A/N: Hey guys! So here's chapter five which I'm hoping you'll enjoy! How's the story going so far? Would love to hear from you guys and the reviews so far have been lovely (much love to you little darlings). So pretty please click review even if it's just one word ;) Anyway enjoy!

Disclaimer: I don't own Phantom of the opera

Chapter Five

It had been a week since I fled Raoul in pursuit of Erik. Nothing much had changed within that week, Erik somewhat kept a distance from me and the time we spent together was down to me finding him rather than the reverse, although he never seemed bothered by my presence. Other than the night I had listened to him play piano our physical contact had been very limited between one another, although there was an uncomfortable air between the two of us it wasn't unpleasant.

The week gave me time to really think about my actions. Initially excitement about seeing my angel again had coursed through my veins and my focus upon his reaction had taken up the whole of my thought process…yet I had given little thought about Raoul. The past three years of our relationship had been to say the least unbearable. Never had a man or anyone scared me so much as Raoul did. Yet there was one incident that I could never forget. It was late one night and Raoul had returned from his night out with his associates drunk as usual, I was lying in bed worried about where he would be before he came stumbling through the door

Three years ago

A sudden noise from downstairs warned me Raoul was back and the sound of a bottle smashing on the floor affirmed that.

"Christine..." he garbled as I flew down the stairs to find Raoul slumped up against the door shards of glass everywhere.

"Oh Raoul you're drunk!" I shouted standing on the stairs to avoid standing in the scattered glass.

"Christine get here now I wish to see my fiancé who is still yet to marry me" he barked anger flaring up in his face as he struggled up and swayed towards me as I backed up the stairs

"Little Lotte thinking she could live off my riches? Wanting to run back to that freak phantom of yours are you?!" he shouted spit flying to my face. Suddenly he pushed me back holding down both of my wrists as he screamed in my face.

"All of them laugh at me for loving a woman who won't have the decency to take my hand in marriage! A stupid little retired opera singer who has no choice but to stay with me because she has no riches to speak of!"

My eyes were closed tight as I struggled against his firm grip the grooves of the stairs digging in to my back

"Raoul please stop you're hurting me" I whimpered as he laughed pushing down harder on my wrists like two iron bars.

"Bet you'd like your phantom here now wouldn't you" he leered his mouth breathing close to my the stench of alcohol on his breath

"No Raoul I…I love you P...Please stop!" I cried out before he silenced me with a heavy kiss, his tongue like a snake inside my mouth.

"Maybe I should teach my wife a lesson!" he shouted pulling back from the kiss his hands raised high above his head. I held my breathe awaiting the heavy blow before a voice interrupted.

"Sir would you please remove yourself from Madam and take your place at the table, the cooks have brought up a meal before you go to bed"

It was our maid Meg. Although tiny she stood tall her head held high although fear could be seen in those big blue eyes of hers.

Raoul suddenly looked to Meg then at me sighing as he heaved himself up shaking his head as he stumbled past Meg

"I'm tired of you women and your orders. This is my house and my rules are final" he garbled out before falling into the dining room.

Meg rushed to my side, checking if I was okay. She had always been so kind to me I found her a better friend than the people I was forced to socialise with at those fancy grand parties. That night we sat in the servant's kitchen with cups of warm coco while we talked and confided in one another.

I shuddered thinking about that memory how scared and defenceless I was against Raoul. I began to wonder how he was now, whether he searched for me or was happy I had gone so he could be with another. I trembled for the poor girl who would have to deal with his outbursts and violence while I stayed hidden with Erik concealed from the world.

0o0

I was in one of the many secret rooms Erik had within his vicinity. Amongst other past times and talents of his Erik enjoyed art and I sat happily for the past few hours sketching and painting a picture of a black raven within a darkened woods. The picture seemed haunting however I made sure that the trees had old and trustworthy faces and the raven's eyes were deep and full like two black pools swimming with life. Just as I was adding the finishing touches there was a quiet knock at the door before Erik came in.

"Christine I was wondering whether you would accompany me on a midnight walk?" he inquired rather formally, standing tall and straight like a Queen's guard.

"It's midnight?!" I was shocked with no windows my sense of time was entirely skewed without a clock, I must have been in here longer than I thought. He nodded

"Yes you were in here for quite some time…So would you?" He pressed.

"Of course that sounds lovely Erik. I must grab my cloak though" I tried to hide my excitement replying in a similar formal tone. Inside though I was thrilled Erik had approached me first and excited to be tasting the fresh air again.

"Good. I will be in the living room" he replied tilting his head down slightly before gliding out of the door.

I skipped back to my room before selecting a gorgeous emerald green cloak with a beautiful ribbon as the tie. Erik had impeccable taste when it came to just about anything. I quickly looked at myself in the mirror, trying to neaten my unruly chocolate curls that flowed past my shoulders, and quickly pinching my cheeks for a bit more colour. I then practically bounced out of the room before composing myself and walking into the living room to find Erik standing there looking…striking.

His harsh face was covered by his white mask although his golden eyes were like melted gold against his pale skin. He wore a very dark grey coat that fitted perfectly and came to his calves, enhancing instead of hiding his strong physique beneath. Of course his dark hair was neatly styled back although that same stray piece hung slightly by where his eyebrow would've been on the mask. He was truly breath-taking to behold.

Remembering how to think I quickly looked down and straightened out my skirts avoiding his gaze, as my cheeks began to blush.

"How do I look?" I asked shyly, hiding beneath my curls.

He surveyed me once more a gentle expression washing over his face

"You look…beautiful Christine" he replied a softness in his usually sharp tone. I couldn't help but blush even more, no doubt at this point I looked alike to a tomato.

"Shall we go then?" he asked holding out his long arm which I linked gratefully before we set off on our midnight walk.

A/N: So how does everyone feel about Raoul's outbursts and Erik being a handsome little slice?