Thanks to the continued support to the story. I insist that it really is thoroughly appreciate everyone's lovely comments. :) Because I couldn't wait until tomorrow to give you this, I decided to upload the chapter tonight. I still have absolutely loads planned for this story so I hope you are still enjoying it as much as you did the first few chapters. Anyway please keep letting me know thoughts. :) Enjoy! :D

Grapejuice101: Thanks for the great review. Oh yes, you certainly shall. All I shall say is keep reading...;) Hope you enjoy! :D

Erik's Guest: Glad you enjoyed the cuteness of the previous chapter haha! This one is quite a cute chapter too but as I say...then comes a little bit of drama which I hope you shall all enjoy. :) Ah yes, talking of which! Let's just say...keep reading and you shall soon find out... ;)

Supper and Surprises

I felt a little awkward as we made our way to supper in his carriage. I was quite an awkward person anyway, or at least I definitely used to be in the future. I was the complete opposite to him in every way.

He was confident in himself and despite my argumentative side, I was awkward and insecure. He was used to the life that he led but I certainly wasn't. This was probably one of the closest things to make me alike Christine. I had grown into my independence since being here too. I was not accustomed to such ease of travel or his life.

I noticed Raoul turn towards me in the corner of my eyes during the journey as I stared out of the window. I found it easier to watch over people than to think of our present situation. Not that I wasn't happy in his company. I was just feeling incredibly nervous.

I wondered where everyone else was going to tonight. There were couple's linking arms in the street and people walking alone, taking a leisurely stroll. I wondered what their stories were. The habit of being a bit of a people watcher at times, I supposed.

"You are a little quiet." Raoul commented from besides me, capturing my interest.

I could see that he was watching me closely in the dim light from outside of the carriage window. His eyes appeared to be roaming my features, looking for something or other.

"I cannot believe you appear to be complaining about that." I teased.

He chuckled at that. "You might be argumentative when you choose to be but yes I confess that I have grown accustomed to it."

His eyes caught mine, still shimmering with humor as he reached his hand out suddenly, pressing it over the top of mine. I gasped in shock, both from his sudden touch and from the way his cool hand burned against my clammy skin in the most delightful of ways. I almost pulled my hand away in shock, but instead I chose to try and be brave for once. I turned my hand over, to entwine our fingers.

He sighed. "You would have thought I would have grown more accustomed to a simple touch from you but it still surprises me as much as the first time."

I smiled, squeezing his hand gently. "Trust me when I say that I know the feeling."

We stopped outside a small restaurant beside the river Seine, giving us a perfect view from our table at the edge of the restaurant, besides a window. The restaurant patio looked so beautiful too! It was aglow with lights that seemed to glisten in the glassy waves of the river.

I noticed there were quite a few empty tables around us, with most people sat at the far end of the restaurant as Raoul pulled my seat out for me. With an embarrassed flush, I thanked him quietly.

"I thought you might appreciate a more reserved location. I know you are not too fond of multitudes of people." He commented as he took his seat opposite me.

"Oh thank you, that was…thoughtful." I smiled.

I wasn't surprised by that. It was just because there was a small part of me that wondered if he had reserved a table so far away because he didn't want to be seen with me. Of course it was silly but I couldn't help but doubt his affection still, given how long I had assumed he would never feel such a thing. It was also because I had grown so used to believing that I was never good enough.

His answering smile was a little dazzling. "Yes believe it or not, that can happen occasionally."

"Oh no, I didn't mean…" I trailed off, searching for the right word desperately in a panic that I might have offended him by appearing shocked. "I was more surprised that you would think of such a thing, not that you couldn't be thoughtful."

His smile widened into a grin. "I was only teasing you!"

"Oh," I mumbled, feeling my cheeks grow hot again.

He chuckled at my reaction, gaining my attention again.

"Do you find me amusing?" I found myself asking, not realizing at first that I was actually asking out loud.

He questioned me with a curious gaze. "Am I not intended to?"

I laughed, feeling my skin continuing to flush with embarrassment. "No it's just that I always thought I was more clumsy than amusing. I seem to say things without thinking half the time but you seem to find that quite humorous."

"I would not accuse you of being particularly clumsy. Though I have to admit, I find you amusing because of how truthful you are. Also sometimes when we quarreled about something, you would become so flustered and would storm off in a rage. You always held your skirt up from the floor as though you were frightened to tumble in front of me. It was as though your dramatic exit would not have quite the same impact. I always found that rather amusing too." He smiled.

"Ironically that is exactly why I did it." I confessed embarrassedly.

The more we talked, the more I was glad that he had reserved a table with as little distance from everyone. It gave us an opportunity to have a little privacy.

Of course there were still those silly doubts plaguing the back of my mind, wondering why he had asked for my company. Meg had insisted that she could see that he had feelings for me but that insecure part still kept questioning it. I ignored my thoughts as much as I could as we eventually wondered back to the carriage outside as he escorted me back to the opera house. He joined me in the foyer as we hurried away from the cool night air. I turned back towards him reluctantly, knowing it was time to say our goodbyes again.

I stopped biting on my bottom lip and offered a shy smile. "Well thank you for a lovely evening."

Raoul returned my smile. "I believe the pleasure was all mine tonight. You truly do look beautiful."

I flushed, dropping my gaze from his as I bit down on my bottom lip again. I really had to stop that habit.

"I wouldn't go that far."

"Do you still not trust in my feelings for you?" He asked knowingly.

"Well it is just that I have always believed that I am not worthy enough for anyone. You do make me feel special and I am trying to trust you more-"

I stopped abruptly, gasping in surprise as his hands lifted from his side. He pressed them against each side of my face, so that I met his gaze again. I blinked, uncertain on how to handle his adoring gaze. I was not used to being rewarded with such emotion.

"Your insecurities are silly and unnecessary. You are more than worthy. And I'm glad that I make you feel such a way, because you are."

"What, special? Funny enough, my mother always says the same."

He smiled at that. "Then she would be correct but that is why I love you."

My eyes lowered at his confession, my skin flaring with color and a smile pulling at my lips again. I was never going to grow tired of hearing him tell me that. The truth was that I never wanted him to stop telling me that.

"I still don't understand your choice in being with me and maybe I never will but I hope that you will never feel differently, because I love you too-"

I didn't get a chance to say anything more as he had already lowered his face, pressing his lips to mine and kissing me urgently. I groaned at the sweet contact, my free hand moving to press against his arm through his jacket. My fingers wrinkled against the material, giving me something tangible to hold onto. As we kissed, I felt as though I was no longer on even ground. My heart thumped inside my chest as his fingers tangled into the sides of my hair. I kissed him harder before sighing in annoyance as he reluctantly moved back from me.

A shiver broke free as his sweet breath fanned across my face. We were both a little breathless as he pressed his forehead to mine. I instantly moved forwards, pressing a quick kiss to his lips before reluctantly pulling back completely.

He smiled as he finally met my gaze and another shiver broke free at the intensity of his stare. No matter how insecure I was, I couldn't deny how he looked at me.

"That is the first time you have confessed that. You cannot imagine how much happiness you have already brought just for returning my feelings."

I imitated his smile. "I could say the same thing to you."

His smile widened at that and I stared freely. He truly did have a lovely smile. It quickly disappeared though, as he offered a weary sigh.

"I suppose I should bid you farewell. I fear that it would not appear too appropriate if someone caught me loitering alone with you."

I frowned. "Yes, I suppose you are right. But I should hope that you come back to visit me again soon, Monsieur le Vicomte."

He grinned so boyishly at that, making him appear as charming as he was often described and so carefree too. It was a pleasant thing to see indeed! His smile literally took my breath away.

"I doubt I could truly stay away from you for very long anymore. I literally miss your presence as soon as we are apart."

I grinned at his continued confessions. Was it possible to feel this happy whenever I was in his presence? I felt as though this would somehow go terribly wrong at any point. I was not used to being so fortunate.

He reluctantly departed from my side. I watched, giggling helplessly at the way he jogged down the staircase outside, practically skipping across to his awaiting carriage. It caused me to feel exhilarant, knowing that I was the cause of such happiness. A sigh drew from me though, finding that I already missed his presence.

"Well time certainly has changed."

My breath left me in a sharp gasp as I swung around to face the person I already knew would be staring back. My eyes widened in shock.

Soooooo guys, who do you think it is?! Eeeeeeeeeeeeek. Cannot wait to give you the next chapter! Who thinks I should upload it tomorrow night? If you say yes...maybe I will tee hee. ;)