulders. Stella is leaned in close talking with her friends. Our drinks arrive and I slip the server a tip. I sit wondering if tonight will be a similar show to last's weeks or identical.

I don't have to wait much longer to find out. I gaze at her as she takes the stage. Lots of cheers and whistles. I sit attentively, my right ankle resting on my left knee. I watch her performance with admiration. She is a skilled dancer and vocalist. She has that kind of charisma needed to act, on or off stage. She only lacks confidence in herself. Sure here in front of this group she has a mild confidence. But this is a small group compared to what she'll have to perform for.

The number ends and loud cheers sound. I hear Raoul give a loud whistle. I shoot him a warning look and he grins back at me. The next number begins and I allow myself to fall into it. I drain my glass and stand. There's probably three more numbers to this set. The wine is giving me a headache and making me drowsy. I settle on the couch in her dressing room to wait for her after taking my jacket off.

I'm brought awake by the sound of the door opening. I sit up groggily, reaching for my mask.

"You never stay out," she accuses, laughing.

"I meant what I said that first night. I'm jealous to a fault. It's better for me to keep away." I say yawning. She walks over to her vanity and pulls her bag out.

"Go up to my place and lay down. You look done in. Take a nap."

"Mmm-mmm." I say, my head drooping to the side, while I shake it. "I'll wait for you here." I drift off again.

"Erik!" My eyes peel back open. "You're snoring. Go up and take a nap. I'll wake you when I come up."

"I don't snore. How dare you." I hear her giggle and feel her pull on my arm.

"Erik. Oh you're impossible." After I moment I feel her weight settle on me and her lips on mine.

"Mmmmmm." My arms tighten around her waist as I smile up at her. She attempts again to pull me to my feet.

"Come here," She beckons me with a turn of a her finger. I sleepily go to her. She smiles and produces a key in front of my face. I watch as she drops it in my dress shirt pocket. "Now go, I'll be up as soon as I'm finished. I'll need your help undressing so take a nap and I will wake you." I nod and she directs me to the steps. "Up three flights. Second door on the right."

"Ok," I give in and trudge up the three flights. I struggle with the door lock but finally get it open. I put the key back in my pocket and eye the bed. I strip as I walk toward it then climb in. I moan as my head hits the pillow reaching blindly for the mask again. I should lay on the bad side so she won't have to look at it, I think. I switch sides and pass out.

I feel lips on my ruined cheek. I wake, reaching out.

"I'm sorry. I should have covered. It hurts to sleep in though." I mumble barely coherent.

"What...what are you talking about? You are covered." I sigh with relief. "Now unlace my corset, please." I fumble with the ties but finally manage to loosen it. I hear her grateful sigh. Then I feel her settle on me. She kisses my bad cheek. I reach up, No mask. I cover my face with my hand and try to turn away. "Hey, come here. I'm trying to kiss you."

"Don't you want me to cover up first."

"No. Uncover." She pulls my hand away and kisses my lips.

How can she bear it? Still she kisses me. I smile against her lips, my arms wrapping around her.

"Thank you," I mumble. I hear her laugh and my smile fades. My hand covers my face again.

"Will you stop that?" Her hand pushes mine aside again.

"You don't have to look at me, I will cover it."

"Oh I think you are sleep talking." I feel her weight removed. I whimper and roll over to follow her. She pulls my head against her chest. I nuzzle my good cheek against her. That should be ok. I wrap an arm around her middle and sigh. Her fingers play with my hair.

"Mine." I mumble against her breast then slip back into unconsciousness.

A metallic crash wakes me fully up. I glance over toward the kitchen area and she pops up from the floor holding a tea kettle.

"I'm sorry. I was trying to be quiet." She apologizes as she turns the water faucet on. "Really though, you've been sleeping forever now." I see she has donned my plain white undershirt. With a groan I sit up, rubbing the sleep from my eyes. I spy my boxers sitting folded on the arm of her couch. I barely recall getting undressed as I slip from under the covers and grab my boxers to slip on.

"Did you have your way with me while I lay unconscious?" I ask, smiling.

"Oh I tried. You were quite comatose and delusional though."

"Hmmm, apologies." I yawn loudly, smiling sheepishly. I hear a snort of laughter.

"Eggs?"

"Yes, please. Thank you." I head over to the bathroom. After washing my hands I join her in the kitchen. She is pouring the tea into mugs while the eggs warm up in a skillet.

"I'm sorry, I haven't got a lemon. I know you like yours with lemon."

My brows furrow. I do like lemon in my tea, but...

"Wait. Do you like lemon? I don't know how I know that." She stands blinking in confusion.

I move next to her opening the small refrigerator. "And you like yours with a bit of milk and one sugar." I had seen her make her tea numerous times whenever she came below the Opera, as I am sure she had seen me.

"Yes." Her lips open, as if she is going to say something but changed her mind. She goes back to the eggs. I see her head shake.

"Or with honey and lemon if your throat is sore." I whisper softly. She stares at me as I add her milk and sugar.

"I just don't recall tea coming up in our conversation. Strange."

"Yes, strange indeed." I feel my lip curl, as I sip my tea. "Can I do anything here?" I ask, setting my mug down.

"Toast maybe?" She nodded towards the half loaf sitting on the corner counter. I lean against the counter as I perform my toasting duties. I am elated. The memories are there and coming back, in a way. "Could you get some plates?" she asks, turning the burner off. I look up and around, seeing the dinnerware on the shelf above the sink. I hand them over, still smiling.

"My dear." I watch her dish the eggs out and hear the toast pop. I spread some butter on because I also know she likes when it melts and leaves the top of the bread slightly soggy.

"Perfect." She carries the plates into the living room and I follow with the mugs.

Setting her plate on the small coffee table she stretches out leaning her head against my shoulder. I follow suit and turn, giving her my chest to lay on. My fingers run through her hair. I know I have a lot to do, but nothing seems quite as important as this. I feel her nails run through the patch of hair over my sternum. Her eyes flutter closed.

"Close your eyes, let your spirit start to soar," I sing softly, holding out the last note at the top of my range. "And you'll live as you've never lived before."

"God, your voice...it's so...otherworldly...angelic even."

I scoff. "Like an angel of music?" I hold my breath when I feel her stiffen. Her eyes spring open and she turns to look up at me.

"Yes. how odd, I was just thinking the same thing." She rests her cheek back on my chest and I continue to massage her scalp. A soft moan escapes her and my fingers comb back her curls. With the top of her head facing me I am able to make out the faint scar. It seems quite unfair that I should be reborn whole and unscathed and she should be marred. I lean forward and press a kiss to the top of her head.

"I wish I didn't have anything to do. I could lie like this all day."

"You have to go?" I check my watch.

"Shortly. I have an appointment at one." Nadir won't be pleased if I skip another week.

"When will I see you again?" she asks, rising from my chest.

"Is tomorrow too soon?" I ask laughing.

"No. I guess I'll have to sing with someone else tonight." She says with a sigh.

"You'd like me to come tonight?"

"Only if you don't have plans."

"I should hopefully be able to wrap things up before then." A smile lights up her face. I sit up then, and kiss her until we're breathless. I find my clothes folded over the partition. I dress quickly. "I guess I'm not getting my shirt back then?" I ask buttoning my dress shirt up.

"Nope." She pulls the collar up to her nose. "I'm starting a collection." I sit back down to tie my shoes. I hold my hands out for hers and kiss her fingers.

"Until later then."

"Erik?" I turn back at the door. "If you are busy don't feel obligated to come."

"Now that I know you want me there...although if I am expected to sing I may demand to be put on the payroll." With a wink I exit

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

"You're late."

"Oh shove off, Daroga." I say lightly grabbing my gloves.

"No rush, Raoul is joining us shortly." He pauses. "So any news?"

"She remembers how I like my tea. I am taking that as a win I guess."

"It's a start, Erik." After a few moments Raoul arrives.

"Erik, you disappeared early last night on us."

"That sort of show is not enjoyable for me, so I left."

"If it were me I'd be out there making sure no one was getting handsy." He pulls a pair of gloves off the wall.

"Did the ladies make it home safe?" I ask.

"One for sure," he grins. "Stella left with her friends so I assume she did as well."

For once we take it easy on each other. No one bleeds or gets bruised. I rush out after an hour or so of sparring.

"Sorry, I have a lot to do." I say as I hang my gloves up.

"See ya Monday, buddy!" Raoul calls out after I get changed and start climbing the stairs.

After a quick detour several blocks out of my way, I believe I have what I need to repair the music box and I hurry home. I head immediately into my office and pull out the broken spring. In less than thirty minutes the monkey was happily playing his cymbals once more. I sit listening to it's pleasant song play, a rush of memories bombarding me. I often heard her hum or sing along to the tunes. It would draw me away from my work and I would stand at her door. Never pushing in, just admiring from a safe distance. Seeing her smile had been nearly enough. Her fingers always tracing the intricate design carved on the wood.

I do that now and briefly wonder if hers were the last to touch it. I turn the mechanism to restart the string of songs then leave the room to finish up the song for her. I'll have time to finish the accompaniment as we won't need it for a couple weeks. I take the steps back up to the office and sit staring at the box.

Could it help bring her memories back? Was I mad to want it to? Possibly. Probably.

"Friend or foe, Monsieur?" I ask the monkey before I rise but he has no answer for me.