Spaice: Hey thanks for the lovely review! :) Sorry for taking my time too. I've just finished my first year at university so it's been a bit hectic too. :) I deffinitely think we shall find out who those people are soon, but for the mean time, there shall be a few necessary filler chapters first before we get there... :) And I know what you mean, it's a bittersweet feeling, isn't it? :)

Back Here Besides You

"N-no, no, please," I continued to beg, my sobs overriding my ability to speak clearly.

My body moved on its own accord, kicking outwards and my arms reaching as I tried desperately to hold on. I could feel myself slipping away, going back.

"Shh, it's alright."

I froze at the sound of his voice. I didn't understand why he was here. Was this my punishment for falling in love? Perhaps this was to torture me further before I was sent away for good.

A hand pressed against my clammy forehead, brushing away my hair gently. I gasped at his touch, opening my eyes quickly.

I blinked rapidly, surprised at the sudden light that overwhelmed me. As I grew accustomed, golden tiles overhead of me came into view. They were square with clover shaped patterns carved into each one.

I frowned, wondering if this was supposed to be heaven. Surely not, because then Raoul wouldn't have been here. Perhaps, it really was just my dream. What a strange dream to have though! I tried to sit up, only to realize that I was laid on something, a bed. I pressed my hand to the mattress just as a pair of arms reached behind to pull up a pillow for me to rest against.

I glanced from under my eyelashes, gasping at the sight. He was sat a few inches away, at the side of the bed. He pulled his arms back, offering a mesmerizingly crooked smile as his blue eyes caught mine.

He was so beautiful, like an angel from my dreams. He was dressed the same, in everyday attire, looking as striking as he always did. His hair was swept back as it always was. I smiled, noticing that a loose curl had managed to fall, resting against his forehead. He was watching me closely.

I moved, wrapping my arms around his waist suddenly. I knew that thus wouldn't have been appropriate if it wasn't a dream but I didn't care. I wanted to make the most of him being here before my inevitable return to the future.

He froze for a moment, before chuckling as he hesitantly wrapped his arms around my waist. I sighed as he buried my face into the side of my hair, his breathe tickling my neck as he asked; "Are you alright?"

I nodded, despite wishing this didn't have to be our last embrace. It would never be enough. He even smelt the same! It was a musky scent with a lovely slight hint of freesia.

My fingers clung to his shirt as I tilted my face. His eyes met mine, his gaze earnest and sweet. My eyes moved to the curve of his lips and I automatically drew forwards. given the ability to feel his touch, it was too tempting to resist.

I sighed again as my lips found his. God, I would miss this. I would miss him. One of my hands unwound from his shirt, beginning a slow trail upwards as he kissed me softly at first. My fingers swept over his chest and he shivered as his hands tangled within the sides of my hair, kissing me harder. I repeated the motion, my hands locking against his silken strands of hair.

As I pressed closer, his lips left mine. As soon as he took a breather though, my body followed, catching his lips again. He complied with a soft groan that caused shivers to slip free from me once more.

This was as close as we had ever allowed ourselves to be but the mere thought of a life without him had me folding myself further onto my knees. We both shivered at the feel of the solid planes of his body pressed against my petite curves.

But reluctantly, I allowed him to eventually pull away. Leaning up, I pressed one last delicate kiss to his forehead before untangling myself from him completely as we gained our breaths back.

The look in his eyes was wild, unrestrained desire that took my breath away. I was certain that the look was reflected back to him.

Finally, he swallowed, drawing out a shaky breathe. "What was that for? Not that I am complaining." He added quickly, his lips tilting into a smirk.

I offered a small shrug, feeling my skin flare in response due to his teasing words. I realized how inappropriate our embrace was but if it was a dream then what did it matter? I wanted as much as I could get before my reluctant departure.

"Call it making the most of it, before I have to go return."

His forehead creased, tilting his head to peer at me curiously. "Are you planning on travelling somewhere?"

"I have to go back to the future, somebody warned me…well, it doesn't matter now. This is just a dream."

He raised an eyebrow. "Why would you think this is a dream?"

My eyes moved to the side as he asked, finally addressing the room I found myself in. It was a bedroom. The room was very light, with cream carpet and matching walls. Hanging artwork was framed in an eloquent golden frame, to match the ceiling tiles above me. a small golden chandelier hung in the middle of the room, catching the light of the tall windows from the other side of the room.

I glanced to my left to see a small bedside table. There wasn't much on display though, besides a small ringing bell and a linen tablecloth.

There was also a golden fireplace stood a few feet away. It was lit and the amber hues of the fire caught my attention.

"Where am I?"

"I shall admit that I might have panicked a little when I found you. You were unconscious for so long and given that my residence was closer than the opera house, I decided it would be ideal to travel to the closest destination. You were not in any condition to perform anyway and I wanted to make certain that you were alright."

"How long was I unconscious?"

"For a whole day," he replied, a frown creasing his features.

He reached a hand forwards, pressing it against my forehead. I sighed. The coolness of his skin felt amazing against my sudden clammy skin.

"You feel a little hot again. Perhaps you still have a fever."

"Oh, I feel fine," I insisted with a click of my tongue. I was downplaying it really because if this was a dream then it didn't matter much anyway. I needed to appreciate his company as much as possible before I got sent back too.

"Though my legs do feel a little achy," I confessed in confusion.

Whether I had a fever or not, I felt fine but it was a little strange how I felt achy. Surely in a dream, pain was redundant?

I dismissed the thought quickly as I began to clumber up from the bed, doing the same with Raoul's attempts in helping me. I only fainted; it wasn't as though I was an invalid. And what was the worst that could happen during a dream?

"You should be careful. You still appear a little pale."

"That will probably be because I have been lying down all day. I shall be fine when I begin walking about again."

"Charlotte-"

"Oh stop worrying. You should already realize that I of all people do not take to others fussing very well given how stubborn I am."

"Well I shall not disagree with that." Raoul agreed lightly, watching me closely as I dropped my feet to the floor, coming to a standing position.

I gasped, my hand reaching out to cling against the bedside table ledge as I suddenly grew dizzy. The room seemed to spin before I squeezed my eyes shut.

I reopened my eyes, my free hand shooting out to grasp Raoul's arm. His spinning figure stepped in front. His features were distorted in panic as he cried out my name, his voice echoing around me as blackness continued to stir.

Oh no, no, it was too soon! How could I be sent back now?! I reached both hands to grasp the front of his shirt, desperately clinging onto him in the hope that it would stop me from going back. But all too suddenly, my knees were giving way from underneath me. As much as I tried to fight it, blackness enveloped me once again.