Just a note, I'll try to be brief. As written in the last chapter, along with E/C ships there will also be-not many but-some E/E ships also. As I've already said these characters and ships are based off characters NOT shipping real people. I understand this isn't alot of people's cup of tea, and I welcome feedback both positive and negative. But I ask very kindly if you're just going to insult without giving some sort of constructive criticism to please keep your comments to yourself. If you have an issue, feel free to tell me why and it can be improved! I'm not forcing any of you to read the story, to those of you who do enjoy it that's great and I do hope sincerely that many of you will stay and read more. Keep in mind this is in part a humour story and not meant to be taken super seriously, so let's all just have fun with it :)

"No NO!" Erik scowled, halting his composition. "There needs to be inflection! It is not simply spewing out lyrics! There must be pain and passion in your voice, raw emotion!"

Gerik meekly nodded, not fool enough to question the fully masked man. They'd been at it for hours tonight.

"Again!" Erik commanded, starting from the beginning of the aria on the organ.

Gerik took a breath and started over. While Erik was frustrated he could not deny he was seeing little by little some improvement. Still the film adapted tenor was a more trying pupil than Christine had been. But Gerik was fortunately willing to learn, it was just a matter of Erik breaking down the man's old habits.

The men paused hearing a door open and close, followed by footsteps.

"Is it possible that a break is imminent in the near future?" Kerik called, "Some of us would like to enjoy a meal in peace and quiet."

Erik's golden eyes narrowed into slits, "I thought I had said no one was to come down and disturb me under any circumstances."

"I'll have you know I'm NOT downstairs, merely my voice is." The novelised man's voice echoed around them, displaying his own ventriloquism skills. Footsteps descended until Kerik was down the steps. "Now I'm downstairs. There's a difference."

Erik groaned, waving a hand at Gerik. "Go, we're done for today at any rate. And remember what I said."

Gerik got up, adjusting his cravat before taking his leave passed Kerik-who's eyes bore into him the entire time.

"That was my unsaid queue for you to take leave as well boy," Erik grumbled, standing fully.

"Why are you suddenly being so kind as of lately?" Kerik asked, ignoring the elder man's demand, flouncing down on a nearby couch. Stroking his hand along the red velvet cushion his eyes gleamed. "Ooh, Louis Phillipe furniture I see?"

"And just how have I been been 'kind as of lately'?" Erik asked, crossing his arms.

"Don't think I haven't noticed you lurking about upstairs. I know it was you that calmed Cherik down when Cudia damaged one of his stuffed birds. Or the one that left foiled sweets for Panaro when he was worrying over that dog of his falling ill? And now giving private lessons?" Kerik went on.

Erik's gaze softened, "I'm merely looking out for my own. Believe it or not while many of you-especially YOU-can be a thorn in my side, I consider you lot….my family."

"Hm," Sitting up Kerik shrugged, "If it makes you feel better, I think he's making progress at least. It's still a little distasteful to my ears, but tolerable to an extent."

Hearing footsteps coming down, Lerik and Crawford blinked puzzled to see the novelised man lounging in the basement with his older counterpart.

"I suppose I'll go since it's time for seniors night," Kerik remarked, patting Erik's arm-whom flinched with a glare at the physical contact-before walking passed the other two men.

Lerik pulled out his board and held it up to be read, 'What was that all about exactly?'

Erik shook his head, "Let's just say our youth can be….exhausting to say the least."

Sitting down, Crawford nodded. "You preach to the choir my good monsieur."

"That reminds me," Erik asked, "Your lot are going to behave I should hope at this…soiree of sorts your hosting I trust?"

The older Merik nodded, "Of course, they know not to step out of line on this night."

"Even given our other guests that will be in attendance?"

"Yes, every precaution is being taken."

"Splendid," Erik clasped his hands together. "Well let's see to our other matters then. Lerik, I believe you had something to say last time?"

The mute scowled behind his mask before Erik realised what he'd just said.

"I'm sorry, that was insensitive of me…"

"And then what?" Winslow asked.

Destler downed his glass in one shot, bringing it down onto the table with a cheeky chuckle.

"I hung the cad upside down before gutting him like a fish," He seemed to boast.

"You know what I said to the boy just before that?"

He shook his head.

"He said he wouldn't let such a clumsy mistake happen again to which I said 'You're SUSPENDED!'"

The two men were cackling with laughter, earning some unsettled looks from the cafes other patrons.

"Doesn't sound much better than that horrible Beef I had to deal with," Winslow groaned as he scribbled down more notes.

"You had a beef with whom?" Destler asked, adjusting his glasses.

"No his NAME was Beef."

He chuckled as Winslow explained.

"And then I cornered him whilst the fool was showering, didn't even register I was there until I pulled the curtain back."

"You came at him with a knife I presume?"

"I had one but no," Winslow said.

"Then what?"

"…A plunger"

Destler was holding his sides as he laughed, "Used I should hope?"

To which Winslow merely flashed him a silver toothed grin.

"Say, what's that?" A voice interrupted the men as they glanced at the source. A young man in perhaps his early twenties with brown clean kept hair stood. His clothes looked finely pressed and immaculate.

"N-Nothing," Winslow mumbled shyly, trying to conceal the score he was working on.

The young man chuckled, "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to pry. I'm not very familiar with music, but my wife is very in depth with it though."

"Very nice, now I believe my companion wanted some privacy." Destler scowled, removing his glasses setting them on the table.

The boy held his hands up in innocence with a nervous glance. "I meant no intrusion monsieur. I merely was curious about his music-"

"And he merely does not wish to discuss it."

Realising the situation was going south, the young man backed off going back to his table.

"Thank you," Winslow said, pulling the sheet music back out from under the crook of his arm. "I just…don't like other people looking at my music anymore. I don't trust them."

Destler made a remark, "Heh, you show me."

"That's different. I trust you,"

Destler's brown eyes met Winslow's blue.

"I don't think anyone's ever really put trust in me before," He confessed.

Winslow nodded, "I've put too much trust in people. But I don't do that anymore, except you."

"Thank you," He smiled, watching Winslow work.

"You're sure about this? I can move down instead? It wouldn't be too much trouble." Panaro asked, carrying a box down the hall.

Karimloo shook his head, walking with him, a large box in his arms as well.

"Don't be silly, besides with Soot that would be even more work having to switch rooms. Besides, I don't own too much."

Since the Meriks had developed a well budding companionship, half the time they barely stayed separated at night now. So Panaro and Karimloo decided to cut out the middle man and share a room. Single quarters were a luxury, only a handful of the Meriks received one-as there were so many occupants and not enough rooms to go around even for the enormous house.

But they just couldn't stay apart.

"I just want to make sure your happy," Panaro said, setting their boxes down in the room.

Karimloo held the Merik's chin between his thumb and index finger with a smile.

"Of course I'm happy," He said, his malformed lips grazing over the other man's. With his free arm, Karimloo gently clicked the door closed.

"What are we doing now?"

"I just think we earned a break."

Gerik practised what Erik was teaching him during the free hours he had. The elder man was a strict teacher, but he had yet to be mistaken on anything in his curriculum.

Y offered to help him as well, suggesting they practice together. Gerik enjoyed the idea, though his older friend noticed that each time they would meet to practice it was always down the hall at his room, never Gerik's.

"Why don't we ever practice in your quarters?" Y asked bluntly, seeing no reason to beat around the bush.

Gerik's pale blue eyes glanced the other way. "Oh. Haven't we? I um….I guess I didn't notice."

"What's going on? Is there something your hiding?" Y asked, his unblinking eyes narrowed quizzically.

"No. Well yes. Wait no! That's not what I meant."

The older man sighed, "Tell me it's not something that needs to be brought up with Monsieur Fantome?"

"I should hope not! If he sees it, he'll likely request never to be in my presence again!" Gerik retorted.

"What?"

He sighed, "Why don't I just show you?"

Pulling out his key Gerik unlocked the door, pushing it open with a creak.

Flipping the light, Mr. Y was somewhat taken back at what he saw.

At first he was startled thinking he had seen Karimloo standing in the room. Well, technically it was Karimloo, or at least that's what it looked like-even the mask was authentic and identical.

"You mean to tell me you made this?" He asked.

The film adapted man nodded, "Those photos Harley gave me were actually quite good references."

"Did you even-" He mumbled, pulling off the mannequin's mask only to place it back on its' face. "Oh! Yes, it seems you even got his….entire face done correctly."

Y turned to Gerik, looking as though a lightbulb had just gone off in his head.

"Wait, is THIS why you were asking me about the automatons I made for Phantasma?"

Gerik's face went a darker shade of red, "Yes…"

"You realise I designed those for entertainment purposes in the park-"

"I already know about 'her'," Gerik stated.

"That was a scrap idea! I didn't even use it!" He retorted. "Can I ask you not to bring that sore spot up with Anna?"

"I don't want to do anything obscene I just wanted it to be…lifelike." Gerik confessed.

Y couldn't help but frown, his friend was hurting. After seeing Gerik run upstairs to his room still doing his belt and shirt up he confronted the film adapted tenor and heard all about Karimloo and Panaro and then put two and two together about his encounter with Kerik.

It wasn't a healthy obsession per se Gerik was going through. Then again, when had ANY man in this house not had an unhealthy obsession in their lifetimes? But unlike the last one Gerik's wasn't affecting anybody, he wasn't trying to dismantle The West End Broadway mingled romance.

"I'll give you the basic layout I used," Mr. Y relented, "But I expect to see the finished product, last thing I need is you turning it into a sex bot or worse having Karimloo find out. One Merik ringing out my neck was enough."

Crawford was not exaggerating when he said every precaution was taken for this night. No stone was left unturned as he attempted to lock up for the evening any lasso from the Meriks in attendance and hiding away anything they could tie into a makeshift rope. The longest length of thread allowed would be their bowties, and even that he was on the fence permitting.

But he had another bargaining chip that appealed to most of them.

"There will be absolutely no mishaps tonight. This is important. Not just to me, but I know it is important to you as well." Crawford explained sternly but calmly.

"And, I have one last ultimatum. Should your behaviour reflect poorly, your claim on the vacant quarters will be relinquished. I see one of you so much as making catgut cat's cradles and you've past the point of no return as far as that vacant room is concerned."

This last remark made some heads perk up. Crawford was already aware of the little contest the Meriks wanted to have for the free room, as not all of them appreciated having a roommate. And it might just make most of them behave for an evening.

But while a personal room amongst a floor of slightly discontent roommates was a hefty and tempting bargaining chip, it would not be an easy night for most to endure once the guests came.

Sarah was the first to arrive, putting her arms around Crawford as he greeted her at the door.

"I knew you would be here," He smiled holding a single red rose for her. "Happy anniversary darling."

She leaned up to kiss him, her free hand grasping his coat lapel.

"Thirty-one years. They seem to have rolled by like days," She mused.

"Indeed they have,"

He then handed her another rose, but this one unlike the first was a pristine shade of white.

"This is our night, but I know you would have wanted him to be here too." Crawford said solemnly, as Sarah accepted the white rose.

Her pale blue eyes softened, she fell in his arms and he could feel Sarah tremble.

"Yes, you're right," She nodded, feeling his hand reach up to pet her curls.

Pulling back she gave him a smile. "But this is a night to celebrate yes?"

"Of course. It's just a wait for the others now."

And soon another knock had come. Mauer was pleased to see Elizabeth arrive, the Merik also offering her a red rose.

When another familiar face was awaiting at the door, that was when the ultimate test started.

"Ah! Sierra, do come in" Crawford allowed her in. "And…I'm sorry what was it again?"

"Ahem, Fraser if you please." The brunette male accompanying Sierra said. He knew this wasn't Karimloo, nor was the other masked man at the door, but it still unnerved him. Especially knowing somewhere in the house he was indeed here.

"I'm not sure about this," He mumbled to his wife, his arm interlinked with hers.

"There's no need for that. Besides we were BOTH invited here, this is our night too." Sierra reassured him, leaning against his shoulder.

Fraser sighed, "Alright, but the second I see a red lasso in sight we are leaving."

"I understand, and please put your arm down! You look ridiculous!" She joked, swatting his free hand that he had held up.

They were greeted upstairs to a parlour room full of masked men.

"Madame, he's merely being cautious." Warlow stated. "But you needn't keep your hand at the level of your eyes all night monsieur. One, you'll just create a cramp in your arm after so long. Two, we're all well aware of what tonight represents, and mean you no harm."

"Tonight that is" Lewis scowled as did Davies. Jones whom was seated and receiving a tarot reading from Kerik glanced up surprisingly at Sierra and Fraser.

"Hmm I see old memories….of despair ahead," Kerik mumbled, his back to the couple.

Looking up at the Merik whom shifted uncomfortably in his seat he turned to what exactly Jones was looking at.

"Wow, I'm good at this!" Kerik said smirking down at the cards in front of them.

Tugging on Fraser's arm Sierra said, "Why don't we sit down? I see-"

Karimloo stood frozen in the doorway.

"Love? What's-" Panaro said catching up with Karimloo whom paused seeing new faces in the parlour, "-wrong?"

Sierra smiled, "Karimloo, it's…been awhile."

"Y-Yes it has," He stammered.

All the while this awkward encounter was happening Fraser glared at Karimloo, hardly hiding his distaste for the man that almost killed him.
On the other spectrum, Panaro found himself scowling as well.

"Good to see you again too! I heard you two hit things off, congratulations."

Sierra smiled at Panaro, but the Merik just glared icily, Karimloo noticing the other man's arm a little tighter around his.

Tonight was going to be a long night.

But once more of the guests arrived-sopranos and their respective Vicomte's-things were surprisingly calm. Although McKintosh and Lewis got into a slight confrontation with Hays that soon enough was subsided before things went beyond loud French insults.

Barrowman and Freeman scowled at each other.

"Shouldn't you be travelling through time or space or something?" Freeman scoffed.

"Har har monsieur, like I haven't heard that one before."

Fraser had excused himself to use the facilities. As he was making his way back to the parlour, the Vicomte felt his collar be tugged back. Immediately Fraser's hand went up in a panic.

"Unhand me you-!" Fraser started but paused realising it was Panaro behind him. "Wait what is this all about?!"

"Just keep your wife in check monsieur," The Merik jabbed.

Fraser blinked, "Excuse me?"

"I know they have a past, and I don't like the way she smiles and giggles talking to him in there." Panaro grumbled crossing his arms like a disgruntled child.

"I assure you my wife certainly has no intentions towards your…companion. I don't exactly enjoy that she often talks of him as a friend."

"Talks OFTEN of him?!"

The brunette eyed him still somewhat suspicious of Panaro's motive. "Just take my word that nothing is or certainly ever will be going on with them. I won't bar her from making friends, but I'm not losing her either."

Panaro glared before turning to leave, "Fine."

And the two men left it at that for the time being, neither wishing to sour the night.

Soon with only an hour until midnight and Jones clinked a glass to signal for some attention.

"While I know this evening may have been somewhat rocky," Seeing some faces in the crowd nod or shrug in indifference. "It truly says something about us to be here together. I think we're all agreed that putting aside some differences for a night like this is understandable?"

"For another hour that is," Karimloo glared at Fraser whom scowled right back.

The Merik grimaced feeling someone pinch his ear.

"Behave," Wilkinson scolded to which Karimloo meekly nodded bowing his head.

"Well said," Crawford nodded.

Jones smiled feeling rather proud of the praise. "Yes well, thanks. Actually, did you care to say anything? Of all of us this is really your night the most."

"I don't really have much to say that hasn't been said. Except that...well we all made this happen, and I think we should acknowledge and take pride in that."

Even a few of the Vicomtes' in the parlour smiled at this.

"Cheers."

Fortunately, unlike the last occasion the Meriks consumed alcohol, the chaos was controlled and free of any fire or punjabbing as the De Chagny's and sopranos took care the leave before midnight struck.

Sarah and Elizabeth were still present, the latter listening to Mauer play in the parlour. Sierra and Fraser were leaving just before this time came around.

"It was nice seeing you again," Sierra said to Karimloo.

"Yes, I…it was nice seeing you." The West End man said stumbling over his jumbled words.

He flinched feeling the brunette's arms around him in a hug. Hesitantly Karimloo returned the gesture.

"He's a keeper," She whispered in his ear, "I'm happy for you."

Karimloo felt his face flush, "What? I don't…I"

Sierra giggled, "I know! And I think it's very sweet. You deserve to be happy too."

A tiny smile creeped over his face at the thought of him, "Yes, well thank you."

As she and Fraser departed Karimloo didn't see Panaro in the parlour. His assumption right that he'd retired to their quarters, Karimloo shimmied the door open with his foot, holding the last half of a bottle.

"Care for more wine?" Karimloo asked

"Fill it up," Panaro frowned.

He glanced at the Broadway man confused, "Something troubling you?"

"Of course not,"

But his large gulps of the wine-already reaching to refill his glass-and trembling hands seem to say otherwise.

Meanwhile Cherik was adding a new edition to his rooftop dreamery-a pheasant it would seem-when he noticed a dark figure sitting on the roof's edge.

Walking closer, he could see-even with the figure's back to him-it was Jones sitting alone.

"Why arn't you at the party?" Cherik asked, "I'd have thought you of all people would be there."

Jones smiled, "Oh I was, but I had enough excitement for one night I think.

Besides, it's a beautiful night out, don't you think?"

"Yes it is," The full masked man nodded. He shifted a little uneasily. "Would you…would you mind terribly if I joined you?"

"Not at all," Jones said, patting a spot beside him.

Cherik and the Merik sat together, watching the stars up ahead, noticing one shoot past in a flash with a white tail.

"I don't understand the concept people have with 'shooting stars' and wishing upon them." Cherik said.

The Merik nodded, "Neither do I. But you can still wish on it, you never do know what will happen."

Cherik's lip curved up in the tiniest of smiles looking back at Jones. "Wishful thinking"

"Where has the time gone really?" Sarah asked.

With an arm around her Crawford nodded, "And yet it feels like yesterday."

"I've missed you." Her eyes look up at him,

The Merik sighed, "I'm so sorry. I've missed you too, and hearing your voice. So many nights I want nothing more than you."

"But they need you here."

By this point everyone else had retired for the evening. They were the only two left in the dimly lit parlour.

"At least no one needs me right now." Crawford said.

"Just me."

Sarah stifled a yawn to which Crawford chuckled. "It sounds as though someone is tired."

Already she was beginning to doze off, fighting to keep her eyes open. Reaching around, the Merik scooped her up in his arm as he stood.

Taking great care, he walked them down the hall, opening the door and setting Sarah gently down on the bed. She couldn't help the sleepy smile gracing her lips seeing the photograph of them, hands clasped together on their wedding day. Her small fingers played with the ring on her finger of gold plating around an onyx stone. Sarah's eyes fall closed just as she felt a warm blanket being wrapped around her.

"Pleasant dreams love," The Merik whispered, extinguishing what little light remained in the room.

-This chapter was originally posted on October 9, which marked 31 years since Michael Crawford, Sarah Brightman, and Steve Barton dubut the ALW musical at Her Majesty's Theatre in London 1986.

-Well we all do remember the mannequin in the 2004 film (and the ALW musical)

-The reference Gerik makes to Mr. Y about "her" is the Christine automaton used in the London version with Ramin Karimloo as Mr Y/The Phantom. But as this Mr. Y is based on Ben Lewis' restaged version of LND the robot Christine is no longer used in this.

-As Sierra Boggess has played Christine with Ramin Karimloo most notably in the 25th anniversary performance, she has also done so with Norm Lewis, John Owen Jones, Scott Davies, Laird Mackintosh, and briefly with Hugh Panaro.

-The following Raouls' mentioned were Ethan Freeman, Hadley Fraser, John Barrowman and, Peter Hays. If a Raoul is brought up in the story like the Meriks' they will be referred to by their last names, the Christine's will still be by first name.

-The pun Freeman makes is in reference to John Barrowman also playing Jack Harkness on the British tv series "Doctor Who".

-The wedding photo referenced at the very end is one of the many promo pictures for the ALW musical shot with Crawford and Brightman together with the latter wearing her wedding gown while the Phantom still wears the wig and mask rather than unmasked like in the final lair scene. The ring mentioned being the one used in the musical presented to Christine when trying to force her into marrying him at the end of PoNR.