A/N: This chapter has come so quickly as I was quite unhappy with how the last one turned out (typing at 2 in the morning is perhaps not the wisest option) I also want to apologise for the wrong spelling of *Erik's name (again I wrote this with half an awake brain proofreading was not a concern at this time) among the other mistakes within the last chapter it was rather shoddy. Anyway I hope you enjoy this hopefully better chapter, and that it somewhat makes up for last one. Also please review and comment I would love to hear feedback to work on and improve this story and suggestions are of course most welcome. Thanks guys enjoy!

Disclaimer: I don't own Phantom Of The Opera…yet

Chapter Four

My eyes were closed as I relished in this long awaited kiss my body ached and yearned for. This kiss was different to the last though. Last time I had kissed Erik out of fear, this time it was out of comfort and dare I say desire? My hands traced the contours of his face the twisted deformed cracks that decorated him and told a story of woe. He kissed me back a sigh releasing from his lips before I could feel his hands upon my arms gently pushing me away. My eyes snapped open in confusion as he recoiled from our passionate reunion.

"No Christine" he said quietly but firmly, a flame that momentarily lit in his eyes had been put out once more.

"A monster from the depths of hell and an angel from the heavens are not meant to be…You are still young and I will not delude myself into believing you would want to remain with this" He gestured to himself sudden anger flaring in his face, his mood abruptly changing.

"Why did you have to come back Christine" he hissed venom spiking his tongue, his golden eyes reignited into that terrifying stare that bore deep to the depths of my soul. Old Christine would have squirmed in terror. He leaned in towards me, an attempt at intimidation, he wanted me to run.

I was tired of being the pushover. If I wasn't being controlled my actions were being decided, no longer was I little Lotte, the girl who needed saving, the damsel in distress to silly to make her own decisions and save herself. Those years of being Raoul's vent for his anger, those years I pandered to his needs neglecting my own happiness as I tiptoed around a house more like a cage. Like a phoenix rising from the ashes I was a woman now. Little Lotte is dead. I am Christine Daae, and I will be damned if my actions are dictated upon fear any longer. I had made my own choice for once that was neither influenced by fear or another person's wishes. If I wanted I could've left Raoul and lived by myself, started again where no one knew me. I had made the choice to return.

My chest swelled with confidence as my small frame seemed as if it grew against Erik's stare. My voice surprised me

"Why did I come back?" this powerful voice radiated from within

"For once I made my own true decision Erik. I came back because I want to be with you, I want to live a life I have chosen. I don't need to be saved, I don't need protection. I want to be your equal Erik, you're not an angel and neither am I. We are mortals and I want to spend my life with you whether out relationship means us being friends…or anything more" I was no longer scared my heart beating fast from exhilaration this time not fright. A trembling girl left my body in that moment as I could finally spread my wings.

He leaned back, confusion sweeping over his deformed face.

"You would not lie to me Christine?" He asked a sudden vulnerability entering his usually powerful voice.

My hazel eyes met his as I slowly moved a strand of dark hair that rested on his forehead, he jumped at my touch but I didn't flinch. Be brave Christine.

"No lies. Only truth" I affirmed my hand still resting on his hollow cheek. He sighed as he relaxed into my hold a tear rolled down his cheek which I quickly wiped away.

"I want to believe you Christine…but I cannot" he whispered

"If it takes time, however long, Erik I'll make sure you trust me. I have made my choice. This time it is final" I smiled gently. Then slowly stood and left the room and walked to the bedroom. As soon as I was Inside I collapsed against the door the excitement of what just happened pumping through my veins.

0o0

A couple of hours passed. I decided it was best to leave Erik to his thoughts for the time so occupied myself with one of the books on the shelf by the bedside. They were all in alphabetical order and pristine in appearance, I hadn't heard of many of the titles and picked one at random. "The Hunchback of Notre-Dame" I rolled my eyes "of course" however I settled into the book falling into its tale until my thoughts were interrupted by the sound of a piano gently playing. I placed down the book straining to hear, the tune was unfamiliar but oh so beautiful. I gently opened the door not wanting to disturb such beauty with interruptions trying to locate where Erik was playing from. The organ in the room was not the instrument being played, this tone was lighter and flowed through the air. As if in a trance I followed the music until I came to a large door painted black with intricate embellishments twisting along its surface. Softly pushing open the door he sat grand and tall at a sleek black piano his long fingers dancing across the ivory keys producing the most beautiful sounds. I didn't know if he realised I had entered, if he did he did not look up continuing to play this haunting sound that brought tears to my hazel eyes. As he played I couldn't help but notice how lovely his hair was. The mask hid his deformed place but his dark hair was pushed back from his eyes although a stray piece still hung, it was thick and glossy and my fingers itched to touch it although I quickly supressed this urge.

Finally his fingers came to a gradual stop the last high note hanging within the air as he looked up to meet my gaze, a soft expression on his face with the hint of a smile. I realised how odd I must have looked standing their gawking at him with tear filled eyes;

"Erik, that was so beautiful"

He smiled gesturing me to come into the room and sliding along the stool so I could sit beside him. His finger traced the keys lovingly

"It's been years since I have played my own music" he murmured to himself avoiding my gaze. My hand moved to his shoulder as I rubbed it soothingly, he didn't flinch from my touch this time.

"Erik could you play me another" I asked looking up as he nodded beginning to let his fingers dance again.

I smiled as the music warmed my heart, this song was lighter, happy. It reminded me of my father and the music he would play on the violin. Without warning my head rested against his shoulder making Erik suddenly falter but he quickly regained and continued to play. In six years I had never been more content than within this moment, my eyes shut as the music floated through me.

"Does my music bore you Christine" his voice interrupted the song although I could hear a smile within his question. Feeling confident I returned the playful sarcasm

"Only a little" He laughed. That caught my attention. His laugh was so musical it boomed and twirled and made me laugh in turn