Thanks to those who have continued to favor the story! I really do appreciate it. Not many people are reviewing anymore though which makes me sad. :( But I was wondering for those still interested in my story, what I could change to make it more appealing to your interest again. Just let me know as I'm never going to know how to improve with no reviews. Thanks again and enjoy.

Old Friends

Of course, heading back into the celebrations meant keeping a dignified distance once again. This was one thing I found the most difficult, particularly when all I really wanted to do was share in Raoul's embrace once again. I shivered at that thought, wondering as I glanced around the room where Meg and Marcel had gotten to. There had been no sign of them since we had arrived back.

There was no sign of Erik or Christine attending this party either. I hoped everything was alright with them but it was a shame that it seemed we wouldn't be seeing them tonight.

I wondered off to go and get another glass of wine whilst Raoul was talking to another gentleman. I found it amusing how differently things were compared to a few weeks ago.

As I glanced upwards though, I gasped in shock at the sudden appearance of Erik. He was stood beside the table of drinks, obviously having just arrived. He still had the ambiguous mask on and I found that even now, it surprised me to find that he appeared like anyone else in the room, though he still had an unnerving, towering presence about him.

I placed a hand over my heart again, giving him the same unamused expression he was offering me.

"You really need to stop sneaking up on people. I fear I might actually have a heart attack one of these days."

He rolled his eyes again, just like on the roof. "And you need to stop being so melodramatic. I was not sneaking. Perhaps your relationship with the Vicomte has merely caused you to become unobservant."

I frowned, noticing his change in mood. "Are you-"

"What are you doing here?"

I sighed, not having to look round to recognize the furious voice from behind me.

Erik's eyes moved towards me, his mouth pulling back into a smirk. "Have you missed me good Monsieur?" He teased.

"I presumed your return was something of a joke when Charlotte revealed yours and Christine's plans."

My eyes widened a little at Raoul's words, wishing he hadn't revealed that. I wasn't certain on whether or not I had meant to be allowed to tell him but I hadn't wanted to keep it from him either.

Erik's eyes narrowed, though he kept his gaze locked behind me. "You must be so terribly disappointed by the news, given the disruption it must cause to your illicit relations."

He spoke as though we were doing something wrong, though I could see by his expression that he was not pleased by Raoul's confession. Perhaps Erik was simply being harsh out of temper at me telling him.

Either way, I dropped my gaze, finding that I couldn't find any words in response. My skin flushed and I felt unnecessarily ashamed. Perhaps it was because he was the second person to say such things.

"Yes, disappointed by your presence perhaps." Raoul retorted.

I glanced upwards to see that Erik was still glaring at Raoul and as I looked around, I began to notice that people was staring at the three of us. I flushed.

"I would apologize, but-"

"People are staring!" I finally hissed as Erik began to respond. It was embarrassing, knowing that people were watching their argument unfold and was completely unnecessary too. "Can we at least attempt to act civilized for one evening?"

"Perhaps you are correct. After all, I am the new conductor. It would not look too beneficial if I was to quarrel with the patron, would it?" Erik agreed.

We hushed then, an awkward silence lingering over the three of us. I fought the urge to roll my eyes as Erik continued to glare at Raoul, imagining that he was doing the same back. They were barely able to hide their resentment towards one another and I couldn't see how this was better than the two of them bickering.

"So if you have both successfully gained the positions, I presume that Christine is wondering around here somewhere?" I finally asked, desperate to see Christine again. I couldn't endure much more of this bitter awkwardness between them.

Finally, Erik's eyes trailed back to me. "Yes, she should be along shortly."

"Okay good," I sighed, fiddling nervously with my hands. "And I presume her audition went okay?"

"Of course it did," Erik scoffed.

"Well that's good to hear." I replied, trying to think of something else to say. "I knew as soon as I saw the opera we were due to be performing that she would be perfect for the role."

"Quite," he replied indifferently.

"I imagine you are also excited to begin as the new conductor?"

Erik sighed. "Can we not just return to a serene silence until Christine arrives, rather than continue with more drivel conversation?"

"There is no reason to speak to her in such a manner. She was asking because she cares, for both of you." Raoul exclaimed angrily, instantly coming to stand by my side as though to unnecessarily protect me against him.

"Its fine, it's fine." I insisted, trying to think of something to say or do to defuse the already tense situation.

Erik glances at me, shaking his head. "No, for once the Vicomte is correct. I should not have said what I did. I apologize. It is no excuse but tonight has been a little…stressful."

I frowned. I could see from his expression that that was not good. I wondered if it had anything to do with the mysterious Monsieur Khan. Perhaps he had finally approached him or Christine tonight, though I hoped that wasn't the case.

There wasn't any time to continue the conversation though as Christine finally appeared through the doorway of the gallery. I wasn't certain if she knew about this or not but I didn't want to cause any more worry for the two of them.

I almost jumped for joy at the sight of her again. I had missed her. It literally felt as though I hadn't seen her for months! I settled for a quick hug instead though, stepping away to glance at her properly.

She looked so beautiful!

She was wearing a royal blue gown with black trimmings at the bottom. It was quite a plain dress but that was why it was so beautiful. She had a lacy wrap around the middle.

"Oh you look amazing, Christine!" I exclaimed with a smile.

"I could not agree more." I heard Erik agree from behind me.

She smiled at him before glancing back at me, her smile broadening further. "Oh and you look just as beautiful! That dress is exquisite, did you choose if yourself?"

I flushed, forcing a shake of my head. "Well…Raoul brought it for me actually."

She glanced towards Raoul, still smiling as she did. At least she appeared more pleased than she did than when Erik had revealed my feelings for Raoul as he did that night…

Speaking of which, I couldn't help but frown a little as I spotted Erik's reaction to my confession. Luckily, he wasn't glaring at Raoul anymore, too distracted by Christine's beautiful appearance. But his hands tightened into fists at his sides and I just hoped they wouldn't begin to bicker again.

"Well it suits you perfectly! Such a lovely shade too." Christine insisted, gathering my attention again.

I flushed even more as I stepped backwards, giving her am a gentle squeeze as I did. "It's wonderful to see you again Christine."

"Yes it is," Raoul agreed softly. "I am glad to see that you are looking so well."

Erik huffed, turning to glare at Raoul again. "Are you trying to insinuate that I could not properly take care of Christine myself?"

Christine smiled, flattening a hand against his shoulder. "Darling no, it was just an expression."

I smiled as Christine and Erik turned back towards us, glad to see that he looked a little calmer, thanks to her reassurance.

"Marcel appears rather thoughtful as the new manager, doesn't he?"

I wondered by her choice in phrasing, if she even knew about Monsieur Khan's sudden appearance, though given Erik insisting that he had had a stressful night, I presumed she must have.

"Yes, the rehearsals have gone without a hitch, so far. He at least appears to have a better idea about what he is doing compared with the previous managers." Raoul replied.

"Well I shall agree with that." Erik interjected.

I smiled, pleased to see that the conversation wasn't so awkward anymore. It was good that they could at least agree on some things. It was all about baby steps.

"That reminds me…where on earth is Meg?" I finally asked aloud, glancing around the room to see that there was still no sign of her or Marcel.

"Well I heard that she was being accompanied of Marcel Bonneville tonight. Maybe they are wondering around somewhere." Christine smiled.

The conversation fell onto the discussion of the new opera easily enough. I was pleased to see that Christine seemed very happy and that we were at least attempting to all get along for her sake. Erik remained quite tense but given that this was his first proper outing, it was understandable. I just hoped he would become used to the idea of more people accepting him for whom he was, which I was sure would happen when people realized how talented he was.

I smiled as Meg finally made an appearance, heading over to where we were all stood instantly. She hugged Christine, expressing how much she had missed her. I smiled at the sight, glad that everyone was together again, though this time Erik didn't have to miss out either.

I turned back to Raoul as Meg talked to Erik and Christine.

"At least she genuinely seems happy," I smiled, trying to perceive some reaction from him. He hadn't said much since Christine's arrival and I guessed that a part of me worried about his reaction.

"Yes she does," he agreed with a smile. "It will be interesting to see how the Phantom will fare as the new conductor."

"Erik," I corrected and he replied with a roll of his eyes.

"But yes, I am certain he shall not find his new role too troublesome, given his experience in the opera."

The evening only seemed to go quicker and I suddenly wished that tonight didn't have to end given how well it had gone. I also wanted to spend more time with Raoul too if possible. I enjoyed his company and despite how tense I had been at the beginning of the evening, it didn't seem too bad now.

But all too soon, it was time for everyone to depart and I was glad when Raoul offered to escort me back to the dormitories, mainly because it meant that I could spend a few more minutes longer in his presence.

As we trailed the last few steps of the grand staircase, I sighed.

"Thank you for another lovely evening. You do make the process of socializing a little easier." I smiled, turning to him as we found ourselves in the hallway.

"I feel I should be saying the same to you." He agreed, causing my smile to grow. "But I guess this is where I shall have to bid you farewell." He complained.

"Yeah, I guess so." I nodded though I stepped forward as I said that. I hated saying goodbyes, especially to him.

He followed my lead though, his hand reaching out to tip my chin back so that our gazes locked. I swallowed, shivering at the heated sensation his hand once again brought with it. I could feel my cheeks flush at his intense gaze, hoping he was about to kiss me again. I would never tire of his touch or embrace.

As though he read my thoughts, he leaned forwards and I automatically leaned further into him just as his lips found mine. I gasped, still not used to the feelings his kiss brought out. Confidence was on his side again as he kissed me steadily, his hands settling on the curves of my dress as he pulled me to him more firmly. I shivered at the closeness of his body as our kisses began to grow deeper. We moved backwards to the wall but I stumbled, breaking our contact. Raoul tried to help, his hand flying out to collect my arm and luckily I didn't fall too far behind, given the help of the wall behind me. Raoul had managed to find his balance, pressing a hand against the wall besides me and I couldn't hold back my laugh at the sight of his surprised stare. He glanced back at me, his boyish laughter joining mine. At least being clumsy could at least be a little funny sometimes.